W Kim Tae Kwon Do

I have been a student of the Kim family for over 20 years. When I first started working with them, they had a very small studio in downtown Palatine, on Palatine Road. It wasn’t much to look at, but the family feeling was wonderful and pulled us in.
Since that time, they have grown. They moved from that school to larger facilities several times as word got out about how good they are. Now, they have two locations, one in Lake Zurich and the other in Palatine on Euclid Road. Their new facilities are outstanding.
With growth, they added instructors. As a part of training and successive black belts, you are required to teach others what you yourself have learned. This is outstanding training for younger people who want to learn leadership. I’ve seen many young people grow into fine young men and women after going through their program.
The majority of students are young — teenagers or younger. They have a unique way of connecting with children and making the experience fun. I’ve studied a number of martial arts over the years. When selecting a school for young people, you need to be very careful of the methods used for teaching. Some schools can be militaristic and harsh. The environment the Kims created is nurturing. They also offer special summer camps and leadership classes for the younger students.
I’ve mentioned a lot about kids, but they also have family classes and adult classes. They offer classes specifically for beginners and for more advanced students.
If you are thinking about learning a martial art, Taekwondo and Hapkido, the ones taught at W Kim’s, are very good. The classes are aerobic. Unlike joining a gym or taking aerobics classes, there are specific skills you walk away with. Confidence, self-​respect, respect for others, as well as the ability to defend yourself are key takeaways you won’t get from a Lifetime Fitness, for example.

My son enjoys the classes there. The instructors are very friendly, nice and patient. The whole program is trying to teach the kids how to follow instruction, show respect, and discipline along with the self-​defense/​protection skills. The program makes kids to try their best at TKD classes, school and home. My son benefits a lot from the program.

My girls absolutely love the instructors there. They have a wonderful approach with the kids and encourage them in a very positive manner. The kids are inspired to do well at school, home and all of their endeavors. The environment is very warm and friendly.

We have signed both of our boys (ages 6 and 12) up for classes at W Kim TKD this winter. They both love it and are excelling. The instructors are patient, great with kids, and make class fun! They have made new friends with other TKD students. Every week they have a special message they discuss with the students. A message to inspire them to do their best in what they do at home, at school, with friends and in TKD. We are so happy we signed our kids up!

My son has being going to W. Kim Tae Kwon Do for over two years now and absolutely loves it. The instructors are upbeat, fun, personable, and very knowledgable. They get to know their students and teach them in ways that they understand. We have noticed our son over time gain confidence, a stronger sense of self, and improve his physical agilities. They reinforce the values that you teach at home and the kids really respond to their teachings. They are rewarded for doing well at home with attitude stripes that go on their belts. After 10 good deeds they receive their stripe and it is amazing how much they want to earn that stripe. W. Kim Tae Kwon Do is amazing!