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Black Belt Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Laguna Hills, California
Style / system: Olympic / World Taekwondo · Kukkiwon-certified — based on the school's own site and student reviews. Taekwondo systems (Olympic/World Taekwondo, ITF, and ATA/Songahm) differ in forms, sparring rules, and tournaments; if lineage matters to you, confirm it with the school. ATA vs WT vs ITF, explained →
Affiliated school — reviews and the school's own info point to a recognized taekwondo organization or franchise (think ATA Martial Arts, Kukkiwon certification, World Taekwondo, or ITF). If credentials matter to you, ask which association the school belongs to and where the head instructor earned their black-belt (dan) rank and certification.
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule myblackbeltacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 949-349-0700
Hours
| Monday | 3–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 3–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been attending Master Rhee’s Tae Kwon Do classes for several months now, and I cannot say enough good things about the positive impact it has had on him.”
“Master Rhee not only teaches the students Taekwondo, but teaches them discipline, life skills, and self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“Instills values, teaches differences between Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Martial Arts, Kung Fu to the kids.”
“Master Rhee not only teaches the students Taekwondo, but teaches them discipline, life skills, and self defense.”
What students say
“Master Rhee is amazing and really has a way with kids.”
“Master Rhee, is an outstanding instructor who fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere for students of all ages and skill levels.”
“Master Rhee makes it very educational, fun, disciplined, and is over the top supportive for the kids that need it.”
“The form of martial art is not just about the moves, he focuses so much on discipline, the results of which I see with his behavior at home and outside as well.”
“He is great with children, helping them build self confidence and respect for others.”
“My son has been attending Master Rhee’s Tae Kwon Do classes for several months now, and I cannot say enough good things about the positive impact it has had on him.”
From the reviews
Addendum 12/10/2022 - Google said people actually read this. Update - our kids are STILL going to Black Belt Academy. Master Rhee - survived corona. My kids - kicking each other with body armor now. And my addition to my parenting arsenal - "Do you want me to tell Master Rhee what you did?!
My 5 year old and 7 year old boy's are attending Black Belt Academy for an year now , and I couldn't be happier with my experience. Master Rhee is are highly skilled and supportive, he makes each class both challenging and enjoyable.
My son has been learning Taekwondo from Master Rhee for a few weeks now. He loves it and looks forward to his class each week. Master Rhee is a wonderful instructor, and so are the junior instructors.
I am adding on to the review I left when my daughter first enrolled at Black Belt Academy 9 months ago (see below). Master Rhee is an exceptional instructor, and his program has made such a positive impact on my daughter!
New to taekwondo? Start at Black Belt Academy
Black Belt 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 Black Belt 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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