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TKO Martial Arts Academy

5 ★★★★★ 97 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Winter Haven, Florida

Taekwondo school Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule tkomartialartsacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 863-213-5131

Hours

Monday 9:30 am–8 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am–8 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am–8 pm
Thursday 9:30 am–8 pm
Friday 9:30 am–8 pm
Saturday 10 am–2 pm
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 TKO Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 33 mentions

“My son is 13 and a black belt, so when we moved from Texas to Florida last summer we were worried we wouldn't find a place as great as where we came from.”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

Teens

“She talks constantly about wanting to teach like Miss Aubrey—one of the amazing teen Black Belt helpers she looks up to.”

All schools that run teens →

Other martial arts here

Taekwondo schools are often multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at TKO Martial Arts Academy — 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 97 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert masters & instructors 7 mentions

“Grandmaster Hwang has an amazing program with talented instructors who make it fun and challenging for the students.”

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 12 mentions

“I don’t even know where to begin because this studio has changed my family’s life in ways I never expected.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“She told my daughter that if I ever reported disrespectful behavior at home, she would not be allowed to test for belts.”

certified & recognized school 17 mentions

“Master Hwang is a fantastic motivator and gives confidence to all the children and motivates them to be the best version of themselves.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 30 mentions

“I was still hesitant—until I watched her look my daughter directly in the eyes and firmly but kindly explain that respect is important both at home and at the studio.”

From the reviews

TKO is awesome! This has been a great extra curricular for my nephew, he has learned so much in a year‘s time as well as the skills he’s obtaining are helping him with respect, self-discipline, and confidence. Coming to TKO is a great experience, not only for the child, but for the family.

★★★★★ — Ally, May 2025

My son has been attending TKO Martial Arts Academy for about 5 years and the summer program for the last 3. The staff is wonderful and happy to answer any questions with a smile on their face. I, myself, recently joined and enjoy every minute. Master Hwang is patient, caring, and very informative.

★★★★★ — Eryn, May 2025

Self motivation, self confidence, strength and commitment is what my son has learned throughout his years at TKO. I cannot recommend a better place for my son than this Taekwondo studio.

★★★★★ — Kelly, Feb 2025

We’ve been part of the TKO family for nearly 8 years. It has been such a wonderful experience! Grandmaster Hwang and the other instructors are so helpful & encouraging—really promoting a positive environment. Our child has learned so much and gained so much confidence.

★★★★★ — Mary, Feb 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 97 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at TKO Martial Arts Academy

TKO Martial Arts Academy 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first taekwondo class at TKO Martial Arts Academy

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 TKO Martial Arts Academy

6290 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL33884

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.