My daughter has attended this dojang for about two years since she was 6 and we'd still be going here if we didn't need to move. But move we did... so it's about time I leave a review.
It's located on Bellaire next to Pollo Campero in a slightly run down orange retail center. It's hard to miss once you see it. They do have a shared parking lot with a handicap spot right in front of the dojang but parking can be tight during busy times like belt tests or larger classes.
They offer a 1-week trial period, which is ideal. In my opinion, trial classes are mandatory before joining a new dojang just to see if it's a good fit but if it's only one class, it's merely a peek. One week - if you can make it to multiple classes - will give you exposure to most of the other students and instructors you will meet and is more accurate. There are several martial arts places in the area, but this one won based on value but also the atmosphere.
They offer unlimited classes for the monthly membership cost as long as you attend the classes for your age group (ages 4 and up), they don't pressure you to compete and has a more supportive and relaxed feel so you can go at your own pace. The classes aren't very crowded either so you sometimes get more attention to work on things you need to work on. You have the option to apply for a belt test every 3 months so that's not rushed either, so this place is definitely not a McDojo. They do provide a handbook that outlines all the testing material for each belt so you're not going in blind and they'll focus on testing material leading up to it, helpful for the students that don't attend as many classes.
The other students are pretty good sports overall. Females are in the minority and my daughter is small for her age but she never really felt left out by the other boys.
Master Derek and the other instructors are knowledgeable and personable. They teach WTF taekwondo here from stances, kicks, blocks, punches, and poomsae to footwork, breaking, kicking combinations, self defense, and sparring (though no weapons so far). They also teach the five tenets of taekwondo. I even joined the adult classes when I had time though very casually (more for exercise) and I didn't feel pressured to go any further (though there's always encouragement). It was fun and Kim's Olympic Taekwondo felt like a second home with how often we were there. Both my daughter and I miss them but there were some pretty great memories.
Fun fact: Master Derek has a background in physical therapy so that's a plus while practicing a contact sport... especially once you pass a certain age.
I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to learn taekwondo, whether or not you're a beginner. Or at least try out a few trial classes to see if you'll love this place as much as we did. read more