We have been with Elite Taekwondo for about 7 years now. Our experience with this place has been really wonderful. As many other reviewers have said, at first, we were a little hesitant to sign up for a rather long contract with little children, but because of the commitment we had made, it was motivation for us as well to push ourselves when we had our ups and downs. For the first contract period, our two kids joined the training because we brought them and they were ok with it. The next contract up until they earned their black belt, they chose to join because they wanted to complete the first part of the journey they had started. For their second degree black belt, they wanted to learn more so they both asked to join. Throughout the years, they have had moments when they didn't want to go here and there. But eventually, they learned the valuable lesson of commitment. We read the contract and knew what we were signing up for. I don't agree with some of the statements that there is no way of getting a refund. If it is not simply a change of mind, for situations like moving away (there was a distance stated in our contract,) you can get your money back. It is a contract. I believe Grandmaster Kim has the full right to make decisions on how to run his business just like we have our right to choose to be customers or not. It is not a charity but a business. I don't doubt Grandmaster Kim knows he is taking a risk of losing potential customers by insisting on a long term commitment. If you are only in business for money, It may be easier to earn more when you take many more short term trainees. I particularly love the fact that the contract is set based on how many classes you get to take and you get to keep them until you reach the goal you have set. As we went through our lives, especially with young children, we had to slow down sometimes and the arrangements he had made allowed us to do so without getting stressed out. And more importantly, my kids got to experience the joy of completing a goal they have set without giving up. There are always pros and cons in everything and since there are plenty of people focusing on the cons, I wanted to address some pros we appreciate. We respect and appreciate Grandmaster Kim's dedication to a life of Taekwondo. He is a 7th degree black belt and it takes longer and longer to move up to the next degree as you go. Not only that, in Korean culture Taekwondo requires you to be diligent in other areas of your life as well to move on. It teaches confidence, persistence, resilience, and hard work. That is part of the nature of this martial art. If someone is not happy with these particular traits, they clearly don't understand and I agree that they should not have signed up. It is not for them. He has achieved something and he is still going, and I want my kids to learn from and be exposed to those character traits. Our kids have had lots of positive influence from him and have grown noticeably since they first joined. My kids are not naturally gifted when it comes to physical activities. They had some struggles here and there, but every experience has been valuable to them. Taekwondo alone is not going to shape their character, and I agree it is more up to us as their parents. However, I am confident that it definitely has brought many positive effects in my kids lives. read more

Get ready, this will be a long one... My 8 year old son has been taking TKD classes here with the owner/main instructor Grandmaster Kim for a lil over a year and he loves it. He also has 3-4 instructors with him to assist in the class. From what I have seen, they are encouraging, supportive and patient. Yes the instructors all still wear their masks but I don't see anything wrong with that. Unless you are an anti masker, then you are prob cringing. Lols There are two rows of chairs inside for parents/guardians to stay and watch the kids. I like how they mop the floor mat after every class. Kids are taught the correct TKD techniques while getting physical activity in like jumping jacks, push-ups, running, stretching, etc. Yes it can be a lil fast paced so if your child is one who needs slow step by step instruction, then this might not be the class for them. As well as if your kid doesn't like being active they probably won't like TKD either. The kids are also taught to be respectful for example, addressing the instructors with yes sir and yes mam which I think is great. The kids are given a workbook for reference with all the steps in it. If your child needs extra help, I've seen the instructors guide them to the side for a lil one on one as needed. I've never seen them be hard on the kids. They also make it fun with board breaking days and relays. *Things to think about* I agree, the contract to sign up is long- about a yearish from start until the green belt. Once you finish that, then you may choose to stop or sign up for another contract for the black belt path. If your child decides say half way through they don't want to do it anymore then unfortunately you are SOL. You don't get a refund! TKD is an investment and I guess in a way teaching your child not to give up. The "two week free trial" is technically only three classes. So I can see it being tough for some kids to decide if they like it or not. But my kids' swim, dance and gymnastics classes only offered one free trial class so... Lessons are not the cheapest and there are extra fees like each time you graduate to another belt and any equipment like gloves and sparring accessories. Grandmaster Kim does offer payment plans. He will give you all the paperwork and fees to look over before you decide to sign up. I know some people wrote they was pressured into signing up their child but I never felt pressured at all by Grandmaster Kim. I was able to bring the info back to discuss with my husband. He did ask me to write a review on Google once but not for a discount or anything in return. I've had businesses ask me to write a review also so it's not weird to me. read more

Elite Tae Kwon Do - Taekwondo Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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The 2 year contract to start is too long. GM Kim says he offers a 2 week trial but it's really 2 private lessons which were actually good but his actual classes are a lot different. I will admit that it was my own fault for allowing him to pressure me into signing a contract after the 2nd private lesson. I should have told him no, not until she takes your classes for 2 weeks. If you are thinking of joining his school watch his classes, and make sure that your child gets the 2 week trial during his class. I really wish that we would have. Also try and negotiate at 1 year contract and if he doesn't go for it, there are plenty of schools that do offer 1 year. We always felt that his classes were unorganized. Kids walking in 10-20 minutes late. Kids talking during class. We also didn't like that all his instructors were still masked which made it difficult to understand them. The instructors say "yes sir" after everything they say which made absolutely no sense when talking to a female. My daughter loved Tae Kwon Do until going to this school. She was at a school for 2 years in Chicago, and always looked forward to going. She never warmed up to anyone at this school. There was never enough focus on the Tae Kwon Do form during class. He would go over all 20+ steps in 1 class. Then he would tell the kids to learn the form on their own out of a handbook from pictures. You need to request videos to be sent and the videos are recorded terribly. We stuck with this school for 1 year and then decided to not continue. We are now at a different school which is much better. My daughter is in love with Tae Kwon Do again. A couple of things I did like about GM Kim's school was their sparring days and board breaking days. read more

Be very careful about signing your kids or females to this taekwondo school. I noticed his very rough instruction and temper many times. He is the type of grandmaster that gets upset if his students don't learn fast and he does favor certain students as well. He is very particular and doesn't safely give instructions to the students. He expects unrealistic results right away for his selected few. My child got severely hurt within 2 months of going there and had to get treatment, but was not able to return for safety reasons. This type of sport can be very grueling and dangerous, definitely not for everyone. If you cancel the contract you will still have to pay the balance, he and his collection company are not very understanding. Make sure he gives you the full trial experience before signing anything. We also found out that he is not registered with U.S. Center for SafeSport, which is required for the type of sport he teaches. Many other Taekwondo schools are that also offer more proper and safer instruction. The public deserves to know this. read more

The owner of this place is fueled on greed and narcissism. Just in case not everyone knows, this location is just a transfer from the other two he had in Gilbert a few years ago. The contract length to start with is still unreasonable, specially when enrolling young people to this school. Many leave within the year so you will be stuck with paying the remainder of what you owe. Need to mention all the students that get hurt and specially what the grandmaster makes the students do to prepare can be very painful. He pushes the students to their limits without remorse and could get very intimidating. All this should be a concern to all parents considering this martial arts school. read more

Unless you're absolutely sure, and even then they give you special treatment on the first couple of sessions, don't sign the contract! There's no way to refund your money whatsoever. read more

Our son and daughter have been with Elite TKD for a few years now and their confidence and self esteem have grown tremendously. The program encourages self discipline in a positive and supportive environment. Master Kim is highly respected and has taught our kids valuable life lessons, which we are grateful for. Both he and his staff are very professional and friendly. It's been amazing watching them accomplish each belt milestone. We highly recommend Elite TKD. read more

Elite Tae Kwon Do - Taekwondo Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

Took my daughter in today, first time in any martial arts. Was very impressed with Grand Master Kim! I'm looking forward to seeing my daughter progress with Tae Kwon Do but also with life lessons he teaches, like respect, looking someone in the eye while they speak with you, listen to what they say and think before responding are only a few lessons he taught my daughter. The big one was respect! read more

My sons love attending Elite Tae Kwon Do with Master Kim and Instructor Ben. Our youngest even says he wants to be a Tae Kwon Do instructor when he grows up. Not only do they love their experiences, their coordination, gross motor skills, focus, and determination have improved. They focus not only on skills, but also the whole child- their academics, mental well-being, social skills, responsibility, and perseverance. read more

This is a place to sign up for defense classes, it is also good for exercise, and it is not bad to sign up for your kids take those classes. I signed up for my kids and they liked a lot, they were enjoying what's they learned from their master, I highly recommended! read more

Elite Tae Kwon Do is not just a "karate school." It is a school where students are encouraged to truly master the art of Tae Kwon Do. Students aren't only there to train their bodies, they will also find that Master Kim encourages and expects them to develop a well-trained mind. Self-discipline, positive personality traits, endurance and attention to detail are all emphasized. Master Kim and his instructors are amazing; they are very active teachers, and they encourage students to understand the smallest details of what they are learning in order to enjoy the best outcomes. My children have benefited greatly from training at Elite Tae Kwon Do, and I have even started taking classes in the adult program! We are very grateful to have found this school. Thank you, Master Kim! read more