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Innovative Martial Arts

4.7 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Scotts Valley, California

Taekwondo school Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule scottsvalleymartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (831) 438-5425

Hours

Monday 3:15–9 PM
Tuesday 2:30–8 PM
Wednesday 3:15–9 PM
Thursday 2:30–8 PM
Friday 2:30–6:30 PM
Saturday 9 AM–1 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 Innovative Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 33 mentions

“They have great patience with instructing the children in their classes, and even give extra instructions, one on one, if a student doesn't comprehend the moves.”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

🐲 Little Dragons

“We started our 4 year old in the Little Dragons class here shortly after his birthday.”

All schools that run little dragons →

👤 Private Lessons

“They have great patience with instructing the children in their classes, and even give extra instructions, one on one, if a student doesn't comprehend the moves.”

All schools that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“Not only have we been able to get a good workout while learning self defense and having fun, we've made great friendships and connections to people of varying ages and backgrounds.”

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 Innovative Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🎽 Karate

“We signed him up after hearing from several older friends how good karate was for their kids' confidence and strength.”

Other schools that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Not only have we been able to get a good workout while learning self defense and having fun, we've made great friendships and connections to people of varying ages and backgrounds.”

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 30 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“I think they definitely are the BEST Martial Arts school for beginners who want to learn the Korean art.”

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 6 mentions

“The curriculum at Elite MA makes me feel better about myself and provides an excellent family atmosphere, where I have met some wonderful people and made great lasting friendships.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“It has truly helped my children build self confidence and for that I'm grateful.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions
🧠 builds confidence & discipline 15 mentions

“At Elite they have learned not only how to handle a fight, but they have also learned that by being nice, polite, respectful, confident, they become stronger.”

From the reviews

Several years ago I chose to enroll my children in martial arts to have a fun activity to do. What I discovered is that Elite Martial Arts Academy is so much more than just a fun activity for kids.

★★★★★ — Lori, Jul 2012

Mrs Franklin and all the instructors at IMMA are incredible, role models who are an awesome part of my daughters life. I love that my daughter is learning self control while exercising her body and her mind! She has grown so much in the almost year we’ve been participating and still loves it!

★★★★★ — Paige, Jan 2019

We started our 4 year old in the Little Dragons class here shortly after his birthday. We signed him up after hearing from several older friends how good karate was for their kids' confidence and strength.

★★★★★ — Amanda, Jan 2019

Elite Martial Arts Academy is much more than just teaching tkd. My sons have been going to Elite since they were 3 years old and now they are 9, 7, & 5. They have learned to persevere, that nothing good comes easily. They have learned to respect others and themselves.

★★★★★ — Jane, Jul 2012

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at Innovative Martial Arts

Innovative Martial Arts 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first taekwondo class at Innovative Martial Arts

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 Innovative Martial Arts

216 Mt Hermon Rd, Scotts Valley, CA95066

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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.