How Much Do Taekwondo Classes Cost?

Taekwondo is a popular martial art known for its emphasis on powerful, high kicks and fast hand strikes. Beyond physical techniques, it teaches mental discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills. Students as young as 5 years old can benefit from Taekwondo training.

But for those considering signing up for lessons, one of the first questions is often - how much does it cost to take Taekwondo classes?

The price of Taekwondo instruction can vary widely depending on factors like your location, the school's style, class length and frequency, and whether you opt for group or private lessons.

How Much Do Taekwondo Classes Cost?

The overall costs for Taekwondo classes typically range from $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour) per month on the very low end, up to $400 (≈3.3 days of your career at $15/hour) per month for intensive private sessions. The average cost falls somewhere in the $100 to $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) per month range for most students.

Several important factors influence the tuition rates and fees charged by Taekwondo schools:

School Location

• Urban areas with high rents and operational costs charge more, often $150+ (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per month for regular training.
• Rural and smaller town Taekwondo schools can be more affordable, with monthly fees closer to $75 (≈5 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-100 on average.

Type of School

• Private dojangs offer greater personalization but at a premium cost, typically $200+ (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) monthly.
• Community center programs provide budget-friendly group classes, often just $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-75 per month.
• University Taekwondo clubs offer huge discounts for students, usually around $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-75 monthly.
• Franchise martial arts studios like ATA Taekwondo fall in the middle price-wise, averaging $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job)-150 per month.

Instructor Expertise and Experience

• Accomplished masters and instructors with high-level black belts/certifications charge more, sometimes upwards of $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) per month.
• New instructors completing their assistant teaching may only charge $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-100 monthly.

Class Duration and Frequency

• Longer 60–90-minute classes offered 3-5 days weekly understandably cost more than a single 30-minute class per week.
• The more sessions you attend each month, the greater your monthly fees.

Group Classes vs. Private Lessons

• Group classes allow for more affordable tuition, often just $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) or less monthly.
• Private 1-on-1 instruction ranges from $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-150 per hour but offers highly customized training.

Equipment and Uniform Costs

• The required dobok, pads, belts and other gear adds up quickly, especially for younger students outgrowing things.

FamilyProz reports that the cost of Taekwondo classes generally falls between $100 and $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per month. The exact amount hinges on factors like how often you attend each week and whether you commit for a full year or go month-to-month.

TaeKwonDo Nation mentions that the cost of taking Taekwondo classes will be anywhere between $100 and $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) a month depending on how many times a week you go and if you sign a year contract or go month to month.

United Tae Kwon Do reports that the price for the classes is $135.00 (≈1.1 days working to pay for this at $15/hour) per student for unlimited classes. They also mention that prices in surrounding towns range from $150 to $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) per month, so they try to keep their price the lowest in the area.

Taekwondo Times mentions that the cost of Taekwondo classes can range from $80 to $250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) per month, with most schools charging between $120 and $180 (≈1.5 days working every waking hour at $15/hour) per month.

Martial Arts Business Magazine reports that the average cost of Taekwondo classes ranges from $100 to $250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) per month, with most schools charging between $150 and $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) per month.

The Benefits of Taekwondo Training

The comprehensive physical, mental, social, and lifestyle benefits explain its popularity across a wide range of ages and fitness levels. While costs vary, the well-rounded value makes it a smart choice for many.

Here are some of the many reasons Taekwondo is worth the investment:

• Provides an intensive full-body workout to build endurance, strength, and flexibility
• Teaches practical self-defense techniques to protect yourself using kicks, strikes, blocks, and evasion
• Fosters courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and other positive traits
• Builds confidence by mastering new physical and mental skills
• Offers goal-setting through the belt promotion system with tangible progress
• Engages students in a supportive community of fellow trainees with a shared interest

Typical Pricing and Fee Structure

While prices vary widely based on the influences above, here is an overview of the typical fee categories:

• Membership Fee - One-time startup fee, often $50-$200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour)
• Monthly Tuition - For regular classes, usually $100-$400 (≈3.3 days of your career at $15/hour) per month
• Equipment Costs - $100-$300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) for uniform, pads, belts and other required gear
• Belt Testing Fee - For promotions, around $50-$200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) testing every 2-4 months
• Tournament Fees - Typically $50-$150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) for competition registration, not mandatory
• Private Lesson Add-on - Around $50-$100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per hour for 1-on-1 coaching

For example: A private suburban dojang may charge $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) membership, $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) monthly tuition, $250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) for a full gear set, $100 test fee every 3 months, and $75 per hour for private lessons, while a community center may charge a $50 membership, $75 monthly tuition, $100 for basics uniform and belts, $50 test fee biannually, and $50 per hour for private sessions.

As you can see, prices vary significantly depending on location, school type, training frequency and more. Understanding these fee structures allows you to budget accurately.

Pricing at Different Types of Schools

To highlight how prices can vary, here is a high-level overview of monthly costs across common school types:

• Private Dojangs - With intensive training, personalized attention, and flexible scheduling, monthly tuition is usually $150-$400+.
• Community Center Programs - Offer more affordable group classes at around $50-$100 per month, but less training. Great for beginners.
• University Taekwondo Clubs - Offer huge student discounts, making costs just $50-$100 per month typically. Instructors are often still gaining experience.
• Franchise Studios - Major chains like ATA Taekwondo charge moderate monthly fees, averaging $100-$200 across locations. Nice balance of cost and consistency.
• K-12 School Programs - Schools with Taekwondo clubs range from $50-$150 per month, with very affordable options for enrolled students.

Compare pricing structures to the features, training styles, and amenities of each.

Reduce the Costs of Taekwondo

Here are some tips to save on Taekwondo instruction:

• Ask about introductory specials and bundled discounts for signing up multiple family members.
• Inquire about scholarships or financial assistance programs available for qualifying students.
• Purchase bundles of classes upfront for a discounted monthly rate.
• Share equipment and uniforms with siblings or friends training at the same school.
• Take advantage of seasonal sales around the holidays or when new sessions start.
• Consider group classes instead of private training to save significantly on instruction costs.

Getting Value for Your Investment

To get the most from your investment, here are some smart considerations:

• Weigh instruction quality over cost. An excellent master teacher provides long-term value worth paying more for.
• Compare tuition to alternatives. Taekwondo classes can replace gym memberships with far greater benefits.
• Consider discounted trial offers. Take advantage of deals to sample instruction before committing.
• Talk to current students. Get firsthand reviews of the instructors, training, and community from members.

While costs vary across schools, your ideal dojang matches world-class instruction with programming that fits your schedule, goals, and budget.

Final Words

Taekwondo offers immense benefits but costs can vary widely. Typical pricing ranges depending on location, school type, and other factors. Define your training goals and financial limits to make the most of your investment. With many schools to choose from, you can find high quality Taekwondo instruction that fits within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it take to learn Taekwondo?

It takes consistent training over months and years to fully learn Taekwondo. On average, expect to invest around $100-$200 per month for classes 1-2 times per week at a dedicated dojang. Additional costs come from uniforms, belt testing fees, and tournaments. Give yourself 6 months to a year to progress through the initial student ranks before advancing to mid-level.

Can anyone learn Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is open to students of all ages and fitness levels. Children can start from age 5. While physical intensity increases in higher ranks, beginner classes focus on fundamentals. Look for schools that offer age-specific classes. With the right instruction, Taekwondo can be adapted for students with disabilities too. Determination matters more than innate athleticism.

Do you have to be fit to do Taekwondo?

While physical fitness is beneficial, it's not required to start Taekwondo. Beginner classes focus on basic techniques, stances, and etiquette to provide a conditioning base. With regular training, you will progressively improve flexibility, stamina, strength, and coordination. Taekwondo itself helps you get fit if you stick with it. Let instructors know your current abilities and any modifications needed.