I feel absolutely blessed to have found Master Lee and Sunrise Martial Arts. Last summer in 2019 I signed up both of my sons, ages 8 and 6, with Master Lee. I was really impressed with how quickly and calmly Master Lee was able to manage a room full of children, where he commands respect but with a gentle, funny and nurturing hand. Besides Taekwondo, my boys are learning about respecting parents and listening the first time. I have to admit I really had no idea that someone like Master Lee would be playing such a positive role in our lives. Lastly, after about 1 week I decided to sign up for Taekwondo myself. I cannot recommend enough that if you are a Dad or Mom, sign up for Taekwondo with Master Lee. You will not regret it and it is a great opportunity to bond with your kids. Thank you Master Lee! read more

Master Lee is an incredible teacher and mentor. My 9 year old son loves Master Lee. Master Lee makes the classes fun and enjoyable while keeping the kids accountable for their progress and for being respectful at all times. My son is inspired and loving his classes. I give my highest possible recommendation to master Lee and Sunrise!!! read more

Master Lee is an exceptional person and teacher. He brings out tge best in his students. He requires discipline, hard work and commitment. And, guess what, the kids deliver! My granddaughter was very shy and introverted. She now has so much confidence. We are grateful to have found Sunrise Martial Arts. read more

Awesome place! Master Lee is so care of our kids in every single aspect not only teach skills of TKD. His passion for kids and TKD is so strong. I always feel this place is my extended family. When I see kids in black belt, they are not only good at TKD but also their attitude is more than beyond. Ryan and Sean is THE BEST instructor. I think they are not only just excellent teacher and also their integrity is so respecful. I had to discontinue lesson since we moved out of San Clemente. We tried 3TKD places in irvine and realized nowhere is not even close to sunrise. Still try to figure out even once a week I can drive here for lesson for my kids. Highly recommend!!! read more

I signed my daughter up about a year ago and I was so impressed with Master Lee I decided to join myself. His balance between demanding respect and being playful is impeccable. He starts off the class asking the kids the best part of their day. He ends the adult class in a circle and everyone gets a chance to share anything on their mind. I highly recommend all ages to join Sunrise Martial Arts. Thank you Master Lee, I appreciate you! read more

We moved new in the area about 8 months ago and needed a taekwondo school for my daughter. I am sooo happy that we found Sunrise Taekwondo!!! I have to thank my daughter's old master for telling us about this school. Master Kim and Instructor Ryan are absolutely amazing!! My daughter loves her new taekwondo school! Thank you Master Kim and Instructor Ryan! read more

This place feels like home. I've been going here since I was 4 years old, I'm 17 now. If it weren't for sunrise I would not be the strong, tough, and brave girl I am today. Throughout the years of going here, the instructors have made me feel confident in myself and my ability to defend myself in unfortunate circumstances. I would 110% recommended this place to ANYONE. read more

Master Lee is so great with the kids. Honestly, I'm so excited to see how much this inspires and changes my kid.

Very child oriented. My grandson is learning martial arts and being polite, repecting others, listening skills and studying habits. he loves to come toclass. read more

Such an awesome place!! My son has been going here for about three months and has already learned so much and absolutely loves it. Grand Master Kim is also amazing with the kids and teaches them everything they don't learn in school!! Totally recommend this place!!! read more

Our youngest daughter has been coming here for about 2 months and to say that the experience has been a game changer would be an understatement. Her personal growth and confidence have grown by leaps and bounds and we are so grateful!! Grand Master Kim and Instructor Ryan have been instrumental in the small changes that are making a big difference for her. read more

My daughter begged us to take martial arts classes at age 7 so we tried Sunrise on a recommendation from another family. She loved it and stayed three years to earn a black belt. I also decided to try the adult classes and ended up earning a black belt myself, as well as getting in much better shape and making great friends! It was an unforgettable mother-daughter experience that we will always share. The masters and instructors are top notch, and bring the best of their Korean martial arts expertise, but also are flexible to fit American families. The owner, Grand Master Joon Kim has been teaching in San Clemente for over 20 years and has been recognized by the city for his contributions. He has actually "graduated" a number of his employees who have trained under him and then gone on to open their own taekwondo studios in Southern California, which says a lot about the strength of the program. He truly cares about each and every student and gets to know them and their families. All the instructors are kind and encouraging. The character-building part of the program is just as valuable as the physical. My daughter did not have behavior issues, but she did start out quite shy at the beginning, and 3 years later at age 10 she was a different kid, showing leadership and confidence in her abilities. She even used some of the self-defense training to get away from a difficult situation at school, and has used it to help friends deal with bullies. She adored the masters and couldn't wait to go to class each week. I've also seen kids with discipline issues who benefited tremendously from the training program. The masters encourage parents to really integrate the 'black belt character' into their lives, so that the kids can be rewarded for good behavior/ good grades, or potentially (with mom/dad's involvement) get a stern talking-to, if they are behaving badly or disrespecting their parents. Lots of the moms know that just threatening to tell GM Kim about naughty behavior is enough to make that child shape up quickly! Sometimes that is needed above and beyond what Mom and Dad are doing. The Sunrise staff became part of our family and I consider that invaluable. Yes it's an investment, but certainly not out of the realm of club sports or all the other activities that are part of raising a child in Orange County. I would certainly rather invest in this type of program than to buy them another video game or pair of designer jeans. We've just started our son at Sunrise and I can't wait for him to experience all the benefits his older sister did! read more

Our son has been with Sunrise TKD for almost 5 years. He has achieved more than we could have imagined; confidence and focus. He is on the principal's honor role in middle school and almost a 2nd degree black belt. read more

Master Kim, and instructors Sean and Ryan do an excellent job with the kids. My son is better for attenting. The combine Tae Kwan Do with valuation life lessons. I recommend Sunrise TKD read more

The instructors are excellent at giving the students structure and encouragement in developing their skills. They learn so much more that Tae Kwon Do. Every month, they learn skills that help keep them safe and become great, caring people. Grand Master Kim is there to not only ensure that the students are doing what they are instructed to and showing respect, but instilling a positive self image and esteem. Love the testing and belt ceremonies and great special events. My son is five and we have been here almost five months. The first time he put his pads on, Grand Master Kim helped and it was the best day for him. Highly recommend!!! read more

Outstanding instruction with caring teaching instructors. They remember every child by name and keep the classes fun and instructional. They also put a major focus on elements of respect and good decision making as much as the physical training. I would give them 5 stars but feel they could be a little more cost effective and less pushy when it comes to registration & fees. That said we are very happy and plan to stay committed thru the Black Belt level and would recommend it to any family! read more

Such a wonderful studio! My son has only been going for a short time and already see such a difference in him. Grand Master Kim and instructor Ryan help give them the tools to make them the best they can be while providing excellent instruction at the same time. read more

We have been with Sunrise for almost 7 years now. My eldest son,12 years old and has his 2nd Dan Black Belt and my 9 year old twin boys have their Black Belts. We are forever grateful for Grand Master Kim and his instructors who have instilled in our children discipline, focus, and respect for both themselves and for others. Taekwondo not only helped them physically, but mentally too. Grand Master Kim has taught them life lessons that they will never forget. I recommend Sunrise to any family that wants a program to give their child the confidence and direction to deal with the world nowadays. We went into Grand Master Kim program so our children can learn martial arts, and are coming out of it with so much more. Sunrise has gone through some instructor changes through the years, but the program never lost its core purpose or discipline. It is on the pricier side, like all martial arts programs in our area, but you get so much more for what you pay. Thank you Grand Master Kim! read more

Kind of a harsh review but it is more of a baby sitting deal that focuses on discipline which many kids need. They the kids learn to defend themselves? My kid can kick a little better but overall I agree that this is a cash cow and I bought about 30 trophies for my $5,000 or so. Brutal as they charged for everything and at the very end, I felt very unliked because I didn't want to get a 2nd degree black belt. In short, the program is probably decent for the right kid. I wish I had done other things with my money for my kid. read more

My son has been going to Sunrise Tae Kwon Do for over a year now and it has been a great program. My high-functioning autistic son started when he turned 4 years old and we enrolled him to help with his balance, coordination, and eye contact. He attends small classes twice a week and we have seen an improvement in all these areas. The instructors are patient and encouraging and the little dragons class is fun so my son always loves to go! Money well spent. read more

My son has been going to Sunrise for 4 years and it has been an amazing experience for us. Not only does he love it but what he has learned through this program is unmeasurable. Confidence, strength, focus, motivation, making smart decisions and respect comes first and those attributes are so very important in life and Sunrise has done a tremendous job in doing this for the kids. The masters truly care and love the kids they teach. Thank you for the past 4 years and we are looking forward to many more! read more

All three of my children trained with Grand Master Kim beginning at age 4. My children all competed at the Junior Olympics several times across several states with Grand Master Kim, earning gold and silver metas. Grand Master Kim and his staff are truly dedicated. The staff at Sunrise Tae Kwon Do worked not only on competing at the top level but teaching the children personal integrity, self discipline and leadership skills. My children are now high school aged and earned their second degree black belts. I recommend Sunrise Tae Kwon Do! read more

I went here a long time ago. The instructors are very friendly and skilled. However, the program is centered more on form and less on practical street self defense. It is also very expensive and you pay for a belt test every month. My black belt test was something like $500. This place would be great for a young kid. read more

Warning! Just my opinion and many others who have went through the program but the owner's sales tactics are over the top. He is why they call this activity "Take Your Dough"... One thing I noticed though is TWD is not a martial art as much as it is a silly sport. All the black belts spar with their hands at their sides. Most black belts cannot do a correct push up which is crazy. If you decide to quit or leave his program, get ready to be disliked. Take the 2 free weeks and TRY a few other programs before you let them high pressure sales the hell out of you. I don't believe the so-called black belts are not going to be able to defend themselves in a fight unless they are naturally strong/athletic kids. The high pressure sales is my biggest problem though. They have NEVER failed one kid in a belt test in the 3.5 years I was there. I will say the program can be decent for a few months to get kids listening better, maybe learning to kick and then having fun with the dodge ball they play.. Best of luck whatever you try but please beware. I'd like these people to start letting people choose the program vs. high pressure sales. The funny thing is if you sign up I guarantee you they will lock you into a very long contract. They won't let you go month to month unless you pay a very high price compared to what they are trying to sell you. I feel like I wasted years of the kids lives. We are at the San Clemente HS youth wrestling team now. Love the discipline, skills, conditioning. Only water polo can compare on the conditioning side and I don't think there is a youth program in SC that compares if you are looking for discipline. Ironically, the wrestling team runs about $40 a month per kid for 3 two hour practices per week. read more