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Empty Hand Combat

4.9 ★★★★★ 188 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Nampa, Idaho

Taekwondo school Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Sparring

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 3–13) — 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule emptyhandcombat.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 208-872-5425

Hours

Monday 3–8 pm
Tuesday 3–8 pm
Wednesday 9 am–8 pm
Thursday 3–8 pm
Friday 3–8 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 Empty Hand Combat, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 34 mentions

“The consistency and structure of the schedule allow the kids to truly grow, learn, and improve over time.”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Today about 35 ladies from our church joined Cosmo and his team for a self defense class.”

All schools that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Taekwondo schools are often multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Empty Hand Combat — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Today about 35 ladies from our church joined Cosmo and his team for a self defense class.”

Other schools that also teach self-defense →

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 188 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“Being part of this gym has been a wonderful experience, and we are extremely grateful to be part of such a supportive and welcoming community.”

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 17 mentions

“Empty Hand Combat is the only gym in the area that offers classes three days a week, which has made a huge difference for our family.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“Muay Thai has brought out the bravery in my son. empowerment, discipline and obedience is taught.”

certified & recognized school 5 mentions

“Empty Hand Combat is a complete Godsent as I would've been in a really bad place without the guidance of Master Cosmo Zimik and Sarah Zimik.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 11 mentions

“He genuinely cares about their growth, not only in their skills but also in their confidence, discipline, and character.”

From the reviews

Today about 35 ladies from our church joined Cosmo and his team for a self defense class. They did an amazing job informing us and teaching us how to defend ourselves. Thank you Empty Hand Combat for a great morning!!

★★★★★ — Tj, Feb 2024

My two kids (8&6) and I, just completed family camp at Empty Hand Combat dojo. I liked what they were learning in regular classes so much I decided to join as well. Master Cosmo challenges adults and kids on all levels, physical, spiritual, mental and emotional.

★★★★★ — Sallie, Jun 2023

Hello, My Name is Ruthie and I love Martial arts because it has helped me in all aspects... Patience, Peace, Strength, and Confidence! Empty Hand Combat is a complete Godsent as I would've been in a really bad place without the guidance of Master Cosmo Zimik and Sarah Zimik.

★★★★★ — Ruthie, Feb 2023

Empty Hand Combat is the only gym in the area that offers classes three days a week, which has made a huge difference for our family. The consistency and structure of the schedule allow the kids to truly grow, learn, and improve over time.

★★★★★ — Aaron, Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 188 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at Empty Hand Combat

Empty Hand Combat 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first taekwondo class at Empty Hand Combat

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 Empty Hand Combat

204 3rd Ave S, Nampa, ID83651

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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.