I hate how the people are so mean and rude and also why to they just have to have bad service like why?!!!!??

Elite Taekwondo Center is one of the Bay Area's foremost taekwondo studios, headed by one of the country's most distinguished instructors, Grandmaster Kwangil Bae. If you're looking for quality instruction, ETC is a no-brainer. Grandmaster Bae is a world-class instructor, athlete, and international referee. He was recently appointed Head Coach of the AAU National Poomsae Team and is always up-to-date on the latest rules/regulations due to his connections at Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul). As such, you should expect only the highest level of instruction, as well as incredible opportunities for growth that can't be found at other Bay Area martial arts studios. Joining ETC (or GM Bae's other studio in Palo Alto) is akin to attending a top university like Harvard: you get as much out of it as the effort you put in, but your ceiling becomes much higher due to the availability of resources. For reference: I began training with GM Bae in Palo Alto as a blue belt, having transferred from another studio. Under his guidance, I reached the rank of 3rd-dan black belt, won medals at NorCal State Championships and the US Open, became a nationally-certified referee, and attended seminars led by world champions. GM Bae has an innate talent for teaching, and he has both an incredibly nuanced sense of the rhythm and aesthetics of poomsae (forms) and an intelligent understanding of sparring tactics. He designs exercises and describes physical motions in a way that is informative and easily accessible, and he truly embodies the spirit of taekwondo as not only a sport, but also a lifestyle. Elite Taekwondo Center offers classes for all ages and types of students, from beginners to nationally-ranked competitors. In terms of teaching style, GM Bae instills a strong sense of discipline and respect within his students, yet always makes sure to treat us with genuine warmth and care. There is a palpable sense of community and respect within the studio that has been crucial to my personal growth, and as an assistant instructor, it has been a pleasure to see even the youngest students mature into sharp, talented individuals. I really can't stress enough how valuable of an opportunity it has been to train with Master Bae - he is truly a one-of-a-kind instructor. read more

I have had the honor of being a student of Grand Master Bae in Palo Alto Martial arts and recently in Elite Taekwondo Center for more than three years now and the experience has been priceless. Grand Master Bae is a dedicated teacher with vast amount of knowledge and expertise. However, more than that he really cares about the growth and progress of each individual student. He sees the potentials and works with the individuals to improve them. He gives you opportunities to grow and be acknowledged. His style of teaching is versatile and not limited to certain techniques or curriculum. His encouragements, recommendations and supports has made me improve tremendously and I am forever grateful for that. So if you have a kid you want to enroll in this school or if you are an adult who ponders about learning martial arts you can not go wrong with Grand Master Bae and Elite Taekwondo Center. read more

I earned my 1st dan black belt in Taekwondo here, and I have so many happy memories from this place! I made some of my closest friends at this place. Master Na is not only an effective instructor, but also a great person. He really cares about each individual student and is understanding and kind. I went almost every single day even though the package I got was for training 3days/week (or something similar to that), but Master Na still welcomed me to each class. He even let other students and me try out some of his Hapkido and Kumdo classes just because we were interested. It's amazing that he has black belts in multiple types of martial arts! In addition to helping me learn more about Taekwondo and its history and helping me improve my stamina, strength, and flexibility, his classes also taught me how to be more respectful, kind, and patient. read more

My son has been going to Master Na's Academy for close to a year now. When he started he was interested but apprehensive about the martial arts. Master Na is very good with the kids. He knows how to get them comfortable, interested, motivated and then instill confidence to break the wooden boards. We were stoked when we saw our son do it for the very first time! At times, he allows kids to play and have fun and at other times, institutes respect and obedience into the kids. Pretty well balanced. Just like other asian/indian families who join this academy, we have nothing but high regards for the Master. If your kids are shy or unruly - definitely get them here. You will notice positive changes in the a matter of weeks. read more

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To start off, who I am today is largely attributable to the dedication and training Master Na gave me during my youth. When I began studying with Master Na's Academy, he spoke of Tae Kwon Do as being a way of life. He believed in me, made his studio a safe place for me to go after school, and pushed for me to learn discipline and respect for myself and others. The academy also taught me how to protect myself in physical situations, but even greater, taught me to determine when a situation could be handled without needing to resort to physical violence and gave me confidence in my abilities to ensure things did not turn negative. In junior high school I was a hyper youth that did not do well in class. I had already practiced at a previous Tae Kwon Do studio for over 5 years, one that pushed self defense and learning how to fight. These got me in quite a bit of trouble early on in my life. With the years I trained at Master Na's Academy. the incidence of fights in school diminished as my grades in school and homework completion began to drastically improve. I truly believe that his time and energy helped turn me into the man I am today. When I was in my junior year of high school, my college admissions essay was written on how martial arts had made me who I am. Even today, after going to a prominent university, getting my CPA, and having worked at a prominent multinational accounting firm, I still often look back to my early development and realize that many of the morales I live by were forged while training at Master Na's Academy. I would not only endorse, but urge parents to choose Master Na's Academy when looking for somewhere to teach their child self defense, disciple, respect, and safety. read more

Master Bae took over this school and this school is going to be great. Master Bae has great reputation as a great master and an international referee. Master Bae teaches very high caliber athletes and has many national champions that has learned under him. You will be very lucky to learn under his wing! read more

I visited Na's martial arts to pick my nephew up. This place was awesome!!!! It was full of energy and kept clean. Not even my nephew but all the other students(especially kids) looked they enjoy learning taekwondo at here!! I strongly recommend this academy for your children! They can learn not only martial arts but also the spirit of justice :) read more

I sent both my kids to Na's a few years back. Master Na and his daughters provided excellent, attentive, kid-friendly training in the discipline and technique of Tae Kwon Do. I was especially impressed with the repeated emphasis that one should always walk, but never run, from trouble when possible; but when trouble insists on following you, being prepared physically and mentally will provide considerable protection. Master Na is truly a Korean strongman -- kind, fatherly, disciplined and tough as nails. read more

First of all, I wasn't going to give any stars for Na's Tae Kwon Do. But in order to write a review, I must give one star. Master Na is a racist! He only treats Korean kids well. If you are not Korean, don't send your kids there. There are many other places we can put our money into. Secondly, when not many students showed up for lesson, he just let the students play or practice by themselves in the dojang (training hall) I thought we prepaid for all lessons, he should teach them regardless of the number of students during the lesson. All in all, I am not impressed with his service. read more

This is a great place to take your child or children for learning discipline. Instructed by one of the best Grand Master, Kwang Il Bae. GM students competes in local, state and National level in Taekwondo. Love the teaching methods and great with children. Highly recommend this location for anyone who is interested in learning Korean martial art - Taekowndo read more

My son was outgrowing his previous school so we found a few schools that we wanted to check out to help him do better at poomsae competitions. Grand Master Bae's school was the first one we visited because of the success his students had at States, Nationals, and International competitions. After one practice, my son was so impressed with the instructors that he told me that he was never going back to his old school. After 1.5 years, we couldn't be happier. Not only did he get national level instructors but he also benefited from other students whose successes showed him that there are no limits. He still has a lot of room for improvement but now at least it's up to him to decide how hard he's willing to work. read more

Elite Taekwondo is very fortunate to have Grand Master Kwang-il Bae as their Grand Master. He is one of the most dedicated, talented, authentic and caring martial arts Grand Masters I've had the privilege of knowing in my life. Both of my kids were fortunate enough to have trained under GM Bae at Palo Alto Martial Arts as their Taekwondo instructor for over 10 years. GM Bae has helped them achieve their 3rd Dan black belts, become champions and top contenders of Poomsae in state, national and international-level Taekwondo competitions, as well as certified Taekwondo referees. But most importantly, GM Bae has helped them become respectful, responsible, well-disciplined and high performing students and people. Its not an exaggeration to say that without GM Bae, my kids would not be who they are today. Its truly impressive how GM Bae's students are consistently some of the best Taekwondo Poomsae competitors in State, National and International competitions. He is also one of the most highly sought-after tournament referees for national and international championships. Every current and future student who trains under GM Bae at Elite Taekwondo Center (and their parents), should realize how truly fortunate and privileged they are to have someone of GM Bae's caliber and stature as their Grand Master. read more

Grandmaster Bae is one of a kind! He is super involved in the development of all his students and instructs the classes with the type of energy and enthusiasm that parents seek for their kids. My daughter has been attending his practices for over a year now, and I am impressed with his help in improving her skills. His influence on her training has absolutely shaped her motivation and optimism in the Taekwondo competition experience. read more

Coming from a taekwondo practitioner, I'm very happy for all the students at this establishment because you are now under the guidance of GM Bae. GM Bae has many times has gone above any expectations while training my athlete. He gives positive feedback while making sure the athletes delivers the correct method in competition. Congratulations Elite Taekwondo Center! #teameliteusa read more

Master Bae is very dedicated to taekwondo. My son started training with him for several months now and have improve significantly. We are grateful to be able to find such a great master whom truly care about the kids and how they perform. read more

Whether you want to do Taekwondo recreationally as a fun activity or if you want to do it competitive to make the National Team Master Bae is the perfect person to guide you in that direction. He is very knowledgeable in the art as well as a humble person. read more

Great environment, but nowadays master na does a lot less teaching. It's still great, and it may be just because I'm getting to higher levels now, but it seems like he does less and less each year. I would still definitely recommend na's to anyone looking to learn or have their child learn the great sport that is taekwondo. read more

Dedication and Inspiration are qualities of Grandmaster Na. I was never privilledged to be an official student of his, but I did try one class and also being a taekwondo instructor myself have seen the qualities that Grandmaster Na carries and have nothing but respect and high regards for him. read more

Master Na is a very kind instructor that knows how to be strict as well. Although his accent is thick, he is very helpful. Also, if one does not like the way he teaches, the student community at that school is very welcoming and helpful as there are very advanced students there. I would recommend stopping by and checking it out. read more

I attended here with my sister between 2003 and 2007, when I was in high school. Master Na is an excellent instructor. He is very kind and caring of your needs. He has great structure to his lessons, enabling you to easily move up through the belts, with practise. I was taught up to first dan black belt. I also enjoyed Kumbo, Hapkido and Judo lessons with Master Na. Master Na teaches self-disapline and self-confidence, which really helped me growing up. He teaches respect and how Tae Kwon Do is a way of living your life. Not only does Master Na help you master skills for self-defence, but he also helps broaden your mind and persective. He teaches students of all ages and ethnicities. He is very friendly, knowledgeable and respectful. He is very good with children and able to include them, even if it takes some convincing! If I lived closer I would 100% enroll all of my children, no questions asked. read more

Just signed up a 3 yr black belt membership for my son. He is 7 and enjoyed the trial class a lot. The BB club provides flexibility in terms of lesson time. Also, it is based on the pace of an individual. Sounds good for my son. read more