U.S. Taekwondo Academy

I started first attending US Taekwondo Academy when I was about 15 years old and trained under Master Shim for about 6 – 7 years after. USTA is a very well run studio that offers you both the traditional WTF Style and also Olympic Sparring as well. They also provide an adult class which is lead by Master Ben Moon and Master Dennis Moon and the rest of the Black Belt Staff. This staff encourages kids to pursue their goals in taekwondo and helps espcially the teen students w. different situations and most of all always encourages them as well. Master Shim is very kind and and gentle with all his students and is always eager to help the students learn more. I highly recommend this studio to all ages and levels.

I’ve been taking the adult color belt class here for a year and a half, and I plan to stay a lot longer! USTA is a great place to learn pure taekwondo. The class is a good mix of technique (such as forms, self-​defense, and technical drills) and sparring. Many of the instructors are active participants in local competitions, and they all have strong relationships with other taekwondo schools, so they always have new developments, styles, and tricks to share with the students.
The instructors are very friendly and accessible, and are always willing to answer questions and help out. They don’t let anyone slack off, though — students are held to the same high standards the instructors demonstrate. There are usually two or three instructors for every color belt class, which means a great student/​teacher ratio.
In addition, the community is fantastic. Everyone is really friendly, and there are many USTA picnics, parties, and other events throughout the year where you can get to know your fellow students and instructors outside class. Classes are fun, not just because you’re learning a beautiful sport, but because you truly enjoy being there with a great group of people.

Nothing but the best! I joined last year and I wouldn’t choose anywhere else but this place to learn taekwondo. Not only because they push you to do your best but because after a couple weeks, everyone there — Master Shim, the instructors and students — already seem like a second family. Though I left for college, I miss everyone and still hope to continue learning there in the near future.

You can really get a great workout here and meet lots of friendly people!

I’m just a yellow belt here, but love the training. The instructors and students are super fun and so are the parties :)

The best thing about this studio is the environment created by the instructors and all the students. The class is catered to co-​ed and adult beginners. The social interactions make starting Taekwondo less intimidating and enjoyable. If you are interested in building a network of friends with an affinity for learning/​practicing Taekwondo, USTA is a great place.
The quantity and quality of the instructors are great too. They are all in their 20’s and 30’s with full time jobs (speak english fluently) who have dedicated a part of their lives to volunteer and give back. Many of the instructors trained (and are training) at national levels and come from UC Berkeley’s Taekwondo team.

their adult class is kickin! –_​– i know that was lame comment. but yeah, the adult class is full of energy and you get a good workout. great place to meet people 2.

This Taekwondo studio has to be one of the best in the south bay. It is definitely not centered on profits but student-​focused. Master Shim, the owner and head master, has trained in Korea… so the techniques are clean, authentic, and less diluted.
I have started Taekwondo at another great institution and had high standards when I moved down to the San Jose area. I did not want to settle for less since my black belt was worth so much to me. I found this studio to be serious but fostered a wonderful and comfortable learning environment. They focus on the Korean culture and philosophy while they teach Taekwondo.
I have come to appreciate such a rare Taekwondo studio after visiting another one. In fact, I have become a volunteer teaching assistant for the adults color belt class to give back to the studio. This class consists of two black belt instructors trained at UC Berkeley, world-​class Taekwondo institution. The adult beginning/​intermediate class starts up every quarter. The students are dedicated to the cause of learning and have upheld the philosophy behind this studio.

instructors explain techniques thoroughly, especially the reasons behind techniques instead of just how to do them, which really helps in the long run. they take a holistic approach to the martial art, knowing that taekwondo’s strength lies in the combination of many aspects, that if you sacrifice any of these, it just doesn’t work. also, the school in touch with the korean culture side of taekwondo. the instructors are well-​educated, not just thugs. they can really articulate concepts.
the adult classes are very social and fun, co-​ed. we go out and have dinner/​drinks, party, go on snow trips, go clubbing. it’s a really fun environment for young adults or even not-​so-​young adults who want to be young. even though some people think that a macho, beat-​down environment is best for martial arts, you’ve got to consider this: if it’s not fun, you won’t practice. if you don’t practice, you won’t be any good. what’s the use in being a guy who «used to practice martial arts?!»