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Taekwondo for Beginners in Brooklyn
13 schools in Brooklyn, New York show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first taekwondo class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit or flexible, you won't be thrown into hard sparring, and a patient instructor walks beginners through technique at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some movement drills, and a few kicks and stances learned slowly — most schools provide a dobok so you don't need to buy anything yet. Schools are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 13 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
1. Elite Martial Arts of Brooklyn
4.9 ★★★★★ 296 reviews
“GM Radiant and his wife are great teachers of the Martial Art. Both are passionate & diligently working with the youth. The Dojang is very welcoming, clean and inspiring. This is…” — Santos
2. Champions Martial Arts South Park Slope (7Ave)
5 ★★★★★ 220 reviews
“Master Song is wonderful and patient. He works great with my 5-year-old, and she is always excited for TKD day. He seems to teach the kids various levels and never leave a child…” — Mymy
3. Champions Martial Arts Dyker Heights
5 ★★★★★ 198 reviews
4. Champions Martial Arts Sunset Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 156 reviews
“I signed up my 3-year old daughter to improve her confidence and to get her more comfortable with other kids since naturally she is very shy. Master Lee has been very kind and…” — Anastasia
6. Champions Martial Arts Brooklyn Heights
5 ★★★★★ 124 reviews
7. Champions Martial Arts Park Slope
4.9 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
“My son has been attending Champions Park Slope for over a year. He loves it. Master Kim is an amazing instructor. She is patient, yet firm. She really has a way with children. My…” — Jennifer
8. World Martial Arts Center Happy Kicks
4.9 ★★★★★ 115 reviews
9. Champions Martial Arts Clinton Hill
4.9 ★★★★★ 100 reviews
“Champions Martial Arts Clinton Hill is absolutely a fantastic Tae Kwon Do School! My son, Dorian has been attending for several years now and he is currently working towards his…” — Paula
10. CHAMPIONS MARTIAL ARTS AVENUE R
4.9 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
“Champions Martial Arts is an absolutely fantastic place to train! From the moment you walk in, you can feel the positive and welcoming atmosphere. The facility is clean,…” — Jason
13. T. Kang Taekwondo - Marine Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
Booking your first class in Brooklyn: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many schools have a beginners or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the main floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask how sparring works. You won't be made to spar hard as a beginner; find out how and when a school introduces sparring so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most schools here provide a dobok, so you can try taekwondo before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many schools offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free taekwondo trial classes.
Beginner taekwondo near Brooklyn
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