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Gold Medal Taekwondo Academy
4.6 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Matthews, 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 →
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
- 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
- Membership memberships run around $200/mo — many schools also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- 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
- 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 gmtaclt.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 704-666-1680
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 3:30–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 3:30–8 pm |
| Friday | 3:30–7:10 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I enrolled my son (who was 5 yrs then) to GMT and we have thoroughly enjoyed seeing his skills and character develop.”
“They pay one on one attention to each child.”
“I've only just recently started classes there for self defense for about a month and a half and I am very satisfied with my classes.”
Other martial arts here
“I've only just recently started classes there for self defense for about a month and a half and I am very satisfied with my classes.”
What students say
“Very welcoming, great atmosphere, and awesome instructors!”
“The school does more than just teaching forms, sparring etc.”
“You practice on spot with other students and Master Song and correct any mistakes and misunderstandings you may have.”
“To say it precisely, GMTA is the perfect mix of discipline and fun.”
From the reviews
Master Song is the only reason for us to enroll our son in GMTA. Prior to enrollment we visited few other Taekwondo schools and when we finally checked GMTA, we decided to enroll our son based on the first impression. Master Song has the ability to get kids attention but at the same time let them enjoy learning.
I enrolled my son (who was 5 yrs then) to GMT and we have thoroughly enjoyed seeing his skills and character develop. The teachers take time to get to know the students and are very personable, polite and firm when needed. I look forward to my son earning his black belt there!
We love everything about GMTA! GMTA promotes strong body, mind, and character. I love the philosophies the children are taught. There is strong emphasis on courtesy, respect, and focus. I have seen a growth in my daughter and her peers since we began in May.
I've only just recently started classes there for self defense for about a month and a half and I am very satisfied with my classes. They teach you the basics and how to defend yourself. They also allow you to ask questions for any situation that may happen and explain how to defend yourself in that kind of situation.
New to taekwondo? Start at Gold Medal Taekwondo Academy
Gold Medal Taekwondo Academy 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.
Your first taekwondo class at Gold Medal Taekwondo 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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