It's been a several years since I attended this school, but after looking at the current reviews I felt compelled to add my own. At the time of this writing, there are currently 3 very positive reviews. And perhaps they had a good experience, and that's great. However, I do not think this accurately portrays the studio's quality and I highly recommend you view the 20+ reviews that are stashed away in the "Not Recommended" bucket at the bottom of the list of reviews. They provide a much more transparent review of the practices of this studio. Don't be taken advantage of by this place. The owner will play the good guy and do a great job marketing the wonderful experience this is learning TKD at his studio and then put a 1+ year contract in front of you to lock you in. In my case, it was a 3 year contract. I was younger and naive, I thought I found something great and it would force me to regularly attend and get fit. Signing that contract was a mistake. I had spent most of my childhood through my teen years practicing martial arts in various schools and actually ended up getting two black belts (1st degree in both). None of these studios were pure TKD, but they had TKD elements to them, so I learned much of the basics before coming to this studio. After a few weeks of attendance it became clear that SH Kim was locking students in, teaching them maneuvers without a focus on quality and promoting them up the belt system just to collect the fee. The emphasis was clearly on the last part as students who attained high ranks had extremely sloppy technique, a clear indication that the goal of instruction was not to make the attendees better students, but to make a buck. Before I attended this school, I had some amazing teachers who brought me up to the skill level that is expected of black belts. I went through four years of college and a couple years after that before I got back into martial arts by attending this school. I mean the following in the humblest of ways: I was able to perform better than all other current students in basic TKD techniques. It shouldn't be like that, the studio should care about improving their students and making their kicks sharp and crisp, their technique flawless. This skill gap went all the way up to SH Kim's own black belts, most of which I would compare to the technique of experienced yellow belts and even some hard worked white belts of other schools that value technique. Master Kim did not promote attendance and participation of tournaments. This is because if his "black belt" students tried to compete, it would become obvious that they hilariously outclassed by any other well deserved black belt. This place is a sham and their sole focus is making money. Don't let SH Kim bully you into signing a contract and taking oodles of money from you. You or your children can do better. read more

I am sorry to say that I am not a fan of this tae kwon do studio. My 15-year old son is a black belt and has been studying there for a few years. The studio has only one teacher now and that is Master Kim. He used to have some other quality instructors but he has had almost no help for more than one year now. Master Kim regularly works with lower belts and kids, but does very little with the higher belts. He has his hi-level students, who are paying him for training, run the high belt classes almost entirely on their own. Master Kim does very little to manage their classes, never demonstrates tae kwon do techniques himself, doesn't provide them with much advanced training and doesn't teach them how to be good instructors. Earlier this year, I came to my son's classes twice a week for four weeks in a row and Master Kim never once left his office during my son's classes. When I asked him what exactly I was paying him for he claimed that they were learning to be instructors and that I didn't understand his techniques. I have done marshal arts training myself and been in many dojos and this is not how training is done. In my opinion, very few of his students have the skills corresponding to their belt level. They are regularly advanced regardless of their skill level. Master Kim also makes what I consider to be openly racist and mysogynistic remarks to me in conversation on a regular basis. He talks all the time during belt tests about the importance of mothers, but he doesn't like assertive women and has regularly complained to me about my wife. In addition, when we first started going there, he had my wife sign a long-term contract while I was on a business trip that she didn't even understand and that we then couldn't get out of. And he makes no secret of his dislike of certain ethnic groups. At first I thought he was a strange man who was stuck in a time warp and was still living in 1950's Korea. Over time I have changed my opinion and believe that he is a con man. He is very manipulative with me and with my son, trying to pit him against me, and me against my wife. For example, earlier this week Master Kim claimed that my job is to maximize my son's happiness (he believes in giving me parenting advice) and implied that my son loves his classes and I am taking him away from the studio he loves because I am a bad parent. He then uses another of his favorite techniques, to call my son into his office and ask him questions to which he can't comfortably say no. He likes to put him on the spot and then dare him to openly disagree with his Master. I have called him out on this several times. He and I have had harsh words, as in my opinion, he is the opposite of everything that tae kwon do stands for, and is a poor role model for my son. I have pulled my son out of his school. He deserves an instructor of better moral character and who actually provides the high level of training for which he is paid. I recommend staying far away from this school. read more

I give SH Kim TKD five stars as a parent who now has two children attending classes here for over 2+ years. Here on social media, it is difficult to describe what is really involved in enrolling your child in what will be a life changing opportunity. I started my son when he was four years old because I felt he needed to improve listening skills and gain confidence. He is now 2 + years into the program and has gained significant confidence through routinely attending classes and by nature of hearing instruction and performing the technique, and he has gained listening skills as well. I didn't anticipate the opportunity for leadership, but he is now often in the class with kids who have just enrolled and he is helping the Master routinely with line ups and model behaviors. I asked if I could enroll my second son when he was 3.5 years old and Master Kim took him into the class as well. He has roughly a year into the program and is doing well and progressing through his belts. I believe that you get out of Master Kim's TKD lessons what you and your child puts in. I have witnessed as a parent complete turnarounds for shy kids at SH KIM TKD and also some that just don't work out with the program (its not for all kids). Some kids just thrive in the environment and you can see it when they show early, patiently wait for the Master to begin class and are disciplined in the execution. Some days the Master's dedicate to just having fun for the kids as it isn't always about forms, but also about teamwork, respect, and responsibility. Master Kim frequently lectures about duty to country, family, and your community. There is a good mix of kids in the program at all times and all levels. Master Kim and Master Park are wonderful with the kids and very patient on technique, but not tolerant of lack of individual discipline during class. They do keep a sense of order. The program isn't a birthday party type gym or trying to figure out what it wants to be, it is a TKD training studio. Master Kim was a U.S. Olympic team coach and knows what it takes to make high confidence kids. Some parents are put off by the teaching methods, but you can easily see there are High School Students that have been with Master Kim for 7 + years and are now on there way to college with varying degrees of black belts including kids that compete. A final note, when I first visited Master Kim, I was seeking a program for my child to develop with outside of seasonal sports and Master Kim mentioned that martial arts for young kids is great at building children's confidence and that I needed to be patient with the development process and dedicate myself as a parent to remain positive about the experience, allow the kids to enjoy their time in class and with their classmates and most importantly understand the commitment that he and his Masters make to the students. It isn't a part time commitment, they are all in on making sure your kid develops individually, gains confidence all in the spirit of what TKD structures for them. My hope is you find this useful from an actual parent with kids enrolled for some time now. read more

HELLO AGAIN and STILL STAY AWAY!!! Over the years since I left SH Kim after a bad experience, I have had several parent contact me after reading read my previous Yelp post (see below) asking me to explain in greater detail my experience and method used to get out of the SH Kim and 3rd party financial institution contract. Tonight, I received another call from a parent who is having a similar experience. They also let me know they are not alone. Several other parents are having a similar experience and wont be let out of their contract as they are not happy with the services promised and being rendered. I wanted to repost to let you know as it seems SH Kim, Master Kim and their 3rd party institutions are continuing their ill practices. Again, I am posting based on what other current parents are experiencing. Good luck finding another Dojang! read more

The other poster is right on...it's all about the business. Whatever you do, do not sign the contract. For one, it's not needed if you push back. I spoke to several parents after we had signed, and they told me that they pushed back and didn't sign a contract...they just get billed and they pay. Kim does this "poor me" sales job of having to follow "gym membership" policy. If you decide to stop lessons, you are still on the hook...even for an injury (this happened with us), the injury has to be "permanent" and confirmed with a doctor for them to cancel. If you are going to go...don't sign a contract. Also, Kim does an excellent sales job, so really only do what you wanted to do in the first place. read more

Great experience with the instruction as well as with Master Kim. His staff have been great for my two children. Master Kim was very helpful with going through the contract process as well as the black belt program. read more

Our boys, 6 & 8, have been attending SH Kim Tae Kwon Do for 2 years and are in the 3-year black belt program. The current instructors, Master An and Master Kim, are excellent. They really connect with the children and bring a sense of fun to the class while also teaching with rigor and discipline. When my boys' motivation has flagged, the teachers encourage them and renew their confidence in their ability to succeed. The boys are becoming stronger, and growing in coordination and confidence. I like the mixed ages in the classes -- some classes even have adults and younger children together, reinforcing that we can be a learner at any age. Senior Master Kim, the owner, clearly loves what he does and has dedicated his life to it. He encouraged us to keep our younger son enrolled even though he was highly unfocused in class, and he was right: our son matured and advanced in the classes and has done well. My main suggestion for SH Kim Tae Kwo Do is to do a better job of communicating up front with parents about fees for belt tests, uniforms, sparring gear, etc. Posting a price list/schedule on the web site would be helpful. Also would appreciate better communication about scheduling of belt tests. Overall, we are very satisfied with SH Kim Tae Kwon Do. read more

My entire family attends SH Kim since we moved to the area about a year and a half ago. We take two family classes each week and find that the students are diverse in ability which makes fitting in especially easy. We have enjoyed the family class structure and have the chance to train with other families which provides a very encouraging environment. Master Kim has experience which can't be rivaled. The other Masters are knowledgeable and helpful while commanding respect and self-discipline in a gentle way. At first our daughter was nervous to begin but as she's moved along, her confidence has increased and she finds herself trying things she never thought she could do. My wife and I get a great, non-conventional workout and enjoy having the chance to stretch, train and spar together. Our son trained in a different school and changed to SH Kim when we moved here. He received his first degree black belt after completing his final preparation training under Master Kim and his staff. We are very pleased with our family's progress and always look forward to class. read more

avoid this gym at all costs. SH Kim will hustle you to sign a contract saying it helps him "organize his billing", but he'll never let you out of the contract. look at how old the reviews are. Tons of turnover with instructors and my child didn't learn anything with this teacher. SH Kim does not follow the tenants of what TKD teaches you. of course this is my opinion after being there approx. a year. read more

This man is a total con artist and extortionist. STAY AWAY. Everything the previous reviewer wrote is correct. He lured us to his establishment for a five minute "evaluation" for my four year old and then after the fact, as he was "registering" us told me the evaluation cost $75. He did not let me review or look at the paperwork he filled out while I was looking after my kids in his office (I had both my son and daughter with me). He asked for a check so he could automatically withdrawal the monthly fee of $175 (three classes a week which he said would be best for my son, ha!) from our checking account. He filled everything out. He then asked me to sign this super teeny tiny box with super teeny tiny print. I could not read it because my two year old daughter was getting antsy so I asked him if I was signing a contract and he said no he "always wants his customers happy" or something along those lines. We were then sent on our way with no paperwork of any sort. My son went to his first class which is listed on the website as being for 4-6 year olds. Not the case. My son was in a class with a large group of kids, most of whom were over the age of 6. My son received no instruction and was forced to sit at attention for three-fourths of the class with the two other young kids in the class while all the big kids practiced their moves. My son was crushed and cried after the class. He refused to go back. He had really looked forward to taking a TKD class and this class totally disappointed him. Kim refuses to cancel what I am now finding out is a one year contract. He expects me to pay $175 for 12 months for a class that is not as advertised. I guess he also expects parents to force their preschoolers to take extracurricular activities that devastates their self-esteem. Kim absolutely does not care about kids and instead cares about tricking you into signing a contract that allows him to draft your account. I did not even know such a thing was possible with a class for FOUR YEAR OLDS. read more

My 7 year old son has been a student here for 2 years. His self discipline and body control have improved vastly. The individualized instruction and personal attention are excellent. We highly recommend this studio. read more

I would give it a zero star if I could... PARENTS BEWARE OF CONTRACTS AND ACH. We sent our 2 kids to his studio for 6 years. But when it was time for one kid's belt, he asked us to extend the contract for another year. We sent him an email about the cancellation and also met with him personally. This was exactly during the contract renewal date. Realized he was still taking ACH payments from our bank after 4 months. When approached, he treated us very badly and came up with a partial return. His rationale was companies in Centerville and Herndon were charging more than him. He was agitated about losing the business but we still had another one attending class. After seeing his agitated behavior, I didn't risk sending my other one here. Sent him emails, called him and sent certified mails. But now he is coming after us using this external billing company. The Billing company came up with its own rationale about why we had to pay even though it wasn't a safe environment for my kid. REALLY?! read more

SH Kim has been an amazing Tae-Kwon-Do for a really long time now, My brother and I have been going for about 7 1/2 years and have loved it everyday! We love all of the masters there who are very well trained and are incredible to have the opportunity to learn from. Every single time we go to TKD we are welcomed and feel like we are in a great environment. We have been blackbelts for about a year and are taking the test for second degree but unlike other places not just anyone can pass. We have up go through tough training and even if you are the best in the class if you don't have a good attitude then you don't even think about a form.My friends do TKD at other places and are trying out for a black belt and can't even do a simple kick they say that they like doing TKD because you always pass.You should not have that attitude at all.SH Kim tae-kwon-do is the best.master Kim trained an Olympic TKD team!!!! read more