The Head Instructor is a bit of a head scratcher. Over a 2 year period with both my kids having…read morebeen in his class, I'd grade him (that dojo) as a "C." On the one hand, he can be consistent in both his instruction & expectations; that I appreciated. However, on the other hand he can be inconsistent in both his communication & his policies (regarding one of my kids withdrawal from his class), of which I obviously didn't appreciate. And even though he is in a customer service industry (and technically my child was contractually obligated), some people are just better at those things than others, so it is what it is...you provide documentation, you pay up and you move on. However, what was most alarming is that he can be verbally toxic and personally insulting. That is different, that is hard to let go/move on. In a customer service/community oriented business...in our town, that was shocking. That behavior is unnecessary & completely inappropriate. This is where he crossed the line. It's perfectly fine to be disciplined in instruction & critique to correct; and/or disciplined in conversations with parents to explain things, I have very little problem with either of those. But personal jabs and insults are totally unprofessional. For the record, he subsequently emailed me after a couple days (much faster than recent previous attempts) to apologize, so I'll note that = but will not excuse the behavior...because I believe someone whose been in the community this long should know better. There are better options in our town for your kid(s).

As a high-ranking black belt Certified Taekwondo Instructor who taught Taekwondo for many years…read more(15+) with Mr. Hamlet, I would not take my child there. Over the years he treated people with great disrespect including the entire Instructor staff which is why we all left! It's one thing to have discipline running a tight ship and it's quite another to act like a complete horse's.... yelling at children! As an instructor, I was always able to get the kids attention and elicit good behavior without screaming at them. I'm not sure if he has changed. Talk about someone who doesn't practice what they preach. Your rank or degree means nothing, absolutely zero unless you walk the walk in your daily life. Lead by example if you do anything right. Everyone is used to learning by following someone else, but sometimes we can learn what not to do or how not to act by observing an individual. This is one of those times...... I vividly remember a time when he was practicing for his 7th Degree black belt test. We were free sparring punching and kicking each other and I hurt his little finger as he tried to block my round kick to his head. He immediately stopped fighting and screamed at me for 30 minutes, saying I ruined his chances to test, pacing up and down the floor like a spoiled child. I remember thinking... why? would a Taekwondo master whine about a little injury? I would love to see him compete in a real full-contact environment; this might be why he was knocked out before when he tried kickboxing. An overall great technician with flashy techniques, but a lousy businessman and living example. He is without a doubt the most egotistical and self-absorbed man I know. Hopefully, he has calmed down a bit and is paying his staff if he has anyone willing to work with him. Last time I checked we lived in America not communist China!

A recently learned of the concept of "A Third Place." Coined by Ray Oldenberg, it's a social…read moreenvironment that is not home (first place) and not work (second place). He identified key characteristics of all third places. "They are on neutral ground and promote social equity by leveling the status of guests. Conversation is the main activity and the mood is playful. Strangers are welcome, and there are regulars who feel a piece of themselves is rooted in the space. They enjoy the same feelings of warmth, possession, and belonging as they would in their own homes." I know this is seriously corny, but William Kim's Tae Kwon Do Center is the best Third Place for families. You truly feel a sense of community when you are there. All the instructors are so good with the kids. I have personally seen how beneficial Tae Kwon Do is through my own 9-year old (who started in 2023 at 7). He has blossomed due in large part to Tae Kwon Do. Because I attend almost all of my son's classes, I've also witnessed so many other students excel. These kids learn discipline, respect, perseverance and many more valuable social and emotional skills. And even though the students are training hard during class, the classes are actually really fun! Even for parents just sitting and watching. In addition to being a great place for your kids, as a parent, you might find yourself connecting with other local parents who may even become close friends and trusted associates. Families have been sending their kids to William Kim's TKD for decades and for good reason. The center has deep roots in the Vallejo community. Third places like William Kim's are successful because of the people who volunteer and work there--especially the Kim family--who are committed to improving each students well being through the discipline of the art of Tae Kwon Do. Families continue to flock here because they can see and feel this commitment. Also there are not many places you can go to like this, where you see different generations, from gen alpha to millennial, gen x and beyond, socializing well and getting along with one another. Sidenote: My husband had been wanting our son to start Tae Kwon Do for years, since he participated in several martial arts when he was younger. He did extensive research before deciding where to start. He picked William Kim's because of Grandmaster Kim's excellent reputation (Grandmaster is a 9th Don!) And, even though we live further away in Cordelia, we believe the quality of William Kim's is definitely worth the drive to Vallejo.

My oldest asked to check out the TKD studio by the taco truck on Springs. I honestly didn't realize…read moreit was even there. We went to check it out and right away both my boys loved it. They had a 30 day trial to check it out and see if it was a good fit for us, even my husband decided to give it a try and joined the adult class. We are now a little over 2 years in and absolutely love it here. My husband and boys are now senior blue belts, half way to black belts. Going to this studio was the best decision we made for our family. Everyone at WMK is amazing and makes you feel so welcome. We are always bragging about our extended family! If you're considering it, you should just go in and give it a try. You won't be disappointed!

We've been with Master O for the last 5 years. He is an amazing instructor, we all learn so much…read morefrom him. He is truly the best! Highly recommended!

Master O is the absolute best. He doesn't rip off his customers for belt testing and he cares…read moreabout the adults and children who go to his classes. He is an old fashioned Korean Master and he upholds his standards as such. check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnDBDFuW3N4

I can't say enough about Women Empowerment at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vallejo! What started as a personal…read moregoal to earn my pink belt quickly turned into joining a community of inspiring women who truly have each other's backs. From day one, I felt welcome and supported. Nikki is a phenomenal instructor--she teaches with clarity, structure, and real-world practicality that makes every class feel valuable and impactful. Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, build confidence, or find a strong community, this is the place for you!

We first tried a Jiu Jitsu gym in Fairfield, and after just one class, we left very unsatisfied. My…read moredaughter, who was only 5 at the time, was placed in a class with much older, more experienced kids without any explanation, guidance, or pairing with a mentor. During one exercise (which had never been explained to her), a more experienced student took it upon himself to "correct" her by tripping her, causing her to fall face-first. The instructor neither checked on her well-being nor addressed the behavior. The incident left her shaken and unwilling to try Jiu Jitsu again for quite some time. After months of encouragement, she finally agreed to give it another try, this time at Gracie Jiu Jitsu, which had been highly recommended by fellow school parents. From day one, the difference was night and day. The coaches are not only professional and skilled, but also incredibly patient, welcoming, and attentive to each child's needs. They make sure every student understands the exercises and feels safe while learning. One moment that really stood out to me was when my daughter accidentally overextended her wrist. Both coaches checked on her at separate times, Coach Miro even offered to wrap her hand, and later Coach Nikki reassured her that these things happen and everything would be okay. As a mom, that level of care spoke volumes and showed me they truly prioritize their students' well-being. What I also love is how they blend skill-building with play. They incorporate games like Simon Says and end the class with dodgeball. This isn't just fun, it's smart. Play is a crucial part of how children learn, and it's clear the coaches understand how to keep kids engaged, motivated, and happy while still teaching discipline and technique. Beyond physical skills, Gracie Jiu Jitsu focuses on life lessons. Each month, they highlight a value, last month's was respect. The coaches talk about what it means, how to show it, and how it applies outside the gym. They also teach the importance of community, standing up for others, and resolving conflicts peacefully, using Jiu Jitsu techniques only when truly necessary for self-defense. My daughter is now not only learning how to protect herself, but also how to be respectful, compassionate, and confident. Gracie Jiu Jitsu is giving her tools that will serve her for life. Highly recommended.

Main Street Martial Arts has been an absolute godsend to our family over the past three years. When…read moremy son first started, he was struggling in school with hyperactivity, poor impulse control, and difficulty focusing. The transformation we've witnessed has been remarkable. The instructors at Main Street Martial Arts are incredible role models who have helped my son channel his abundant energy in positive ways. He has become stronger, more focused, and significantly more respectful. The improvement in his behavior and self-discipline has carried over into all areas of his life. We utilize multiple programs offered by the studio: Regular classes After-school program (they even provide van transportation twice a week!) Summer camps Holiday camps My son genuinely loves going there and has excelled in martial arts competitions. The instructors provide an excellent balance of structured routine and challenging workouts, while also incorporating fun community activities that keep the programs engaging and interesting. The owner Lance and all the instructors deserve tremendous credit for creating such a positive, nurturing environment. They've given our son an amazing outlet for his energy while teaching him valuable life skills. We are incredibly grateful for everything Main Street Martial Arts has done for our family. If you're looking for a martial arts program that truly cares about developing the whole child, I cannot recommend Main Street Martial Arts highly enough.

This is a great discipline for all ages!…read more My 13 year old son has been training at Main Street Martial Arts for a little over a year now and he loves it! After years of competitive boys gymnastics we decided it was time to try something new. Taekwondo has been a wonderful transition, still offering a constructive mind-body challenge, and a better fit overall for our family. The studio is spacious, family-friendly, has a positive community atmosphere and very dedicated staff. It's a been such a safe & healthy social outlet (especially during the pandemic) where fitness, growth and respect are paramount.

amazing instructors. very friendly, really great with the kids!!!! we absolutely love this place!!!!read more

My daughter is on her way to become a black belt & my son just finished testing for his 2nd degree…read moreblack belt. Love this studio and the family who runs it!

When our daughter joined Do Martial Arts, she was very scared and nervous. What we found out is…read morethat Master Jay and Master CJ treat all the kids like family. They are very kind and loving towards my daughter, but at the same time expect her to show respect, focus, and discipline. She is now more confident with tests in front of an audience. She pays attention and follows instruction better. I am grateful that she is continuing to learn how to be a better person with the help of Do Martial Arts. Thank you

We love Do Martial arts! Our daughter has been attending for several years now and has gained so…read moremuch strength and confidence through her experience. The instructors are also kind and teach with both rigor and gentleness. She loves taekwondo and has grown so much! We recommend them for a positive environment to learn taekwondo.

As a high-ranking black belt Certified Taekwondo Instructor who taught Taekwondo for many years…read more(15+) with Mr. Hamlet, I would not take my child there. Over the years he treated people with great disrespect including the entire Instructor staff. It's one thing to have discipline running a tight ship and it's quite another to act like a complete horse's.... I'm not sure if he has changed and I really don't care. Talk about someone who doesn't practice what they preach. Your rank or degree means nothing, absolutely zero unless you actually walk the walk in your daily life. Lead by example if you do anything right. Everyone is used to forward learning, meaning we learn by following someone else but sometimes we can learn what not to do or how not to act. This is one of those times...... Overall great technician but a lousy businessman and living example. Hopefully, he has calmed down a bit and is actually paying his staff if he has anyone willing to work with him. Last time I checked we lived in America not communist China!

Beware of signing a one-year contract for a child, their interests can change and they like to try…read morea lot of different things. It's a huge commitment but required when you sign up. Single mom? Recent separation? Work schedule changes and can not get to class? No exceptions unless you move away and can provide proof of your new address. It would be nice if there was consideration to unpredictable life circumstances, but hey, a contract is a contract I suppose. Just be aware of the commitment before you sign up. As to the class, we like the instructors. Issues came up with the time of the classes offered. Waiting for my contract to expire. Counting the days...