HK Taekwondo

Most of the high reviews are from years ago.

Master Kim, the owner, is missing and rarely interacts with students. The instructors are hit or miss. If you get one of the 2 that actually teach they have different approaches that contradict each other. A 3rd teacher is a student that has no business teaching. He has no leadership ability and the students have no respect for him. At one point in 2022 their main instructor at the time went on vacation and then was out sick for an extended time. During that time, the owner, master Kim was still no where to be found and the classes were taught by students. When the instructor came back most of the classes were a disobedient mess. No one was prepared for that round of testing so they had the students repeat the previous test since they went 2 months without learning anything.

When you look at the calendar it is packed with classes, but that is not up to date. They teach multiple experience levels at the same time in a relatively tiny studio. There is no common space, for parents, gear, backpacks or shoes. Just a narrow walkway with a row of benches right off the mat. Students get close enough to hit spectators. Kids are stacked too close to each other and run into each other while practicing forms.

There is so much confusion about which class is at each time, you almost always end up with lower belts in the advanced class. They take 30 minutes to warmup, split into groups, maybe do 5-10 minutes of Taekwondo, and then spend the last 15 minutes of class playing a kids game like tag or jump rope.

The week before each test they realize how under prepared most students are and suddenly get serious. They need everyone to sign up for the test because it is a revenue generator.

You get to the test, where master Kim makes an appearance. His rambling and confusing comments drag the event beyond the expected time, usually running an hour late for 1 hour time blocks. The test devolves into him referring to everyone as "you" since he doesn't know any of his students names. He starts teaching a class during the test. It is really more judgement on the poor quality of instructors rather than the students trying to pass. The parents sit there asking themselves where this level of instruction has been the prior 3 months. Ultimately the students try multiple times, take breaks to have 1 on 1 training sessions before they try again. Eventually after enough attempts most of them pass.

I wrote this review while sitting at a belt test, watching multiple students fail even though they required a testing form to be signed in advance by an instructor, acknowledging they were ready. Master Kim determines if the kids pass the test, but the instructors somehow have no idea what his standards are. In the weeks leading up to the test, us and other families were requesting help on specific aspects of the test but the help provided by the instructor (who is actually a student on the performance team) was minimal and provided no constructive feedback. Over half of the students failed and the owner told those families that he would personally guarantee to work with them for 2 weeks and they would retest and pass. From Friday to Tuesday master Kim forgot about the promise he made. It turned into assigning a different instructor to work with them which turned into students (who were not instructors or black belts) working with the kids for about 15 minutes in one of the classes.

The most frustrating part of the re-test was an instructor telling the kids if they worked "this hard" before the original test they would have passed the first time. Absolutely disconnected, if the instructors were consistent every class, rather than just the week before a test, their students would have actually been prepared. But keep letting the kids run around playing tag with pool noodles.

My daughter started at HK Taekwondo as a Tiger (5 years old) and over the last five years has earned her Red Belt.

HK Taekwondo has been the one to take her through this entire journey so close to reaching the top.

HK Taekwondo is probably the best experience I've not only had with a martial arts studio, is has been and still remains one of the best family owned businesses I've ever had experiences with.

Master Kim and his Teachers are firm, consistent, teach discipline but not through aggression or anger rather sternness and firmness at a level the child can comprehend and understand. I believe this is why over the last five years, I have seen other kids also grow up in the same program.

If you want to start this journey as adult or with your child I very much highly recommend this school.

PS - I also know this school follows guidelines and teaching standards for a path to the Olympics.

My daughter, 9 y/o, is loving her lessons at HK. Their instructors are amazing, fostering an environment that emphasizes not only skill but, accountability, discipline, and teamwork. She's learning and growing through this great experience. The lessons are appropriately serious but, also fun. If you are considering lessons for your children, or yourself, I highly recommend HK!

So glad we found this place! Actually not on yelp but through friends' recommendation. There are many Taekwondo places here in this area to chose from but we wanted to find something that's taught by Koreans who learned this martial art in Korea (just wanted to find something that's authentic). Mr. Kim is just phenomenal. Not only is he great in Taekwondo but he loves children and he is great with them! Something that's rare in this type of sports. He remembers most of his students names, he knows their progress, he is easy to talk to and he is always around to greet everyone!

We were a little surprised about all the programs they offer on the website but once you visit their facility you just see how much fun the children have. Their after school program is in a separate area from the gym. Depending on the time and program it can get a little crowded and seating for adults can be limited.

Our 7 year old son and 4 year old son started Taekwondo and they both love it. For the little ones they make it fun with lots of games and breaks in between and of course teaching them the basics of Taekwondo. For the older ones it's all about discipline, coordination, strength training and learning to love and respect the sport. Perfect for my boys!

If you sign up for a year it is 125$ a month and you can come as much as you want to during the week (so it is totally worth it!!!). There is a one time registration fee 50$ and 40$ for the uniform.

You can also sign up for a free two trial (you can come as often as you want to during those two weeks!).

We absolutely love it here! 5 stars all the way!!

My last review was over 8 years ago. My 8 year old daughter is attending now. She does after school and TKD classes. This studio is still amazing. Master Kim and the other instructors are superb and great with the kids. My daughter loves going and even she's noticed what great condition she is in. She's happy to be there. I'm happy she's there. And I would recommend HK to anyone. Especially to families..

Are you looking for a South Korean TKD instructor who challenges and develops stronger character in students?

Master Kim (Owner of HK Taekwondo in Cedar Park) balances discipline and firmness with warmth and encouragement. The classes integrate drills and exercises to develop student's agility, strength, flexibility, endurance and core muscles. The students who work hard, sleep and eat right, look healthier and in greater shape. They also have a tendency to improve their confidence, discipline, competitiveness, and focus.

When the student is more committed about TKD, expect a lot more than a regular TKD class. For example: seminars, tournaments, long training hours, poomsae classes, core workouts, boot camp style classes, etc. Master Kim is always looking for ways to get the best out of the students.

Master Kim is: Respectful, humble, kind, and personable. He's strict, but approachable and at times even fun (especially with the younger students). Master Kim is clearly passionate and genuine about what he does and this is reflected in the many quality hours he's investing in his students (Mon to Sat). Yes, HK TKD is ultimately a business, BUT you can easily see that his focus is to provide kids a unique experience and the best training possible. Master Kim understands the simple premise that by trying to build one of the best TKD teams in Austin, the business side will take care of itself.

Lastly, if you want your kid to work harder at getting a black belt (advancement may take a bit longer), if you are okay seeing your kid get pushed to be the best while receiving a few kicks here and there, then look no more. When kids and parents are committed there are higher chances to see a more focused, motivated, fit, resilient, though and disciplined student.

Very professional and organized. Came in to see if my 8 year old would like and signed up for a year after the first trial class.

It's great place for kids to learn Taekwondo and discipline while having fun at the same time! Master Kim and other instructors are great supportive and encouraging the kids to do their best and to be a great leader.

My son has been a student at HK for a year now, and the change in his confidence and determination is amazing!! The instructors are the best I've seen in any sport: supportive yet always encouraging the kids to to their very best. They teach the kids to work hard and earn what they get - no "every one gets a trophy" here! Master Kim is just amazing, the students, including my son, want to make him proud, and it shows! And don't even get me started on the supportive parents and kids! Just love this place!

My boys love this place. All of the instructors are strict but fun at the same time. They know how to bring the best of their students . They do it in a very subtle way and yet do it specific to the child to help bring his strength out. Great stress is placed on being disciplined and respectful. What I also love about his place is the students end their class with the pledge.