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Martial Arts University
4.9 ★★★★★ 135 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Charlotte, North Carolina
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.
Opened in 1995, this martial arts facility offers fitness & self-defense classes for kids & adults.
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 mauchampions.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (704) 364-1880
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Martial Arts University welcomes students of all ages, and while there is a wonderful, thriving community of children in the classes, adults will find just as much of a home here.”
“The one-on-one attention within group classes is something you rarely find at a martial arts school, and it shows in how much students grow — in skill, confidence, and character.”
“Positivity, challenge, character lessons, self defense, body mechanics… the building blocks of self confidence, achievement, and integrity.”
Other martial arts here
“Glendy is our Hapkido instructor, and she’s fantastic.”
“Positivity, challenge, character lessons, self defense, body mechanics… the building blocks of self confidence, achievement, and integrity.”
What students say
“From the very first class, she found a real sense of purpose and confidence — something I didn’t expect to see so quickly in a toddler.”
“The entire program has brought so much joy to our family seeing his confidence grow and watching our 4 year old become so proud of his own accomplishments!”
“My children started and Master Harris and his amazing teachers have changed my childrens mindset with tools of confidence and security and growth.”
“What makes Martial Arts University in Charlotte especially special is that Master Harris — the owner and founder — is still actively involved in classes.”
“The entire program has brought so much joy to our family seeing his confidence grow and watching our 4 year old become so proud of his own accomplishments!”
From the reviews
My five year old has been attending classes for over a year here. He has built so much confidence and leadership skills. I’m so proud of my little blue belt! This is a family business and they surely treat you as such!
Martial Arts University has been a meaningful part of our family’s life for the past 6+ years. What started as a simple COVID hobby has grown into something so much bigger, now both my kids and I are working toward our 3rd degree black belts.
I truly enjoy every class at this martial arts university. The atmosphere here is warm, encouraging, and full of positive energy. Master Harris is an exceptional instructor whose expertise shines through in every lesson. His explanations are always clear, effective, and easy to follow.
Our 5-year-old son has been at Martial Arts University for about two years now. From day one, all the instructors have been amazing — Master Harris, Ms. Hope, Mr. Mario, and Mr. Weber (just to name a few) are all incredible with the kids! They manage to find the perfect balance between fun, structure, and discipline.
New to taekwondo? Start at Martial Arts University
Martial Arts University 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 Martial Arts University
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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