Hi 5 Taekwondo is a relatively new, family-run, family-centered dojang in the Safeway shopping…read morecenter on the north side of El Dorado Hills, CA. The location is great, the instruction is positive and engaging, the instructors are current competitive athletes, and the tenets of Taekwondo are modeled exceptionally well by all staff.
We have trained at other local studios, and researched all of the dojangs in the surrounding area before making our move to study at Hi 5. In reviewing local studios, we found Hi 5 to be:
1. Comparably priced
2. Extremely clean
3. Well staffed
4. Student focused in their instruction
5. Family focused in their curriculum
6. Exceptionally well prepared instructors
In addition to standard Taekwondo training for adults and children, they offer monthly weapons training classes, family activities (picnics, holiday events, etc), and parents night out activities for the kids, birthday parties, etc. Hi 5 is truly a community within itself.
Aside from that, this is the main reason we love Hi 5: Master Yi, his amazing wife (also a Blackbelt) and his entire staff genuinely care for our sons. I feel that my boys are instructed well, challenged, encouraged, and taught through example. The Hi 5 staff is passionate about what they do. They smile, they laugh, they love my kids... what else could I ask for?
Hi 5 is governed by the World Taekwondo Federation, Kukkiwon and Koryo Taekwondo Association, and they teach Olympic style sparring. You won't find this everywhere. This is important in reviewing dojangs. Many will tell you that this doesn't matter, local point sparing competition is more readily available, etc. That's true, but IF your budding martial artist does decide this is their thing, colleges have Olympic sparring teams. Just a thought.
As with most of the Masters around our area, Master Jong Yi is extremely well trained. With 35 years' experience, he is a Kukkiwon 7th Dan Black Belt. He is a certified Taekwondo/Hapkido Instructor, World Taekwondo Federation Sparring and Poomsae Referee, USA Taekwondo Referee Instructor, has served as the California State Referee Director, and has received the Presidential Sports Award twice, from two different Presidents. He is the real deal... but more than his qualifications, Master Yi is patient, kind, enthusiastic about his instruction, an engaging father, and always positive. He is the kind of person I want my boys to be around as often as possible.
On his instructional staff Master Yi employs his three daughters, as well as a few additional instructors. All three daughters are accomplished competitors, with his eldest achieving first place at the 39th National Collegiate Taekwondo Championships, first place at the USA National, medaling at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, and taking the gold at CA State Championships just a few months ago. His middle daughter is a fierce competitor on the mat, and has a savvy business mind. You will likely meet her at the front desk when you sign up. Accomplished in her own right, she is an engaging instructor and excellent coach. His youngest daughter is also on the mat as an assistant instructor. She, too, is exceptionally kind and a fantastic coach, especially with the younger students. Did I mention they are all blackbelts? Although there are some male instructors, I like my boys being coached by beautiful girls that can kick their... well you get the idea.
This is more than I intended to write, but as I sit here watching them train I couldn't but share all the good things going on here at Hi 5.
If you are looking for a place to train, Hi 5 gets my highest recommendation!
