Taekwondo in or around Berkeley
My daughter (8) took classes with the UC Berkeley Martial Arts youth program. She got her yellow belt after one semester, but we felt that the training was a little haphazard and not well organized, though the instructors were kind and trying their best. We're wondering if anyone could recommend anywhere else in Berkeley that would be supportive of kids, and girls in particular. Looking for after school hours.
Aug 13, 2025
Parent Replies
Our daughter started at TG Taekwondo this summer (in Albany, at San Pablo and Solano) and loves it. Can't speak to the seriousness of the training (I have no background in martial arts!) but we know two other families with grade school-aged girls who have kept it up for at least a year and been very happy. As a parent I appreciate their scheduling flexibility. Gender ratio may not be 50-50 but definitely plenty of girls at all levels.
My daughter takes TKD classes through her aftercare at TG Taekwondo on San Pablo in Albany. We've been impressed by the program and teachers. They seem to offer many classes outside of the aftercare program and at a variety of hours.
My son has been at Ahn Taekwondo (College Ave near Ashby) for about 2 years. He started when he was 9/10 years old and is now advancing in his blue belt. It seems to be a good mix of girls and boys, and he has really enjoyed it - it’s definitely a workout and requires a lot of discipline and practice. He’s in the black belt program, most classes are 6:15-7pm various weekdays with an hour Saturday late morning as well. I think we recently got a “bring a friend” email if your daughter wants to try a class reach out and I can dig up the details.
Our 5 year old daughter started taking taekwondo at Han Martial Arts in Montclair when she was 4. Although they aren't in Berkeley, they're close. The teachers are all outstanding and very child-focused. There's usually 3-4 teachers per class with youth instructors, so children are never left to their own devices. They provide gentle corrections and have a fun training style that fosters positive decision making, respect for parents and siblings, fitness, and self confidence. Korean language and customs play a large role in the classes -- we have learned them as a family with enthusiasm. Last but not least, our daughter's confidence and coordination improved significantly after the first three months. Han's is the absolute best.