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Martial Arts Institute
5 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Santa Fe, New Mexico
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule martialartsinstitutesantafe.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 505-310-8356
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–3:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I asked my son what he would tell others about our dojang and he said "I love it, everyone should join, I never want to stop going!”
Other martial arts here
“Ive been doing martial arts, Karate and jui jitsu, my entire life, but the instruction I received with Grand Master and at the institute was next level!”
“Master Walker is an incredible Hapkido Grandmaster instructor!”
What students say
“Master Walker is both extremely patient and knowledgeable.”
“The community is lovely, I really enjoy the relationships we are forming and the energy that the parents, students, and teachers bring.”
“Ive been doing martial arts, Karate and jui jitsu, my entire life, but the instruction I received with Grand Master and at the institute was next level!”
“I appreciate the emphasis on spiritual and mental fortitude, respect and appreciation.”
From the reviews
I have been an adult student at Martial Arts Institute in Santa Fe since 2021. The Taekwondo style taught is called Moo Duk Kwan, Korean for "School of Martial Virtue", and virtue is highly apparent here. I have never encountered a more positive and encouraging learning environment than Grandmaster Walker's dojang.
Grandmaster Walker, the owner of the Martial Arts Institute, has been an instrumental person, a father figure, in my life for the past 34.5 years. I am always grateful not only for the martial art he has taught me over the years, but also for teaching me wisdom and kindness in my daily interactions with people.
I have known and been a student of Grand Master Daniel Walker for over 30 years! There is no better person or martial artist that I know. I highly recommend his school and am privledged to call myself his student. Chun-Ki!
Ive been doing martial arts, Karate and jui jitsu, my entire life, but the instruction I received with Grand Master and at the institute was next level! I highly suggest you go check it out!
New to taekwondo? Start at Martial Arts Institute
Martial Arts Institute 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 Martial Arts Institute
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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