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Bishop's Elite Martial Arts Academy
5 ★★★★★ 76 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Des Moines, Iowa
Plan your first class
- 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
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 515-858-0455
Hours
| Monday | 2–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 2–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 2–9 pm |
| Thursday | 2–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 2–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter competes as part of her Martial Arts journey and Master Bishop is the greatest coach we could ask for as he gives feedback often and encourages her as she competes.”
“If you want your child to learn self defense and become a better person in this world, this is your home!”
“His approach emphasizes discipline, respect, and the skills needed not just to earn a belt, but to grow in character.”
Other martial arts here
“If you want your child to learn self defense and become a better person in this world, this is your home!”
What students say
“My daughter competes as part of her Martial Arts journey and Master Bishop is the greatest coach we could ask for as he gives feedback often and encourages her as she competes.”
“Master Bishop has high expectations for all of his students while fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
“He is one of the most humble and kind individuals that you will meet, yet he will hold you to a high standard to challenge you and keep you accountable to help you do your best.”
“It’s a great way to not just stay in shape but establish a mind body connection, work on balance, and appreciate an art form.”
“Our child loves taekwondo at Bishop’s—Master Bishop creates an environment where our daughter feels empowered, motivated, strong, included, and confident.”
“My daughter competes as part of her Martial Arts journey and Master Bishop is the greatest coach we could ask for as he gives feedback often and encourages her as she competes.”
From the reviews
We enrolled our seven year old son in Bishops Elite Martial Arts Academy and have been so happy with his experience. He's enthusiastic about the activity, has been working hard on memorizing the Student Creeds, and is excited about earning more stripes on his white belt, and figuring out how to tie the belt in the…
Two of my sons were taught by Master Bishop. He’s an outstanding, trustworthy, and caring person and teacher. High standards. His martial arts skills are crazy impressive. Always striving to grow himself and to help his students do the same. Master Bishop gives his all 100% to each of his students.
Highly recommend BEMA! Master Bishop is an amazing Taekwondo instructor! His skill and passion for Taekwondo is shown in every class. At BEMA each student has personal attention no matter their belt rank which helps motivate our son and keeps his attention. The atmosphere is great and the program is well rounded.
I have know Master Bishop for over 10 years. He is amazing teacher and friend. His passion for Taekwondo and teaching had impressed me in classes and tournaments.
New to taekwondo? Start at Bishop's Elite Martial Arts Academy
Bishop's Elite 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.
Your first taekwondo class at Bishop's Elite 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.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site