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Master Kim's Taekwondo Institute
5 ★★★★★ 152 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Rochester, New York
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
- Free trial or intro class most schools welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Website & schedule masterkims.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 585-377-2000
The classes they run
“We enrolled our daughter in the Tiny Tigers program a year and a half ago, hoping to find an activity where she could build confidence and connection.”
“Most martial arts focus on the physical training, and while MKTKD excels in their class work, they also offer much more for a students, from age 4 to 40, it doesn't matter.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“There's a reason there are so many positive ratings for Master's Kim's.... The very patient, kind and funny instructors are able to manage all types of kids with ease.”
“I called my wife during the first class we brought our daughter to at Master Kim's and told her how impressed I was and what a great fit it would be for our daughter.”
“:) (Thank you to all the staff at Master's Kim who not only serve the families of Rochester but also the community through their various charitable work as well!”
“Right from the first class my son was exposed to conversations about focus, good character, and respect.”
“Our kids both have such pride when they earn their medals, and recognition for their hard work.”
“I called my wife during the first class we brought our daughter to at Master Kim's and told her how impressed I was and what a great fit it would be for our daughter.”
From the reviews
We are so grateful for Master Kim's Taekwondo! Our son has thrived there over the past three years (and counting). Master Kim and the rest of the team have developed a true community, where the kids always feel supported, encouraged, and respected. Highly recommend!
Do you have strong-willed kids? Highly spirited, highly distractible kids? How about shy, uncoordinated kids? Fear not, Master Kim's Taekwondo can handle it! I know this sounds like an advertisement, but I just can't say enough positive things about MKTKD.
I love attending classes at Master Kim's Taekwondo Institute. It's a great workout and I've made some fantastic friends. The instructors are all top notch: they give detailed feedback and are enthusiastic, positive motivators. There are also a lot of well organized support materials online like their you tube content.
Our 4.5 year-old joined Master Kim’s Taekwondo in January and we couldn’t be happier with our experience so far. The staff is incredibly attentive and engaged with the children. There are plenty of staff members present, so each child gets attention every class.
New to taekwondo? Start at Master Kim's Taekwondo Institute
Master Kim's Taekwondo Institute 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 Master Kim's Taekwondo 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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