I got my black belt at Master Chos and I highly recommend them they are strictly professional and on the up and up.

As an adult beginner in martial arts, enrolling at Master Cho's has been a life-changer for me. Although, it's only been a little less than four months since I've started, I'm already seeing so many changes in myself. Not only do these classes help me to become more physically fit, but they benefit me mentally and emotionally as well. I've always been somewhat of a quiet, shy person who lacked a bit of self-confidence growing up and with stuff that had happened to me a few years back, I became pretty much a holed-up hermit. After joining Master Cho's TKD, not only did I meet the most wonderful group of people who took class with me, but I gained so much self-confidence and spirit! I came to love and appreciate myself more, which made me a much happier person all in all. The staff, including Master Cho and the other Masters are not only very talented in what they do, but they are amazing teachers as well! They are all so patient and encouraging catering to each and every one of their students whose ages range vastly. Their teaching styles are different, but that's what makes class more interesting. They not only care about fun, but they really make an effort to train your body, mind and spirit. As long as you try hard and make the effort to do your best, they will be there for you each and every step of the way. In this honest and unbiased review, I would totally recommend Master Cho's TKD and Martial Arts to kids and adults of ALL ages. You will definitely see a difference in yourself (or your child) after a week of classes. Plus, it's a lot of fun :) read more

We initially signed a one year contract for our son. Although expensive, the first year was a good experience. We signed another one year contract, and for the most part we were satisfied with the second year. After the second year our son said he wanted to continue and was motivated to get his black belt. We were convinced to sign a two year contract with a reduced monthly fee. The instructor who did our contract assured us that if our son hadn't earned his black belt at the end of the two years we would not have to sign another contract, and he would be allowed to continue with no monthly fees until he was finished. After signing the last contract, things changed. The one on one help my son had received from the instructors the first two years became, "Go off to the side and practice your form." It was obvious that they knew they were getting their money, and they had little interest in helping my son obtain his black belt. Our last contract is about to expire, and Master Cho told us if we wanted to continue we would have to sign another contract or pay month to month. When we reminded him that we were told there would be no more monthly fees at the end of the contract, he claimed to have no knowledge of the arrangement and would not honor it. It seems four years of paying him was not enough. He wanted to get as much money out of us as he could. He did offer us a reduced fee if we paid cash (not a check) up front. I guess being paid under the table to avoid taxes is appealing to someone who claims to teach kids values. I am disappointed for our son, who has worked hard and is one belt away from his black belt, but we will not be going back read more

Great family friendly atmosphere with energetic, kind, and attentive masters and instructors. Students learn some Korean history, culture and language. Students practice values like discipline and hard work and reap the benefits. Kids grow in body and spirit while having fun. read more

We filed a complaint with the BBB, and the response from Master Cho's was that my wife was a liar and I've never even been in the facility. I'm 6'2", 300 pounds, with red hair. The fact that they don't remember me is surprising, as I took my daughter to half of her classes. And not "remembering" me they feel they don't owe us anything, like customer service. They also wanted me to remove my negative rating. Good luck with that. read more

After leaving Los Angeles, I was looking for some place with the same level of instruction. Master Cho was a Tiger Team Captain (just youtube "tiger team" to see the crazy stuff they can do). Also, the other instructors are straight from Korea and I haven't seen anybody go through the doors that is at least a 5th degree black belt (17 yrs experience). This school has an enormous family following but is great for adults who are tired of that dreaded treadmill. Not only do you get a great workout, but you learn how to defend yourself. Although it is more expensive than a gym, it is by far the cheapest way to get basically your own personal trainer. I waited a year to post this so it would be true to form (pun intended). read more

I never saw this kind of Martial arts anywhere its worst, in giving out to students by encouraging them, I vote Master Cho's zero points, in other martial arts they give trophy for each belt they achieve, I think black belt is a great achievement, I waited for 4 years paying $169 per month and paying $45 for each belt test as well as $300 for black belt tests, thinking that my daughter will get a trophy at least for the back belt, after finishing black belt they just gave a red rose with certificate, I paid $8,112 for whole course, just presenting a Trophy for recognition of Black belt is minimum courtesy, when we play soccer in YMCA by paying $40 per session at the end of the session they present trophies to encourage kids. I know cost of Trophy is just $10 but getting a trophy is 1000 times lot worth of $10, It is kind of their own marketing also, if someone come to our home when they see the Trophy they'll ask me where your daughter went for Black belt, then the answer would be obviously Master Cho's. I pitty on them for missing this small point. If you are looking for Martial arts and want to join your kids in Master Cho's let your kids know they won't get any encouragement, that boosts their energy and thought to go to Master Cho's again and again. They are Money minded business people. Sorry to discourage you. read more

My Daughter goes here (over a year now) and we are extremely happy with Master Cho, Mrs. Cho and the entire team. She is learning self-confidence, respect, and some very good Tae Kwon Do - keep up the good work guys!!!! read more

My daughter has been attending Master Cho's for going on 3 years. As a parent, tae kwon do was exciting and fun for her at first, and I loved that about the company. As of recently (the past year) the service of the instructors and staff has gotten really poor and her progression became stagnant. At the Glen Allen location the red belt class is over crowded and doesn't have enough teachers for the amount of students they have. I called to complain to the owners twice and about three months later I still have not received a phone call or email. I am not happy about what's going on in this school and she only has 4 months left in our 3 year contract. At this point I'm just ready for it to be over. But I definitely wouldn't recommend them to another family. read more

Stay away. Owner is more concerned about money than "doing the right thing" and "helping others", which are two of the core values they teach to the children. Approached owner with financial struggles, requested her assistance to get out of the contract, so that I could get back on my feet. They would not offer any help at all. Come to find out.....they SELL YOUR CONTRACT to a financial company for a fraction of what you pay. They get paid up front, and the financial institution collects the money and make their money too. read more

I have very mixed feelings about Master Cho's Taekwondo. While the instruction and facilities are top-of-the-line, their business practices are reprehensible. Let's start with the good stuff. Without exception, the instructors are excellent. They are professional, friendly, and are unquestionably experts in their field. Their English communication skills do vary, however; some will have trouble answering followups questions about particular techniques - not due to lack of expertise, but rather due to a language barrier. In any case, classes are strenuous and instructive, great for keeping in shape and learning the material. The facilities are also great. (My review is for the Short Pump Location; I have never been in the Virginia Center Commons one, so I cannot speak to the quality of those facilities.) The place is always kept spotless (which is impressive considering the volume of kids coming through every day). There is also a small exercise location on a balcony overlooking the main room, for parents waiting for their kids. (There is a small monthly fee to take advantage of the exercise equipment, however.) The only complaint in terms of facilities is that parking can be a bit of a pain during the busiest hours. The staff is very friendly, yet always professional and able to answer any questions. Overall the school has a very pleasant atmosphere. Now, onto the negative stuff. The business practices of this establishment are deceptive, bordering on abusive. My complaint is not that the monthly rate of $169/month is double that of some other schools in the area, nor that the only options for enrollment are a 1- or 3-year contract, with no cancellations allowed except for disability, job loss, or relocation, since they are up front about these aspects at the time of enrollment. But what they do not talk about is the ridiculous number of hidden fees that they use to milk as much money out of you as possible. These include a $45 testing fee for each new belt earned (once every 2-3 months), $20 for their curriculum book, $150 for sparring equipment (which you can find on Amazon for half the price), and three "black belt seminars" which are required for earning a black belt, which run at about $100 each. That does not include the occasional tournaments and demonstrations that they charge extra for (but during which they cancel regular classes). Again, they never mention any of these extra fees during their sales pitch to you. For an establishment that espouses honesty and integrity as some of its core tenets, these deceptive money-grabbing practices are downright disgraceful. If you're looking for the best Taekwondo instruction in the Richmond area and are willing to eat the costs of the high monthly fee and various hidden expenses, Master Cho's is the place to go, without question. However, if you are not ready to make a solid 1-year commitment or are turned off by the shady business practices, then avoid this school. read more

We came to town with little for our kids to do, no direction. We joined Master Cho's and we feel like we have been welcomed home. Our kids now have direction and are learning focus. Thank you! read more

The quality of instruction is fine, as long as there are enough instructors in the class to work with every belt level (this is sometimes a problem in the family classes, where there's everything from white belt beginners to advanced students working toward their black belt). The main problem I have is with the contract requirement. In order to take classes here, you MUST sign up for a one- or three-year contract. No other options. And the only ways out of the contract are, as far as I can tell, to either move out of the state where you can't possibly be expected to get to classes, or to get so horribly injured that it's obvious that you cannot continue with lessons. (but it can't just be your own doctor recommending that you not continue--THEIR doctor must assess your condition and concur before you'll be released from the contract) Your child deciding that he doesn't want to go anymore is not a legitimate reason to get out of the contract, nor is a change in your work circumstances that results in you almost never being able to get to classes anymore. I don't even want to add up the amount of money I've lost to these people, and they will not so much as discuss any options with me. When I went to the Short Pump facility to see if there was *anything* I could do, Master Cho would not even look at me or speak to me--he allowed a young assistant at the desk to handle the situation, and she seemed very embarrassed as she said there was nothing she could do for me. My recommendation: STEER CLEAR unless you can afford to throw your money away and don't mind the risk of that outcome. Kids' interests change constantly, so tying yourself up in a long-term contract with Master Cho's is not wise. Shop around and find a place that allows you to pay as you go. read more