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Jimmy Kim's Taekwondo Center (JKTC)
5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Laguna Niguel, California
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
- 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 jktc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 949-363-6688
Hours
| Monday | 3–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 3–7 pm |
| Friday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I would especially recommend JKTC to families with young children looking to grow in confidence, and competitive athletes who want to train to the best of their abilities!”
“Before JKTC, my grades were suffering as a high school sophomore, and I struggled with confidence and making friends.”
“Each belt test is appropriately challenging, making every promotion feel truly earned.”
What students say
“The Kim family has created a welcoming yet challenging environment where students are encouraged to push their limits and realize they can accomplish hard things.”
“The Kim family has created a welcoming yet challenging environment where students are encouraged to push their limits and realize they can accomplish hard things.”
“Even after 3 years, they remain excited to learn, progress in Taekwondo, and compete.”
“I quickly learned that the Kim family who run the school are among the best in the country with Master Noah Kim(3rd generation)currently leading the program.”
“I would especially recommend JKTC to families with young children looking to grow in confidence, and competitive athletes who want to train to the best of their abilities!”
From the reviews
In my opinion, JKTC is the very best sports taekwondo studio in Orange County. The studio excels at training for sparring in particular but it is the family friendly atmosphere & positive environment that makes this place so special.
I honestly can’t say enough good things about Jimmy Kim’s Taekwondo Center. My sons train here, and it’s been absolutely transformative for them. Their confidence has grown, their discipline has leveled up, and most importantly—they love it. What makes this place really special is the leadership.
I've been doing taekwondo for almost 20 years and this is one of the best schools in southern California and likely the best school in south orange county. Staff are very welcoming, friendly, and structured. The program is very solid.
Both of my boys attend JKTC, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. The instructors are not only highly experienced and professional, but they also genuinely care about each student’s growth—both in skill and character. What really sets JKTC apart is the strong sense of community. It feels like a family here.
New to taekwondo? Start at Jimmy Kim's Taekwondo Center (JKTC)
Jimmy Kim's Taekwondo Center (JKTC) 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 Jimmy Kim's Taekwondo Center (JKTC)
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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