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Hope's Tae Kwon Do
5 ★★★★★ 3 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Santa Barbara, California
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
- Website & schedule hopestaekwondo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (805) 636-1596
The classes they run
“Hope’s generous and kind spirit, which extends down to her other instructors, has encouraged my son to expand in ways we didn’t know were possible.”
What students say
“Master Hope and her team do a beautiful job with their Tae Kwon Do group.”
“Master Hope and Master Whitney helped our son to find his inner confidence again that I am personally forever grateful to them for.”
From the reviews
Master Hope and her team do a beautiful job with their Tae Kwon Do group. The ambience they create is wonderful, it makes everyone feel safe and do their best. The students are intrigued, all ages, and there is space for playfulness and a good laugh.
We were looking for a martial arts establishment in Santa Barbara. We happened upon Hope’s school. Hope’s generous and kind spirit, which extends down to her other instructors, has encouraged my son to expand in ways we didn’t know were possible. He’s excited to go to class and is fully committed.
New to taekwondo? Start at Hope's Tae Kwon Do
Hope's Tae Kwon Do 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 Hope's Tae Kwon Do
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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