K Taekwondo - Pasadena

(62 reviews)

1.6 mi

Came here for a birthday event. It was kinda cute - the kids got to learn some moves, and more…read moreimportantly , at the end of the class, they got to break a "board" with some of the skills they learned. We kept the board for exactly 0.1 seconds (IYKYK) but it was a fun experience nevertheless :)

Nice learned how to kick punch really fun a little tired at first but you'll get used to itread more

18 months later.

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Taekwondo uniform

TMAX

(53 reviews)

2.0 mi

Strong culture of training with attention and kindness to the students. Excellent retention of…read morestaff and students.

Been coming here for nearly a year. very sweet and structured environment for my child. I love…read morethat Master Lee and the assistants all remember the kids names. I like how they stress respect and structure while keeping the class interesting for young kids. When going from white belt to yellow, Master Lee made it very easy to ease in my 6 year old. But when going to orange belt, he inspired my little kid to understand that it takes practice to level up. Love it and highly recommend!

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Best US Tae Kwon Do Academy & Martial Arts Center

(30 reviews)

5.7 mi

Very satisfied with everything here, from the instructors to the cleanliness of the facility and…read moreeverything they teach the kids. We loved Grand Master Han! My son is 4 years old and he absolutely loved it as well, it improved his flexibility, strength, confidence and discipline. I was sad that we had to take him out due to us moving out far. Highly recommended!!

Very impressed how this place in run. Grand Master Han runs a clean facility pushing kids to learn…read morenot only Ta Kwan do but also responsibility, discipline, respect and the value of commitment. All of which have built confidence in my son. This is not a play place but a a tightly run ship that we are so thankful to be part of.

Stretching before class. Instructors are great!

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Master's Taekwondo Club

(31 reviews)

7.2 mi

Master Ahn and his instructors are fabulous! The Taekwondo classes are great for my kids: They…read moreenjoy the classes, they get sweaty from a good workout, and they quiz me about the various kicks throughout the week - not that I pay attention during their class. Master Ahn and his instructors also care about the children's emotional development. They don't tolerate bullying and they get to know the kids personally. I'm so glad that, of the 3 Taekwondo studios we visited, we selected MTC!

I first went here for a birthday party as a kid and loved it. I have been a student here for the…read morelast 10 years and can say all instructors have been kind, firm, patient, and helpful throughout all years. There have been different instructors over the years and all of them were amazing and added to my experience here in their own ways. Being here has taught me many things I use in my everyday life like respect, sensitivity to others, self control, and social skills. I'm very grateful for everyone I met here!

Our Poomsae Team

MTC Instructors!

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World's Best Tae Kwon Do

(35 reviews)

6.6 mi

If you're looking for a Tae Kwon Do program for your kids look no further!…read more Master Park is amazing. He's student not only respect him but look up to him. My son has been attending their black belt program for almost a year now and he is doing great! He's shown improvement at home and in school. Master Park and the other instructors have the children's best interest at heart. Students here aren't just given a stripe on their belt it is earned through hard work and dedication. Give them a try and you won't regret it.

My daughter loves it here! Going on two years into her black belt track, Master Park has just the…read moreright balance of discipline and holding the bar for them to reach as well as humor and working with students compassionately wherever they are in their progression. Aside from the physical training, kids are also learning respect, responsibility and the value of practice, while doing something fun they look forward to each class. Have recommended to multiple other parents, thumbs up every time!

Warming up for some Taekwondo!

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Elite Taekwondo Center - La Crescenta

(77 reviews)

9.0 mi

After researching multiple Taekwondo studios in the Foothill area and visiting five in person, I…read morecan confidently say ETC stands out. I paid close attention to the instruction, technique, discipline, and how the children responded to the masters. At some studios, I was surprised to see very young children wearing black belts that didn't seem earned. My 6-year-old son has been attending ETC for nearly a year, and the difference is evident. Master Paul and Master Jue are deeply committed to teaching proper technique, discipline, and character. They hold students to high standards while still encouraging them, and it shows in the way the children carry themselves. I believe in gentle parenting, but I also believe children need structure and accountability. ETC reinforces those values. My son has great respect for Master Paul, and we've seen significant improvement in his behavior both in and out of class. If you're looking for a Taekwondo studio that focuses on real skill development, discipline, and building respectful young leaders, I highly recommend ETC.

I've had the chance to experience this business during an exciting transitional phase, and there's…read moreso much potential here. The quality of the core service is genuinely strong - you can tell there's heart, passion, and heart behind what they do. The foundation is absolutely there - that said to elevate the organization, would love to see more consistent structure and overall balancing business with personal familiarity to match the incredible talents. Wishing them continued growth and success as they refine their processes!

Toddlers - class lesson

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Young Park Taekwondo-Karate

4.5

(8 reviews)

0.6 mi

My daughter has been going for here for a year and absolutely loves it. They've recently changed…read morethe name to Academy of Martial Arts but the place is the same. Small mom and pop dojo with awesome instructors and close knit community vibe. Master John is extremely patient with the kids and all of the other students are friendly and helpful to the newer students. The space is clean and the equipment is very well maintained. I've recently started going twice a week and I love it. It's right next to Lucky Baldwin's so you can grab a quick bite after class. Highly recommended

Ki Up!!! I went here as a kid during my elementary school years for a few years and eventually…read moreencouraged two of my best friends at the time to join. AlI have are fond memories of the place. This was in the early 90's. From the stretching (which I hated), the forms and one-steps, to the sparring and board breaking, it was an awesome hobby as a Ninja Turtle, martials arts, and ninja fan. I have good memories of the head instructor and owner, Young Park, who I believe still teaches to this day. He reminded me of Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid movies back then and I remember him to very patient and kind. One of my favorite memories was a school wide outing for all the students and families to Wilderness park one Saturday. We participated in a few forms and martial arts exercises, but the bulk of the time was reserved for socializing with one another, playing games, eating, and just having fun! I have a friend whose son recently joined and I guess Young Park still teaches there. He's like an ageless wonder. I highly recommend this place!

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Doha Taekwondo

(88 reviews)

8.2 mi

Master Vahan and the rest of the TKD team are amazing teachers. My kid loves going to TKD and he's…read morelearning so much from master Vahan! Highly recommend

I have nothing but good things to say about Doha. Great instructors. Great staff…read more My son loves it. Highly recommend.

Belt Testing

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Ideal Martial Arts

(13 reviews)

3.2 mi

Locally owned & operated

Kid friendly

We have tried Ideal Martial Arts when my son was around 4.5 years old. He loved the trial and we…read moresigned up for 2 months. Out of those 2 months, we did maybe 3-4 lessons and he absolutely was not having it. He was crying the entire time and did not want to engage. The masters tried everything they could to get him comfortable but nothing worked. Fast forward a year later, we gave it a try again and now he loves it. Same masters, always patient and kind. I would 100% recommend it.

We are on our second month at martial arts and my kids absolutely love it. The masters are great…read morewith small kids and have a great way to teach them and keep them involved.

Studio is very clean!

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Cosmic Training Center

(147 reviews)

3.6 mi

I recently visited Cosmic BJJ and had a great experience. I'm a brown belt in BJJ, but I hadn't…read moretrained for almost eight years, so I was a bit hesitant about visiting a new BJJ academy. However, after meeting the head instructor, Joseph, and experiencing the welcoming atmosphere, it felt as though I had never stopped training. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and I had some great rolls. Overall, it's a great BJJ school to train at.

Updating my review after a handful of years. My family's experience at Cosmic has continued to be…read morepositive. My kids have been with the program for many years now and I am very pleased with their progress. Coach Joseph can be strict with the kids during training, but he cares deeply about them. He not only wants them to continue to build on their jiujitsu skills, but he also wants them to grow into strong, resilient individuals who can overcome any obstacle. He teaches the kids to be respectful to their parents, instructors, and peers. Discipline is one of the core attribute of martial arts and it's great to see that in every class. Some coaches may seem tough on the outside, but they're also fun and extremely nurturing because many of them are dads of the kids that train there. The best way to find out is to try out a class!

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El Matador State Beach

4.4

(516 reviews)

43.5 mi

We were recommended by a local to check the beach out and so glad that we listened to her. Yes, as…read moremost mentioned the parking lot is tight but if you wait long enough (5-15 mins) you will get a spot. Be prepared to descend lots of stairs to get to the beach (wear safe/comfy) shoes. There are incredibly beautiful, arch rocks, and small caves, running up the north side of the beach As beautiful it is as it is, watch out for some of the big waves that come in as you may step on some of the rocks. This is a popular beach for photo shoots and likely you will be amused by some of the "models" posing in various costumes.

So be warned that parking is limited and also expensive, even if you want a quick little stop. We…read morewent super early on a week day so there was no one else there. Also the porta potty had no toilet paper. So not sure what the parking fees are upkeeping. Anyway, the beach itself is really pretty. The walk down is a little touch with stand on a steep slope so you have to be careful. But it's worth it for the views. It's a very romantic spot.

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The Electric Voyage - Marina Del Rey

What a perfect afternoon out on the Marina. This experience was literally turnkey. Our boat arrived…read moreon the dot at our scheduled departure time. We were given a quick overview of the boat mechanics and safety equipment and boating etiquette. The boat was fully stocked with soft drinks and a phenomenal charcuterie that we were able to arrange as an "add on" and decorated for our friends birthday. This was a seamless and top notch experience. Adriana and her team clearly know what they are doing and are completely dialed in to make your day putting around the Marina as effortless as possible. You will not be sorry and should not hesitate to book your trip with The Electric Voyage.

Electric Voyage accomodated us on short notice with smiles and a beautiful boat. I can't give them…read morecredit for the perfect weather, but they absolutely gave us the perfect environment to enjoy it in. We've never cruised Marina Del Rey before, it's Great!

Dad birthday event

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Highland Park Swimming Pool

4.3

(14 reviews)

4.3 mi

Clean, affordable and not crowded yet... it is just the first open week of the summer season though…read moreso I expect it will be worse. Signed up for Group Swim lessons, very inexpensive!

Remember that many public pools across U.S. cities were backfilled with concrete rather than…read moreallowing people of color to swim with the white man during the 1960s and 1970s. That itself gives this historic structure a miraculous feel because it survived desegregation in an apartheid state that still tries to hide/deny its ugly white supremacism. Nonetheless, the racist, capitalist model of diminishing public infrastructure because they provide benefit to non-whites equally, prevails. The changing rooms are a shambles. Ironically, in many poorer nations where I have used municipal pools, they have smarter, more updated locker rooms. (This reveals the character of what passes for national culture.) Enough now with the disparagement and let's pivot to this historic pool. The length is perhaps Olympic size but the deep end of the pool is in the middle. It's cordoned off into three sections across, allowing a lap swimmer to benefit from the deepest central third, although it is not a full 25 yards across. The water is much clearer than in Glassell Park and perhaps it's because it is not as heavily used? I found there's a solid jet stream of pumped water underneath leading to a kind of "rip tide" effect in the pool. You have to work harder to get across because of the undercurrent. It's quite enjoyable. The lack of trees around this pool makes the sun feel harsh, but the nearby Gold line train gives it a feeling of being part of a vibrant metro region. As well I was smelling street tacos from a nearby truck, very aromatic I was delighted to find this pool during one of the extended brutal heat waves of triple digit temperatures that are commonplace now thanks to climate change. However, consistent with the history of white colonizers being callous about the welfare of non-white citizens, and overriding the unique realities of western geography in favor of conformity with norms from the northeast, the City of LA Parks and Recreation department feels the need to shut down pools like this one during LA's *hottest months* of September and October. In other words, yes, the City of LA would rather people of this area suffer the heat than keep this pool open to allow for some respite for vulnerable human bodies. LA's hottest months are always September and October. City of LA Parks and Recreation: We don't care. Finally, note there is limited parking in a lot which exits into a mega-dip in the street side curb that will crack most sedans' chassis... Call 818-804-7570 about hours.

Taco stalls nearby give this pool a unique aroma

A lovely neighborhood pool with decrepit changing rooms

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Camp Adventurewood

Locally owned & operated

My son attended his first season at Camp Adventurewood in 2023 - it was his first experience at a…read moresummer camp and he was a little nervous and shy but all his counselors made him feel so welcome and comfortable and after the first day he was hooked! He loved the variety of activities and made so many new friends. He came home with fun stories each day. I loved that they offered a variety of options from 2 days/week to 5 days. We returned last summer and an unexpected and sudden medical event threw our summer for a loop. They were beyond kind and accommodating. Michael, the owner, personally made sure we were taken care of at a very scary time and was just incredibly kind and communicative. I can't thank him and his staff enough for the support. I would recommend this camp for any family. Its like a classic, old-school summer day camp experience!

My son attended Adventurewood camp for the first time this week. For the most part he enjoyed…read morehimself -- particularly the characters they introduce throughout the week. However, we decided to pull him out for next week because of a very disturbing situation. He shared that a counselor had pushed him with both hands on his shoulders during a capture the flag activity. He had dropped his flag and was putting it back on when a counselor (he didn't know her name) pushed him back hard enough to make him lose his balance and fall. She also barked "you need to reset!" She didn't ask if he was ok or help him up. You'd think if this was an accidental push and he fell over she would say something like "sorry bud are you ok? Here let me help you up" but nope, not a word. A friend he's attending camp with witnessed the whole incident. Since I pick them both up in the afternoons they both recounted this situation to me and both of them noted how inappropriate her behavior was. I immediately reached out to Michael, the owner of the camp. He said he wanted to identify this counselor and get her side of the story. Understandable. My son felt uncomfortable going back the next day but I reassured him it would be handled and offered to drop him off in the morning and stick around to talk to Michael and the counselor. I wanted him to feel safe. Michael identified her (her name is Carson) and said he wanted to talk to her first, which he did a few feet away from me. I heard her say she didn't push him. They then walked over to me and she again denied everything. So we asked both kids to come over and recount what happened. They both did -- in front of her -- and reiterated she pushed him. She denied even touching him. So Michael suggests at this point that perhaps it was an accident and my son responds by saying "how do you push someone like that by accident?!" No response. So I ask her, are you saying these kids are lying? She again said she didn't touch him and at this point we send the kids away. I'm incensed because not only does she gaslight both of them to their face but tells this bold faced lie to her boss in front of the campers and me. I tell her I believe them and I think she's the one lying. At this point she gives me this dirty look - angry, irritated and almost rolls her eyes at me. I turn to Michael and say "and now she's giving ME an attitude?!" Unbelievable. In a follow up call, he tells me how good of a person she is and that this is shocking for him to hear but that she doesn't seem like someone who would do something like this...that she's getting her teacher credentials and he knows her really well. I am getting the vibe he doesn't actually believe any of this and he sounds very skeptical. I respond by telling him that it's almost always surprising when people exhibit bad behavior and that even teachers do bad things...that doesn't make her any more credible in my eyes. He acknowledged that. In fact, it's worse because I would be really concerned to have someone like that teaching a kid. Lack of empathy, accountability, and integrity. I mean, I think it's great he's trying to have her back but there are moments in life when you need to draw a line and act swiftly...these are one of those moments. Because ultimately, this impacts the reputation of your camp. I told him that it would be good to offer training to his staff in case this ever happens again in the future and honestly he sounded baffled and asked me to clarify...I said well maybe tell your staff not to give dirty looks to a mom who's clearly upset that her son just got pushed by a grown adult at summer camp?? I told him that the response to this situation could've resulted in a totally different outcome. Had she said something like "I really don't recall pushing you but if I inadvertently did and made you feel bad I'm sorry - I didn't mean to do that" - I would've went home that morning feeling fine about the situation. When I told him this he said that he's not going to police all her reactions, that she's still young, that she's still learning and made all kinds of excuses for her. Exhausting. Apparently she got a "warning" and will sit out of the flag activity (umm, ok...). He seems like a smart guy and wish him nothing but success in the future and I was earnestly trying to offer advice for how to handle a situation like this better but it fell on deaf ears. I really hope that some kind of learning comes out of this for both of them. Oh and to top it off, my son's friend told her mom that Carson was giving her looks several times throughout the day today and when she asked what kind she said "side eye" looks. NOT COOL. My son also said she was kind of mean to him but wondering why they were even in close proximity when Michael said they'd absolutely be separated and would not see each other? Validates we both made the right choice by pulling them both out. He offered a refund but I'm still pissed about the situation.