Mark and Karen Hatchett faced a few challenges when they opened their Tiger Rock Martial Arts franchise in Hutto last March but have persevered to grow their student base to more than 200 people.

The couple had troubles with Hutto's Historic Preservation Commission in May regarding several design aspects of the Hatchetts' building on West Front Street. After modifying some outdoor features, the school is now busy focusing on teaching curriculum.

"The kids are primarily interested in tae kwon do," Mark said. "The jiu-jitsu program is second in popularity. It leans more toward the teens and adults."

The business also offers a strength and conditioning class, which incorporates agility, cardio and punching bag work for adults who want to get in shape but are not interested in martial arts, Mark said.

In 2014 the business will introduce a program designed to bring upper-level students into teaching roles.

"It's designed for enthusiastic students who show maturity," Mark said. "They're responsible to follow the curriculum but [also] keep people on task. For adults, [it's a] program designed to get them from just being a student to leading a class."

Of their active members, approximately 160 are between the ages of 3 and 11 years old, according to registration records.

503 W. Front St., Hutto 512-846-1112, www.tigerrocktexas.com