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CORE Taekwondo Performance Center

5 ★★★★★ 88 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Wake Forest, North Carolina

Taekwondo school Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Sparring Competition team

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
  • Sparring sparring classes, from Olympic-style to point sparring — controlled, gear-on training that builds timing and confidence at your own pace
  • Poomsae & forms forms (poomsae) practice — the patterns at the heart of taekwondo and your belt testing
  • Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule coretkdpc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (919) 324-5335

Hours

Monday 2–8:30 PM
Tuesday 2–8:30 PM
Wednesday 2–8:30 PM
Thursday 2–8:30 PM
Friday 2–8:30 PM
Saturday 9 AM–2 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 CORE Taekwondo Performance Center, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 20 mentions

“They also do other activities outside of Taekwando like nerf wars to give parents a night out while the kids spend an evening playing with friends.”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

🥇 Olympic Sparring

“The Head Master is a former Olympic Sparring Contender, and other Masters and Instructors are top notch!”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“If your goal is to be a black belt, have better self confidence, and have the knowledge to protect yourself I 100% recommend signing up.”

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What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 88 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 13 mentions

“All of Masters and instructors are wonderful, friendly and yet very professional.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“The instructors are very knowledgeable and great with kids of all ages.”

certified & recognized school 11 mentions

“My 10 year old son has been studying with Master Doug since he was 4 years old, and I can’t even begin to articulate the impact Master Doug has had on his life.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 15 mentions

“If you value honor, hard work, discipline, and fellowship, then CORE will reinforce, support, and grow those values in your child.”

From the reviews

I HIGHLY recommend Core Taekwondo. It’s family friendly, wonderful staff, and the best atmosphere! I have been training at Core Taekwondo for about 6 years now. I have no complaints about ANYTHING! The classes taught are very interactive, and beneficial.

★★★★★ — Sarah, Jun 2019

Our child has been going to Core for a little over a year. The teachers do an amazing job with the "little lions". We've enjoyed watching our child go so much we decided to take a few classes our self. Master Doug will make you work hard and make you sweat.

★★★★★ — Karl, Feb 2019

My daughter has been going here for over a year and she loves it! The instructors are amazing with kids and you can tell they really care about them and strive to help them be their best. This kids learn and have fun at the same time. Great place!

★★★★★ — Susan, Feb 2019

From the start master Douglas and his family opened their hearts for our son ! He has grown very much with his training . One of the best schools in North Carolina! Most definitely worth every minute to be there ..

★★★★★ — Amanda, Aug 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 88 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at CORE Taekwondo Performance Center

CORE Taekwondo Performance Center comes up as a beginner-friendly school — noted on their own site. 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first taekwondo class at CORE Taekwondo Performance Center

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 CORE Taekwondo Performance Center

900 S Franklin St Ste 204, Wake Forest, NC27587

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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.