Tom Vo’s Taekwondo — Attraction in Fountain Valley

My 5 year old and recently 4 year old have been going to Tom Vo's TKD for approximately 2 months now. At first, I thought to wait half a year before writing this review, but I woke up this morning compelled to put down my thoughts. This place totally took me by surprise.

First off, I can't compare Tom Vo's with other TKD places for this was the first one I visited. This review is based exclusively on my own expectations, and what I observe of the instructors during the many sessions.

The instructors I mostly observe are Instructor Ricardo, Thang and Juan. In short... the instructors are good... very good.

They are stern, yet patient. They have high expectations, yet are forgiving. They correct, encourage, and mentor the students.

My 4 year old is the youngest in the class. If he's not the youngest, he's by far the smallest. I have 2 very active boys (one exceptionally stubborn, and both are the "class-clowny" type) who drive me absolutely nutso on any given day. However, upon watching the instructors manage them in class, I am left speechless. The instructors are exceptionally patient... and I have a soft-spot for young adults who take the time to mentor kids.

Master Vo keeps everyone in check - when he's around, everyone is on their toes. Instructor Juan acts tough but he's actually a teddy bear. He's informative and knowledgeable. Instructor Thang is the jokester of the crew - he likes to make the kids laugh. He's refreshingly mild-tempered, and I would have to say is the most patient of the bunch. Instructor Ricardo is stern... but with a nice smile. Actually, Instructor Ricardo in particular is rather amazing to watch. Anyone knows, or could guess, that one must have a lot of patience and perseverance to work with kids in a positive manner. Instructor Ricardo is an exceptional teacher. He is articulate, very clear in his directions and expectations, and speaks in a way to get kids to understand. And he's only 20 years old. That, my friends... is a gift. The junior of the crew is Devin. I see him helping out my kids a lot - another good role model.

All of the instructors have high expectations and it is obvious that they are committed to providing the students the tools in reaching their goals. The instructors give 110% and expect the same from their students. Tom Vo's TKD's main emphasis seems to be about continual self-improvement - about reaching one's full potential - within TKD martial arts and otherwise. I really appreciate that kind of commitment and dedication.

I just asked my kids what they like about TKD. My oldest said he likes to get his stripes on his belt (a token-reward system). The youngest said he likes running. I have never had to convince them to go - TKD is developing a discipline in my kids that would have been difficult to achieve alone.

Now, I have only one question for the instructors there... so, do...

The first time I found out about Tom Vo's Taekwondo was through college when I moved into the area. Coming from my background, I was the person who usually doesn't speak out and always found myself in the corner or at home alone. However, that changed when I decided that I should try something out in college while I had the time.

During the first few weeks the class, I already knew that the aura I received from the students, instructors, and masters are very warm and welcoming. The instructors and masters wanted to get to know us more like what is our names and a random fact about ourselves and so on. As a white belt in the class, I didn't know much of the curriculum and it was hard to keep up at times. However, the peers and instructors helped me out a little more to help me get back to pace. With that, I realized that although every individual is on their own track towards their own goals, there was no such thing as leaving one behind, especially in this class. I believe that not only that it would help lower belts learn, but also higher belts in maintaining and strengthening their knowledge and skills. I also was able to get back on pace!

With my intention to try it out and hopefully improve my overall flexibility (I couldn't touch my toes or even kick above the waist at this time), TVT helped me achieve my initial goal (as of now, I can touch and hold my toes and kick above head level). As far as my first belt testing went, I really had a great time. There was a lot of energy at the test which was at Long Beach. It was the time when all the masters tested with all the color belts for the next rank and I got to see the amazing strength and skill from each and every one.

After my first quarter with TVT, summer kicked in and I decided to train more at their Fountain Valley location. The environment between in college and at their studio was different. It felt like a faster pace and it was always full of great energy. It was a class of all ages learning the same material. It was honestly fun for all ages as we sometimes finish the day off with fun games like four corners or dodgeball. At the time there, I got to meet every master and the master's master and not only got to meet but also became friends with. It was not long until I realized that the journey doesn't stop here. With all the positive energy from the TVT family and all the skills, knowledge, and discipline that I have learned, I will continue my pursuit towards black belt excellence and achieve my goals...

Our son has just enrolled at Tom Vo's FV. We had stopped by a little over 6 months ago when our son had just turned 4 and was offered a free trail class so he could be evaluated. After the evaluation it was advised for us to come back in 6 months or so since he was not able at that time to listen or even follow basic instructions...he ran all over the place and pretty much did what ever he wanted. In that time we had been to other Taekwondo establishments that were ready to sign our son up on the spot and we also observed other children in those classes running a little wild, needless to say we were not impressed. We appreciated the Master's advice at Tom Vo's to wait and as parents we knew that was the right decision. During the time of the initial evaluation my husband and I were quite impressed with the instructors and Masters and how the class was ran and how they worked with the students. Discipline and respect is top notch and instilled in their students. As a Mom it was so wonderful to see the instructor dismiss for a water break and allow the ladies to go first while the boys remained they all stated ladies go first becaise they are gentlemen. We waited a little over 6 months as we knew Tom Vo's was where we wanted our son to go and brought him back again. We had another evaluation done and at this time our son was able to follow along with what was asked. We stared off with the 2 week trial and have already noticed improvement with his adherence to the program. My son even opens the door for me and will hold his arm out and say after you Momma when we are out or when we leave the house and come home. The best part is he loves it. The look of pride on his face when we presented him with his new gear was heartwarming. Our son struggles with focus and confidence and we have seen Tom Vo's prides itself on building those traits in their students. The instructors and Masters are amazing with him. When it came time to sign him up Master Vo sat with us and took the time to listen to us and offered his suggestions. We appreciated his honesty and the passion he has for what he does. We were in no way pressured to sign up or felt we were being upsold at all. He wanted us to feel confident in what he could do with our son and said to let him show us the improvements. We are very excited our son is now part of the Tom Vo family and are looking forward to the journey of excellence and leadership we are all on together. Thank...