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American Tiger Martial Arts Academy

5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Taekwondo school Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most schools welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes — built around discipline, focus, confidence, and anti-bully skills
  • Beginner-friendly all ages and levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule americantigermartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (843) 796-1041

Hours

Monday 2:30–7:30 PM
Tuesday 2:30–7:30 PM
Wednesday 2:30–7:30 PM
Thursday 2:30–7:30 PM
Friday 3–5 PM
Saturday 9 AM–12 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and tournaments — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Taekwondo classes on the schedule at American Tiger Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 25 mentions

“Master Barghaus is great at breaking down and explaining the motions and techniques to the kids class as well as the teen/adults class so each group understands at their level.”

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Teens 3 mentions

“Master Barghaus is great at breaking down and explaining the motions and techniques to the kids class as well as the teen/adults class so each group understands at their level.”

All schools that run teens →

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“We have her in individual private lessons to start and she is working hard with Master Barghaus.”

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🎓 Belt Testing 4 mentions

“American Tiger offers at least five 30-minute classes per week, with an additional class available for members of the Black Belt Club.”

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Other martial arts here

Taekwondo schools are often multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at American Tiger Martial Arts Academy — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🦵 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“I've doing both Kickboxing and Black Belt Club for about a month now and I love it!”

Other schools that also teach kickboxing →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the school's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want hapkido, karate, or judo alongside your taekwondo, confirm the current schedule with the school.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 28 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert masters & instructors 8 mentions

“Master Barghaus is great at breaking down and explaining the motions and techniques to the kids class as well as the teen/adults class so each group understands at their level.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“We had heard great things about this place and when we arrived Rob, the owner was so kind and welcoming, and his knowledge about the sport was inspiring!”

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 12 mentions

“We had heard great things about this place and when we arrived Rob, the owner was so kind and welcoming, and his knowledge about the sport was inspiring!”

📘 strong forms & technique 3 mentions

“Master Barghaus is great at breaking down and explaining the motions and techniques to the kids class as well as the teen/adults class so each group understands at their level.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions
certified & recognized school 30 mentions

“Master Barghaus is an excellent teacher and that paired with the flexible schedule is the best thing for our activite lifestyle of after school activities.”

From the reviews

WOW, what a great life-changing experience for our 11 year old! She has never done martial arts or organized sports before and really wanted to learn Tae Kwon Do….all our anxieties as parents were gone after the first free trial class with Master Barghaus.

★★★★★ — Benandmaya, Mar 2025

After watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 3 Ninjas, and Ninja Kidz on YouTube, my children became very interested in trying martial arts. I began researching local schools, and American Tiger Martial Arts stood out. I contacted the school and spoke with Master Rob Barghaus, the owner and head instructor.

★★★★★ — Donald, Feb 2026

My child attends the beginner's classes of Tae Kwon Do taught by Master Barghaus. She is one of the younger children in the program, and I initially wasn't sure she would be mature enough to participate safely. But, under Master Barghaus's instruction, she really has flourished.

★★★★★ — Madison, Sep 2025

Master Barghaus is an exceptional instructor! My daughter very much enjoys class & is developing in character while building a strong foundation in martial arts.

★★★★★ — Amy, Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 28 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at American Tiger Martial Arts Academy

American Tiger Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly school, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never trained or set foot in a dojang, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build fundamentals (stances, blocks, kicks, and basic forms) for weeks, sparring eases in gradually and with gear on, and instructors keep it controlled and safe. Third, all ages and all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

See their beginner class info

Your first taekwondo class at American Tiger Martial Arts Academy

Nervous about walking into a taekwondo school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, and kicks with a partner or on pads — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: loose athletic wear you can move in (or a dobok if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the floor. What to bring: water and a positive attitude — many schools lend a loaner dobok for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll get your own dobok and belt, and sparring gear (mouthguard, headgear, and guards) once you begin sparring. Sparring eases in gradually, once your fundamentals and forms are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Taekwondo is a martial art and a contact sport. Ease in, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find American Tiger Martial Arts Academy

121 Gateway Rd Ste A, Myrtle Beach, SC29579

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More taekwondo schools near Myrtle Beach

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Taekwondo school Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team Affiliated expert masters & instructorswelcoming to beginnersfriendly, family atmosphere

2.0 miles away

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this school? Claim your listing — it's free.