Master Lee's Talium-Irvine — Local services in Irvine

Possibly the Best in the OC. My kids went to Il Do to get their black belts. We change to Talium as friends had their child enrolled there. Since changing, I have been very impressed with their program. First you notice there is a high percentage of girls there, 25--40% of the class, and they are really good, better than the boys. Second, you notice the quality of the students participating--my daughter was one of the top black belts as first degree at Il Do, here she is below average and needs to work harder. And finally, you notice Grandmaster Lee and his instructors. They are top notch. The masters observe and correct the students continuously. They pay attention to the small nuances in the moves and students perfect them as they get their testing patches. Also, they don't do kendo there. Instead they teach Korean sword play--Hai Dong. Kendo at Il Do is very mickey mouse using a foam sword and not having any master teaching it. Hai Dong is quite serious, using wooden swords and having a master teach it. The moves are beautiful and precise. I could not be more satisfied in my choice to change dojos, and I thank Grandmaster Lee for establishing such a fine taekwondo studio...

After training at Talium for 2 years, I could write volumes on why it is a great place. I'll spare you the time it'd take to read all that and bring it down to two simple reasons why Talium is great:

1. The Masters and Instructors - every single one of these guys genuinely cares about not just your talent or progress in taekwondo, but they care about you as a person.
2. I honestly believe there is something for everyone here. Whether you are just interested in the fitness aspect of taekwondo, or you're absolutely hard core about training, they will find a way to make class work with your goals.

But perhaps the most telling aspect: before every belt test they ask you if you have any suggestions for how to improve the school, I've only ever written "I wouldn't change a thing."

I hope you'll forgive my gushing, but Talium is really a great place for both...

When I first met International Grandmaster Lee, a friend & I were simply seeking an athletic challenge.

What we got was so much more! A family, a whole community & - oh, yes - the athletic challenges we were seeking.

What I got out of it is lifetime friends & extended family & amazing discipline.

When I finished my 1st black belt test & we were drinking tea, I believe it was Master Kim who remarked that my journey had just begun. I was 49 at the time.

THAT was an understatement.

The instructors have always been excellent & now, from what I've observed, they're simply superb whether with kids or adults.

As Master Lee said then (& probably still does), the family that kicks together...