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Empower Taekwondo HQ
5 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in New Bern, North Carolina
Style / system: Olympic / World Taekwondo — 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 →
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 (ages 4–14) — 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
- Sparring sparring classes, from Olympic-style to point sparring — controlled, gear-on training that builds timing and confidence at your own pace
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule empower-tkd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (252) 649-8668
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter started here back in August and has made strides of improvement not only in physically learning this art but in her confidence in her own abilities as a student.”
“I have been doing Kick2BeFit and self defense training with Master Hama for over a year now.”
Other martial arts here
“I have been doing Kick2BeFit and self defense training with Master Hama for over a year now.”
What students say
“We are back again for virtual learning camp -- Master Hama has set up a great program so that the kids can do their online schooling but also get to be active and have fun!”
“It's not just his experience in Taekwondo that makes this an amazing program, but also his dedication and skills in working with learners of all ages.”
“This way it increases our family time because I am not just waiting & watching them and then squeezing in my workouts at other times!”
“My daughter looks forward to her classes every week and cannot wait to learn new forms, moves and skills.”
“My son always looks forward to going and his focus and behavior has benefited from being in taekwondo.”
“Madison has gone from a shy, quiet child to a strong, confident young lady who has competed and medaled in both state and national tournaments this year.”
From the reviews
Master Hama teaches more than just Taekwondo to his students! He instills self-respect and respect for others; he aids in teaching them doing good for & to others, is best for self confidence. Believing in yourself to make a difference in a positive respectful way!
Master Hama, lives what he teaches! Persevere, indomitable spirit, respect, and discipline. My kids have enjoyed learning TKD from him and I have enjoyed TKD classes and the Kick2BFit classes. Here you will find the support you need to grow both physically and mentally!
Empower Taekwondo has been a place of growth, encouragement and achievement for our daughter. Over the past year we have seen her confidence ascend to new heights and she’s now finding joy in coaching younger students and me (her mom).
My family has been so thrilled to find and join the Empower family - and that really is what this dojang is. Our daughter has been taking a bit over a year. She is a part of the after school program and takes classes as well. Our daughter loves Master Hama and his staff and we really believe the feeling is mutual.
New to taekwondo? Start at Empower Taekwondo HQ
Empower Taekwondo HQ 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 Empower Taekwondo HQ
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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