Cho&#x27;s Taekwondo Academy

(7 reviews)

7.8 mi

My friend and I signed up for the free trial and everyone was so nice and helpful to us when we…read morefirst got there. I was still a beginner so I I didn't really know much of what they were doing but some of my classmates helped me and I did pretty well! If you join this class, you will learn how to be polite and some interesting new skills such as punching, drills, sparring, and some twist and turns when you are kicking. Everyone there is very friendly and kind to new people so don't worry that much.

This place is just awesome they have taught me so much about taekwondo and how to fight properly…read moreagainst bad people

Grandmaster David Ippen, 5th Degree Black Belt, school owner and instructor.

5th year anniversary.

5th Year Anniversary!

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Smith Taekwondo & Pro-Kickboxing Center

3.7

(3 reviews)

11.5 mi

These people have no communication, math or costumer service skills. They treat people with silence…read moreand backstabbing. Badly run busines.

Best place to train for children and adults. Master Smith is highly accredited and experienced. His…read moreTaekwondo program is the only legitimate Kukkiwon certified program offered on this side of Oahu. He runs fast-paced and dynamic classes designed to improve the skills and abilities of all students. They offer three types of classes for adults (TKD, Krav Maga, and kickboxing) and let us try them for free before we chose our program. We put our kids in the 4:30 class as well and they love it.

Our son Vince doing his flying side kick

Bullied? Not even once!

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Vince with an awesome Kick

Oahu Taekwondo Center

(29 reviews)

17.6 mi

I don't think there will ever be enough words to describe what OTC has meant for our family. My…read moreboys have been at OTC since 2021-2025 (summer) and they loved everything about this place. they always looked forward to practice. The best taekwondo gym on island! From poomsae to sparring, your child will succeed in both! They make champions there! My boys, have learned so much from the Mccutcheon family and their staff. Huge shoutout to Tasha for placing orders on gear and keeping upstairs running smoothly!

Aloha, Like most…read morepeople, I rarely write reviews when they are positive. Oahu Taekwondo Center has far exceeded my expectations. I am in constant amazement of how patient, caring, supportive and structured all of the leadership and staff are when caring for all of the kids in the class. My son is currently a Green Belt/5 years old and loves Oahu Taekwondo Center. Leadership finds a way to care for newer kids who are adjusting while at the same time maintaining order of the rest of the class. To be able to see all of the kids smiling, learning and displaying foundational character traits is such a joy to see. The Best activity/discipline we have enrolled my son in to date. Mahalo The Leong Family

2024 Nationals, Fort Worth, TX - Cheering Squad

2024 Nationals, Fort Worth, TX - Junior World Class

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King w Mr. Mccutcheon

Tropic Lightning Taekwondo

(7 reviews)

21.3 mi

Highly recommend putting your kids into the hands of Mr. Dan. He is a great instructor! Glad I…read morefound this place!

Mr. Dan is amazing teacher and he always breaks down the techniques. Kids are always joining his…read moreclasses and black belts always come back and help out because they love it. It's like family here. Kids have made friends quickly as well.

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Hawaii Elite Taekwondo Academy

(4 reviews)

22.7 mi

Sinsei Gonzales is awesome and has a wealth of knowledge. My son got his black belt after years of…read morestudying under him

I have coming here for almost two months with my boys, 5 and 7. I am amazed at how well Master G…read moreand the other black belts are able to provide individual attention, guidance, and direction to each student (from white belts like my boys and higher) throughout the entire session at a level relevant to the individual. My boys get a lot out of this and are excited before and exhausted after every lesson.

Martinez Physical Fitness Ctr Schofield Bks, HI

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StarPoint Residents Club Goodyear, AZ

Dixon's Taekwondo

(2 reviews)

25.7 mi

My 10 year old has been taking Taekwondo for a little over a year. This dojang is coached by Coach…read moreDixon and Coach Dyon the tag team duo of black belt coaches who are passionate about teaching the principles of Taekwondo and values of courtesy, integrity, perseverance and self control. I have seen my son's confidence and strength blossom with each board conquered (by hand or foot) and each progressed belt. This is not an "every child gets a medal" type of establishment. They are about discipline and respect and growing good little respectful humans. This is what I appreciate most in order to teach my child to keep striving and build resilience.

Great teachers good place to send your children to learn self discipline, respect, and self…read moreconfidence

2022 USA Taekwondo West Regional competitors: Dondria Kie, Aja Dixon, Madison Phromsiri, Nape'ahi Iwane

Poomsae

Warming up

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Smart Karate

(11 reviews)

8.9 mi

My daughter has been going to this dojo since 2016 and it's finally dawned on me It's Not About the…read moreBelts! Minus family, nobody has been more invested and dedicated in her personal growth than Sensei Manny. Kids absolutely love and respect him and they all have so much fun here. And the kids here... they are wonderful. They grow stronger together not just physically but in their hearts and minds and they are so supportive of one another. They are like little Avengers! I'm incredibly thankful for this program.

Like any parent, you have many doubts about a new place, instructors, whether your child will enjoy…read moreand learn anything, etc. I debated about sending my 5 year old here for 6 months but finally went to a class to check it out. The emails inquiring on information to visit with James, via Yelp messages, was responded back to instantaneous. I REALLY like that. It shows commitment that Smart Karate cares. As a picky parent, I have to admit this place is awesome so far and I enrolled him for a year (20% discount). Sensei Reiko and Sensei Gary have the positive energy, patience, and tone of voice that are perfect for children. There are a lot of helpers and no apparent discrimination of newbie vs. more skilled kids. I'm looking forward to Ethan learning to focus his mind and body, while having fun and learning some cool moves!

Waialae Elementary School

MaeMae Elementary School

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MaeMae Elementary School Belt Test

Lanikai Beach

4.7

(1.2k reviews)

7.7 mi

Lanikai beach is by far one of the most beautiful hidden beaches on Oahu! It's a half-mile strip of…read morepowdery white sand and turquoise water on Oahu's windward coast in Kailua, Hawaii. The beach itself features iconic views of the twin Mokulua Islands. On a clear day you can actually see the sandy beaches on Mokulua Islands. The popular Lanikai Pillbox Hike sits right above the neighborhood for amazing panoramic coastal views. Please note: zero amenities exist directly at the beach (no public restrooms, showers, lifeguards, or trash cans). Fortunately, some of the locals have placed trash bins near the beach entry ways. Parking is easily accessible if you don't mind walking. Parking directly on Mokulua Drive and Aalapapa Drive is permanently banned. Visitors typically park at Kailua Beach Park (about 0.8 miles away) and walk or bike over. We found parking on a side road a few blocks away (didn't get towed) and we stayed for several hours.

Soft sand, warm water, turquoise water, and beautiful views…read more The only downsides are that there are no bathrooms and no dedicated parking. However, we were able to find street parking in the nearby neighborhood pretty easily. There is another beach close by with restrooms if you need to wash up and clean up afterward. I love how calm this beach is with no waves. Easy for weak or non swimmers.

The boys can't wait to come back! Perfect beach day

Beautiful clear water

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Kaimana Beach

4.4

(197 reviews)

7.5 mi

I think it's a pretty cool beach to hang around if you are in the area. You get a good view of…read moreWaikiki and Diamond Head. I personally stop by here when I run for a break to chill and watch the waves. Definitely a cool beach to chill. There's a lot of tourists at this location - just a forewarning which is why I don't like to stay too long. Wherever there's tourists I absolutely cannot - but definitely if you happen to be in the area and you see it along the way it's worth a moment to stop and enjoy the views.

Nice to see the monk seals. At least they moved around a bit before the sunset. No rain so just…read morecool trade wind. Glad I found parking. Seals will be here a few weeks.

Happy Earth Day: mama monk seal Kaiwi and pup 1 week old

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Cromwell's Beach

4.0

(56 reviews)

6.0 mi

The waves are kind of violent and scary when they take up the whole shoreline, but I appreciate how…read morethis is not crowded by tourists if you go on a weekday. I don't like being surrounded by tons of people out here when I want to enjoy nature while I'm resting on a run. Was running for my life since I thought those waves were going to wash me away. Do keep that in mind when you go here LOL. The sand was kinda rocky with coral so if you go barefoot just be careful. I appreciate how this beach feels sorta-kinda private. Definitely out of the way.

Such an amazing little sneaky spot that my friend took me too, to enjoy a Poké bowl and a quick tip…read morein the ocean. This place, definitely feels like a local hangouts, but during our visit, it was relatively busy. Depending on the time of day, the water could be all the way up to the seawall or out enough for ample beach lounging and tide pool exploring. There's a great little spot near the cove for swimming, but it is a little treacherous getting there. Watch your step on the slippery algae covered rocks. Beyond that, have fun, respect the ocean, and whatever you bring with you make sure it comes back with you. Mahalo!

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Jane D.

124

12 years ago

I took classes from Master Cho in the late 1970's to early 1980's. I know -- it was a long time ago and I was just a teenager at the time. But, the year's have allowed me to put some perspective on the experience. Master Cho has become somewhat of a legend in Tae Kwon Do. I still have some of the skills I learned from the classes so many year's ago. His classes were extremely regimented and at times mechanical. He teaches the basic, power kicks. They are repeated so many times they become natural along with foot sweeps and hand strikes that you many not get at other dojos. Also, there is no question you will get a tremendous workout. I was exhausted at the end of the class even though I was a teenager in great shape. Now for the negative. Keep in mind that I am basing my review on how he taught over three decades ago. So, perhaps he has changed: He ran his dojo like a military camp. Nothing he said or did could be challenged or disobeyed. No one is perfect. So, even he made mistakes sometimes (such as mistakenly believing that his students did not line up "in time".). But, his autocratic personality made it impossible for anyone to question his mistakes. One incident still sticks out in my mind. I recall that one of his best students was a black (perhaps a brown?) belt who occasionally taught his classes. This student was excellent and a really nice guy. In fact, this student won a major tournament. Suddenly, the student stopped showing up for a few months. Then, he returned. When he returned, Cho kicked him out of his studio. A more "human" thing to do would be to ask why he stopped showing up. Did he fall ill? Was he in the hospital? Did someone die? Did he have to leave the state on a family emergency. There had to be a reason. So, I would say that Cho lacked empathy -- a quality that is, in my view, is more important than whether you can break flying bricks with your feet. Here's another example: Whenever Cho (or another instructor/black belt) ordered you to do something, you had to loudly respond "yes, sir". The problem is that some of the instructors/black belts were female. You were not allowed to respond "yes ma'am" to them even if they preferred to be called "ma'am" not "sir". Some people viewed this as sexist. Again, I am basing my review on the way he ran his dojo over 30 year's ago. Maybe he has evolved. I hope so. read more

Joslyn L.

112

3 years ago

Probably one of the best decisions in my life was signing up my family to Grand master Cho's Taekwondo. If you want to challenge yourself, bring out the best within yourself, and be different than you are now, this is how you do it. read more

Emiko T.

17 years ago

The real deal. Very focused and serious. It has been great for my son.

Cho's Taekwondo Academy - taekwondo - Updated August 2026

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