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Rockford Academy Of Tae-Kwon-Do

4.8 ★★★★★ 148 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Rockford, Illinois

Taekwondo school Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 rockfordacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 815-621-2020

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10 am–8 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 pm–12 am
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 Rockford Academy Of Tae-Kwon-Do, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 26 mentions

“My kid looks forward going to class every week All the teachers are very helpful and patient they look forward to seeing every student succeed.”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

🐲 Little Dragons 3 mentions

“Our 5 year old son is doing amazing in Master An’s little ninja class.”

All schools that run little dragons →

Other martial arts here

Taekwondo schools are often multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Rockford Academy Of Tae-Kwon-Do — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

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 148 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert masters & instructors 6 mentions

“Master An is very patient and only wants what the child does as well, making sure they know what they are getting into and enjoy taekwondo.”

🧒 strong kids program 7 mentions

“Im excited to see how my sons confidence, focus, and listening skills are developing as we go further into the course.”

certified & recognized school 21 mentions

“Master An is very patient and only wants what the child does as well, making sure they know what they are getting into and enjoy taekwondo.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 17 mentions

“Not only do they teach Tae-Kwon-Do but they also teach the kids to build strength, learn discipline, have confidence and to have fun.”

From the reviews

My children have learned a lot while practicing tae-. kwon-do here. They have been homeschooled for most of their lives and really don’t know how to defend themselves against bullies (should they ever need to). This school has given them the confidence they were too afraid to have before.

★★★★★ — Janet, Dec 2022

Absolutely wonderful place! The dedication and commitment of Master An and Norm is outstanding! My daughter is shy. She has been in class for about 2 months and I can see the growth within her. The kids are being taught things that they will be able to use for the rest of their lives! Highly recommend for any child!

★★★★★ — Jessica, Apr 2025

My daughter has been involved with Rockford Academy for nearly 9 years and LOVES IT! It is a GREAT outlet for a 13 year old, and an amazing way to build her strength, learn discipline, and have fun! Master An & Matt & the entire staff are fantastic! (sorry the picture is blurry - she's so fast!!)

★★★★★ — Katie, Feb 2019

My daughter loves the little ninja program! She looks forward to it every week. She is very shy and not into team sports, so this is perfect for her. Master An and Mr Matt are friendly and very patient with the kids.

★★★★★ — Tracy, Sep 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 148 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at Rockford Academy Of Tae-Kwon-Do

Rockford Academy Of Tae-Kwon-Do 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first taekwondo class at Rockford Academy Of Tae-Kwon-Do

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 Rockford Academy Of Tae-Kwon-Do

1916, 3628 E State St, Rockford, IL61108

Get directions

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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.