Martial Arts Schools near Lake Forest

“PKSA is great, very family friendly and fun. The instructors are extremely helpful, and patient. Parents are welcomed to join in classes with their kids.“

“LOMA is fantastic! The instructors are patient and encouraging, and my child has grown so much in confidence and discipline.“

“Been at Il-do Taekwondo for half a year now and I would say it's worth joining the membership. My overall health and fitness level has improved a lot since I started“

“My husband and I came together as my request but he ended up loving it so much that we moved from 2 days/week to 3.“

“Laguna Dojo has helped my son Luke pay attention and focus more. He’s three and has been dedicated for over 6 months. He’s loves to get his energy out and make new friends! 10/10 would recommend.“

“I’ve been practicing Taekwondo since I was 3 years old, and I can say without a doubt that Jimmy Kim's Taekwondo Center (JKTC) is one of the best schools in Orange County, if not all of California. The leadership team are true role models, not just as Taekwondo instructors but as human beings. The Kim family sets the standard for leadership and commitment, and they teach students confidence, leadership, and strong moral character.

Joining JKTC at 15 changed the course of my life. Grandmaster Jimmy Kim, Master Chase Graham, and Master Noah Kim helped shape me into the person I am today. Before JKTC, my grades were suffering as a high school sophomore, and I struggled with confidence and making friends. Training on the competition team with other motivated students inspired me to take control of my life, earn an academic scholarship to a top UC, and use the lessons from JKTC to positively impact those around me.

No matter your age or experience level, JKTC has something to offer you.“

“This is an overdue review.

We've been taking our kids here (Woodbury) for years and seen such positive development over time. Master Choi and Master Tracy run a very focused curriculum and find ways to make it fun for the kids at the same time. More important than the necessary self defense skills that we signed up for, the personal accountability, discipline, and community that is taught is priceless!

To note, we've found that there is a learning curve for the younger ones (before 6yrs) in the beginning. First few lessons, they're enthusiastic. Then, there's a period where they'll say they don't want to do it anymore. I highly recommend continuing the lessons and teaching the importance of commitment. By the third month, it becomes part of their routine and you'll see them re-engage wanting to improve to achieve the next level, next level, & so on. It was a big learning for my kids to know how to get over the initial challenges and that they can overcome and succeed with commitment and practice.“

“Master Lee and his team are amazing!! Both my kids started few years ago and I am extremely pleased with how Master Lee is able to work with them. We drive 30 mins, passing 10 other taekwondo places, but it’s definitely worth it!!“

“My son has been attending Novastar Martial Arts in Mission Viejo for 3 years, and our experience has been truly excellent. This is a very professional martial arts school with instructors who really care about the students and their progress.

What I appreciate the most is that they don’t just teach karate; they also help kids build discipline, confidence, respect, focus, and self-defense skills in a very positive environment. My son has grown so much since he started here.

I also had the opportunity to take classes myself for a while, and it was a fantastic experience. I had to stop because of my schedule, but they offer very convenient class times for both kids and adults.

Their prices are very fair, the staff is professional, and they also organize extra activities, events, and tournaments that keep the students motivated and excited to continue learning.

I highly recommend Novastar Martial Arts to any family looking for karate classes, martial arts training, self-defense classes, and a supportive place for kids to grow in Mission Viejo.

I’m also sharing a few photos because this place has been an important part of my son’s growth and confidence over the last 3 years.“

“I’ve been bringing my two oldest sons to NIXA for over 3 years and we couldn’t be happier. Master Yong Jin and his amazing team have created the best Taekwondo studio in Orange County. My boys have learned so much, not just martial arts, but confidence and discipline. We also love the Parents Night Out events. It’s such a fun and safe way for the kids to play, watch a movie, and spend time with their NIXA family. Highly recommend it for the whole family!“

“We love One Jiu Jitsu and it’s the best Jiu Jitsu gym around for our kids. Professor Mo and Professor Giva care deeply about the kids, making sure every student is having a good time. Here’s a photo of them having the kids sing happy birthday to make them feel special. I highly recommend it here. Thank you to their whole team.“

“Amazing place to learn self defense and beginners martial arts. All the instructors are professional and very welcoming. Highly recommend!“

“We have had a wonderful experience with Master Kang for almost 5 years now. My 9 year old son earned his black belt last summer and loves tae kwon do so much he is working toward his second degree black belt now. My 5 year old son has been training with Master Kang for over a year now and will soon test for his brown belt. The way Master Kang interacts with the kids is fantastic - he knows how to be strict when necessary but also have fun. The kids don't just learn punches, kicks, and forms, but also important life lessons. We couldn't be happier and look forward to many more years with Master Kang.“

“Prior to coming here we tried a few other studios around Orange County. We were told by a few that our kids just weren’t ready because they couldn’t focus. OC Martial Arts was different. They weren’t deterred by kids who needed a little more guidance, and were ultimately able to connect with them unlike anywhere else.

We’ve been taking our kids here for a couple years now, and the difference is night and day. Their school work has improved, their more focused at home, and hearing from teachers and other parents how well behaved my kids are never gets old. This studio has helped them physically and mentally, and I’m extremely grateful we finally discovered the right place for our family.“

“Absolutely amazing team here. They push the kids to do their best and make it fun. Being able to do group class and sparring across the family of USDA dojos is a huge benefit, too. Above all, they practice what they teach, they’re very fair with makeup classes and adjusting schedules when life and other activities get in the way of training. Belt testing in the park is something else; seeing your kid go into ultra focused beast mode to get their next belt is so fun to experience. It’s also great seeing the older students lead training with the young ones, teaching leadership and patience to both student and teacher.
One night, we had a scheduling nightmare and my youngest had to come with us to our son’s training; sensei Shehan and sensei Vincent had her join in training and earn her white belt. She was so proud of herself and is going to be the next one to sign up.“

“Grandmaster Leo Domino 8th Degree Black Belt Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do. I Remember Back in the Days, Song Yi Karate Academy Atlantic Boulevard, The City Of Bell California. The Training Including Sparring Was Just Like Equivalent Kyokushin Karate.“

“Ive been doing martial arts for years now, going to different gyms and traveling around OC trying out different gyms and subfighter will always be my first pick after discovering it, it fits into your desired schedule, has a variety of classes, great training partners and amazing coaches with experience. Your definitely getting what you payed for and 10x more than that. if you want to get into MMA, have done MMA, or want to get fit, here is the best spot in southern socal.“

“Great academy to learn or improve your Brazilian Jiujitsu. Professor Jason Youseph is a Master of his Craft and an incredible source to learn from.“

“Our family has been part of the Legacy Martial Arts community for more than six years, and our experience has been exceptional. The Master’s dedication, leadership, and genuine commitment to his students continue to inspire us.

We are proud parents of a twelve‑year‑old black belt and a nine‑year‑old brown belt, both active members of the competition team. Recently, they each earned gold medals at the 27th Golden State Open Taekwondo Championship. Their teammates are equally impressive, and it is a privilege to watch them train and compete together.

The camaraderie among the students is remarkable. They support, motivate, and encourage one another, creating an environment where hard work and friendship go hand in hand. Legacy Martial Arts has truly become our “home away from home,” and we are grateful to be part of such a positive and uplifting community.
Victoria“

“We did a trial class here and absolutely loved it. It was perfect for my 4.5 year old. As a parent, I was impressed by the instruction and enthusiasm from the coaches. Highly recommend!

The studio dog (Molly!) is also one of the nicest dogs I’ve ever met. I’d come back just to pet her.“

“I have truly appreciate GMA for instilling values of loyalty and respect in my daughter who has been a student at the school for about 7 years. Both my daughters have had the best time with the most dedicated instructors, and I would truly recommend GMA.“

“We’ve been part of this Taekwondo studio for two years now, and we absolutely love it. Master Lee and the staff are fantastic—fun yet disciplined. Our child has grown so much here, both in skill and confidence. He’s always eager to attend, proud to make Master Lee proud, and strives to be a role model. It’s been an amazing experience!“

“Great, solid techniques with an abundance of conditioning routines. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a sweat-inducing workout combined with practical skills.“

“My daughter has been a student for 7 years, we started in the Ladera Ranch location , and have stayed with Master Kim at his Irvine studio. Wonderful instructors that truly care about the kids .“