When choosing a Taekwondo school, what matters most? The facility and location matter, of course — but in the end, it comes down to who is teaching. At US Taekwondo Center in La Mirada, every class is taught personally by Master Jang Hwan Kim. Today, we’d like to introduce the man who leads our dojang.

Teaching on the mat since 1996

Master Kim has been teaching Taekwondo since 1996. Over nearly three decades, countless children have grown from white belt to black belt under his guidance — and some have gone on to compete internationally. What that experience represents isn’t just technical skill, but a deep understanding of how to help each individual student grow.

Coaching the USA National Team in 2007

A defining chapter in Master Kim’s career is his role as a 2007 USA National Team coach. That year, he led a 10-athlete USA National Team at the 3rd Korea Open Taekwondo Championship in Incheon, South Korea. He was officially recognized for his leadership at the event by California Taekwondo United.

That national-team-level coaching experience carries directly into every class. From a four-year-old putting on a uniform for the first time to an athlete preparing for competition — the chance to learn from the same master is a rare opportunity.

A track record on the record

Master Kim’s work has been documented in many places:

• Teaching Taekwondo since 1996
• Team Coach, 2007 3rd Korea Open Taekwondo Championship (Incheon, Korea)
• Tournament Committee Chair, California Taekwondo United (2018)
• Featured cover athlete, Martial Arts USA Magazine
• Coached gold medalist Jonathan Kim (2015 Trinidad & Tobago Open)

Teaching people before technique

There’s something Master Kim always emphasizes: Taekwondo is about far more than kicks and forms. In his words:

“The goal of our school is to nurture individuals with discipline and confidence, and to raise people who respect their parents and others. Holding true to the traditional spirit of Taekwondo while using innovative teaching methods to help students become true winners in life — that’s why I step onto the mat every day.”

In fact, what parents tell us most often isn’t about technique — it’s about changes in attitude. “They greet people properly now.” “Their focus has improved.” “They’ve gained confidence.” That is the Taekwondo Master Kim strives for.

Come meet him in La Mirada

Reading about him is one thing — meeting him is better. US Taekwondo Center offers a free trial class. Experience Master Kim’s teaching firsthand and see if it’s the right fit for your child. We’re an easy drive from La Mirada, Buena Park, Whittier, Fullerton, Norwalk, and La Habra.

• Instructor: Master Jang Hwan Kim (teaching since 1996, 2007 USA National Team coach)
• Location: 15532 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638
• Phone: (714) 739-8676
• Who: Children ages 4+, teens, and adults

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“My child wants to start Taekwondo — but aren’t they still too young?”

It’s one of the most common questions we hear at US Taekwondo Center in La Mirada, especially from parents of 4- and 5-year-olds. If you’ve wondered the same thing, this guide is for you. Below, we break it down based on the experience of Master Jang Hwan Kim, who has been teaching children since 1996.

The short answer: kids can start as early as age 4

Many parents assume they should wait until elementary school. But in reality, ages 4 to 6 are a wonderful window to begin Taekwondo. Of course, we’re not teaching advanced kicks or sparring at this age. Our Pee Wee program works completely differently.

At US Taekwondo Center in La Mirada, our Pee Wee classes (ages 4–6) focus on:

• Listening skills — paying attention to the instructor and following directions
• Basic manners — bowing, taking turns, and respecting classmates
• Balance and coordination — developing motor skills through play-based movement
• Focus — building attention span through short, fun, repeatable drills

In other words, Taekwondo at this age is less about “exercise” and more about being a child’s first training ground for social skills and character.

How it changes by age group

Every child develops at their own pace, so what matters more than age is your child’s temperament and readiness. That said, here’s a general guide.

Ages 4–6 (Pee Wee)

The main goal is simple: help your child fall in love with the dojang. Rather than forcing discipline, we let kids move, play, and naturally absorb manners and focus. Children who have a positive experience at this age often continue for years.

Ages 7–9 (Early elementary)

Many instructors consider this the ideal window to start. Kids this age are flexible, eager to follow their instructor, and full of the energy that makes skills come quickly. Starting a sport earlier than their peers builds physical ability — which turns directly into confidence.

Older kids, teens, and beyond

It’s never too late. Older students often learn forms and principles faster thanks to greater comprehension, and their clearer sense of purpose gives them strong motivation to advance through the belt ranks.

What Taekwondo gives your child

Parents choose Taekwondo for far more than fitness. Here are the changes families tell us about most often:

1. Respect and character — Parents constantly tell us their child behaves differently at the dojang than at home. Respecting elders and following rules becomes second nature.
2. Confidence — Each new belt brings a real sense of “I did it.”
3. Social skills — Kids learn to interact naturally with peers and older students.
4. Fitness and health — Many parents report their child eats better and gets sick less often once they’re active.
5. Energy release — Channeling all that energy in a healthy way means less stress at home.

Convenient from anywhere near La Mirada

US Taekwondo Center is located in La Mirada, but families come to us from across the area. Whether you’re in Buena Park, Whittier, Fullerton, Norwalk, or La Habra, we’re just a short drive away. Since many parents bring their kids after school, we schedule our classes to work around local school hours.

Wondering if it’s right for your child?

The best way to find out is to experience it firsthand. US Taekwondo Center offers a free trial class. We provide the uniform — just come in comfortable clothes. You’ll get to see whether your child enjoys the class and connects with the instructor before you commit.

• Who: Children ages 4+, teens, and adults
• Where: 15532 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638
• Phone: (714) 739-8676
• Instructor: Master Jang Hwan Kim (teaching since 1996, 2007 USA National Team coach)

Start your child’s Taekwondo journey at US Taekwondo Center in La Mirada. Call us anytime or book a free trial to get started.

Book a Free Trial Class · See Class Schedule

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