IL-DO Tae Kwon Do

Irvine, United States

4.8

Closed now

17 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 949-551-1800
Website:
www.ildotkd.com
Address:
14220 Culver Dr Ste D, Irvine, CA, 92604
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.7 miBryan-Culver
1.2 miTustin
1.2 mi79 North #3362
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Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Closed now
Local time (Irvine) 00:30 Friday, 30 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

IL-​DO” means «One Way.» At IL-​DO Taekwondo we use the traditional martial arts foundation to build the mind and body. For 30 years Grand Master Chang Jin Kang dedicated his life to help each student achieve excellence, not just in Taekwondo, but in the way they live their lives.

Our program works hand-​in-​hand with a child’s family, school, and social life, providing improved self-​discipline, self-​confidence, focus, and goal-​setting skills. Parents have attributed our program with improved grades as a direct result of the increased achievement, self-​direction, and self-​confidence provided by the program.

Our adult and family programs are second to none. We give personalized attention and the respect and service you deserve so that you learn quickly and easily. Unlike, many peoples experience with health clubs, our students follow through, many to Black Belt, because the caring staff is there to motivate and encourage you along the way as your personal trainers.

History

Established in 1980.

Grandmaster Chang Jin Kang formed IL-​DO Taekwondo in 1980. For the last 30 yearshe has become a fixture in the city of Irvine, teaching thousands of students the techniques and life lessons that Taekwondo imparts.

There are currently three IL-​DO association schools in Irvine, CA: IL-​DO Taekwondo at Heritage Plaza, Elite Fitness Taekwondo at Woodbury Town Center, and Elite Fitness Taekwondo at University Center.

The IL-​DO Taekwondo School at Heritage Plaza is head quarters and is run by Grandmaster Kang and Ms. Lois, his daughter. Master Daniel, his son, heads the Elite Fitness Taekwondo School at University Center. Master Doug heads the Elite Fitness Taekwondo School at Woodbury Town Center.

Meet the Business Owner

Grand Master Kang K.

Business Owner

1958: Entered SONG MOO KWAN (one of the most prestigious Tae Kwon Do studios in Seoul, Korea).

1963: Won the Tae Kwon Do championships in the Korean National Sports Festival.

1966: Scored the highest grade in the National Tae Kwon Do Promotion Test.

1970: Received «In-​Hun» award, the highest honor for distinguished service and military merit.

1971: Honorable discharge from the R.O.K. Army as Captain.

1980: Opened the IL-​DO Tae Kwon Do School, Santa Ana, California.

1993: Set the World Record by breaking 1,068 boards in 13 minutes, 57.7 seconds, at Heritage Plaza in Irvine. In the process Irvine and Santa Ana schools raised a total of $ 8,361.42 for DAR.E. and IL-​DO scholarship funds.

1997: Received 9th Degree Black Belt promotion from Kukkiwon.

2004: Received 2nd Degree in Kumdo from Korea Kumdo Association

2008: Received award from Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for lifetime Taekwondo achievement.

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17 reviews of IL-DO Tae Kwon Do

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
The masters here are amazing.
I thought all TKD, Martial arts places were the same until I saw with my own eyes the difference. My son had experience at another TKD place. I only knew of that place, and due to circumstances we had to move to a different TKD location, So glad we checked out IL-​DO. This place was recommended by many people and I didn’t know what the hype was all about.
The first day he transferred over, my son was just observing this place and quickly wanted to join in. What I love about this place is that there is a good mix of discipline and fun.
I dealt with Mastor Daniel, he has been very helpful and explained to me what was expected out of the students and what we should expect out of IL-​DO. This place has been around for decades and there is a reason why it is still going strong.
The way they teach the forms, the attention they give the students, and the proper gear and guidelines, impressed me very much. I just could not get over the fact that even the most insignificant things were important, and consistent.
I never knew what I was missing out, until we moved to this location, IL DO heritage plaza. Thank you Master Daniel, and Grandmaster Kang for carrying on the traditions of TKD as it should be!
Best part: My son loves going to TKD again! WooHoo!
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
I wish i had found this place earlier. My son is attending trial sessions and is having a blast. The kids are learning self defense, respect while having fun. The masters I met are very nice. Flexible schedule is another plus. We will definitely sign up
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
My son has been going there for almost 2 years. He absolutely loves it. Everyone there are so nice and very patient with the kids. They use very motivating and exciting ways to teach. My son is very shy naturally, taekwondo is really helping him to be more confident. They also pretty good teaching discipline to them and reward for their good behavior at home. Now my youngest one joined as well. I definitely recommend this place. I am very pleased with it and they deserve all 5 stars!
Place rating: 1
Tustin, CA
I have to share with my unpleasant experience at this place.
I accidentally put the martial art outfit from my kid’s previous studio on him for his class at IL-​DO. They look very similar. I didn’t notice the difference until they pointed it out to me when we arrived at the class.
I asked if they could let my son just wear his own t-​shirt (with no brand name) he had inside. I explained to them we do have the IL-​DO outfit, but I am working full time and had to take my son to the class in a rush and didn’t pay attention to the details. I had to drag two kids to the studio after work, it wasn’t easy.
I was told IL-​DO was a private school — It was not allowed to wear any other outfit. I understand the part they would not prefer anyone to advertise for their competitor (the previous art studio), but the t-​shirt my son is wearing has no logos at all.
They forcefully told me: In order to attend the class, I HAD TO buy a t-​shirt from IL-​DO for 20 dollars. I can’t believe they are trying to make money out of this occasion. It is not the dollar, but my right as a customer being violated. I feel I was threatened to pay for something I didn’t want to buy.
In addition to that, past weekend, the school was closed without notifying us. The owner insisted that it was announced at the class. There was no notice no announcement at all at the class my son attended.
I told them we wouldn’t come back for the class. The owner treated me in an extremely rude manner: when I talked to him he just looked away and blocked his palm over my face saying: we don’t need you back.
They did write me the refund check for the courses I prepaid, I will deposit it right away.
I can’t believe why business would try to get $ 20 from a customer and lost the students for life think about it: my son would have stayed for many years and so would have my daughter. The impact can be more negative than they realize: people who viewed Unilocal would know how they treat their customers and I would not recommend them to any one I know: friends, teachers, or parents at school etc.
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
After obtaining my black belt in my youth, I understand the values that Tae Kwon Do has in both mental and physical development. However not every studio is created equal. After comparing several studios around Irvine, I found Il-​Do to be true to the traditional discipline of Tae Kwon Do. I signed up together with my 2 sons who were 5 at that time. Although I couldn’t continue after 2 years because of my schedule, my kids have continued for the last 3 years and they have improved, their coordination, strength, discipline, flexibility, and perseverance. I wish I can continue myself. I highly recommend it for your family.
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
Grandmaster Kang and the Master Lois have taught both of my sons. My older son is a second degree black belt and my younger is a red belt. They have learned to respect their elders, discipline, focus and self confidence. On top of that, they get an incredible workout. They are always soaked in sweat walking out of the studio. At Il Do, my sons grew strong both physically and mentally. My kids have had a wonderful experience thanks to the skilled and caring instructors.
Place rating: 5
Tustin, CA
IL-​DO teaches the tenets of Tae Kwon Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-​Control, and Indomitable Spirit. My 8-​year old son has been attending IL-​DO for over 2 years and has grown in each of these areas. He has improved his focus at school and learned that he can only reach his goals through hard work. In addition to that, the studio has helped to improve his fitness level and conditioning.
What really stands out are the quality of the instructors. Grandmaster Kang, Ms. Lois, and Mr. Park focus on each student’s character, fitness, and technique. They work hard to ensure the students are improving and achieving their goals. I would definitely recommend IL-​DO Tae Kwon Do!
Place rating: 5
Tustin, CA
My son joined IL-​Do Tae Kwon Do at Heritage plaza about 2.5 years ago when he was 5 years old. We were looking for a sport/​activity for our son where he can learn discipline, gain self-​confident, respect others and have a good workout. At the first few classes, our son was very shy and unsure about it.
After few months joining IL-​Do, we saw improvements from our son’s attitude. He now seems to have more confident. Grandmaster Kang, Ms Lois, Mr. Park and all of the teachers are so great. They teach the kids not just TKD techniques, sparing, self-​defense but also social skills to build their confidence, can-​do attitude, self-​respect, work hard to receive their goals, etc.
We are very pleased and feel very fortunate to have selected a great martial arts studio, IL-​Do Tae Kwon Do, for our son. We can definitely recommend IL-​Do studio to everyone.
Place rating: 5
Seal Beach, CA
My 10 year old son has been a student at Il-​Do Tae Kwon Do for the past 2.5 years now. Back then, he was easily distracted and does not have the tolerance for pain. The difference between then and now are just awesome. He has learned patience, disapline and just great self confidence. Some thing that he had to learn on his own through hard work and achieving his goals in small steps. Picking himself up when he is down, paying respects to his teachers, grand master and even someone younger than him who has a higher rank. It is just remarkable.
Staff at Il-​Do are like friends to me. Caring for my son, teaching him to work hard and reach his goals. Watching him passing each belt test can not make me prouder. The best moment was in June when he finally tested for his Black Belt. He was kicked in the knee really hard during sparring and I could tell that he was hurt, but he got back up and fought through his pain and tendency to feel bad for himself. My proudest moment was when he received his new uniform and his black belt. The look on his face of joy and accomplishment was absolute priceless. (Later on he admitted to me that he had to get back up because he was afraid he would have to retest. Ha ha.) We had a good laugh about it in the car.
I have to thank Grand Master Kang, Ms Lois, Mr. Park, Mr. Carlos and the teachers for do such a great job. Being around for 30 years is a testiment in it self. I would highly recommend Il-​Do for anyone who is thinking about joining.
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
My daughter wanted to learn Tae Kwon Do at age 5 and Il-​Do Tae Kwon Do seemed the perfect fit. The instructors and Grandmaster Kang were able to explain and teach at her age level. At that age she was nervous so we did a family class, which is one of the best things I have ever done. We not only worked out together, learned together, helped each other but were able to spend quality time together making lasting memories. They helped us build confidence in ourselves and our abilities with classes and annual school tournament. The tournament was such a positive experience for her that she still remembers her first tournament at age 6.
Due to life events we needed to stop classes for some time but she always made me promise we would return to Tae Kwon Do at Il-​Do. We returned when she was 11 and within a month was insisting on participating in the tournament including sparring. At this time my son, age 8, wanted to join so we made it a family activity by including my wife as well. It has taught us respect for others, respect for ourselves, respect for rank, what it takes to achieve a goal (physical and mental drive), personal integrity, self control, and manners. Manners is a tough thing for an 8 year old boy at times but they have helped him become focused, attentive and courteous.
I cannot say enough about the instructors. They focus on respect and leadership. As one progresses they are given opportunities to display and develop their leadership abilities. Grandmasters Kang is an excellent instructor and human being. He focuses on applications of our skills not only to Tae Kwon Do but in possible real life situations. For me this is very important. This helped my daughter get her and a male classmate out of a bullying situation, to safety and in a position to report the incident at school. Instructor Lois Shim has been a positive role during our family development in Tae Kwon Do. She has been able to make it simple for all of us to learn and understand the skills needed. Instructor Park not only relates to the adults but has a perfect mannerism to relate to the children as well. His teachings and comments to my son have made the most difference in his focus, respect and courtesy. I would not hesitate to recommend Il-​Do Tae Kwon Do to any child, tween, teen, adult or family and it is an excellent workout for all.
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
I’m over 40 and have been working out at this studio for over 10 years. It’s my main form of exercise and I try to go 3 times every week. It never gets boring and the instructors are doing a good job not only giving everyone a good workout, but they also help the students work on flexibility, technique, sparring and self defense.
I thoroughly enjoy working out there every week and look forward to it every time. I can definitely recommend this studio to both kids and adults.
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
I’ve been going to Il-​Do since I was in 7th grade. That was almost 10 years ago, which means I must love it! My whole family joined together (I mean WHOLE family. cousins, family friends, etc.) and we all finished till black belt. I gained confidence, self-​control, manners and self-​respect during my time as a color belt and even more as a black belt. The instructors are GREAT, you’ll learn to respect them as leaders, teachers and role models and at the same time connect and get along with them as friends. Grandmaster Kang is a ninth degree black belt and still goes on the mat to teach classes. You don’t find that very often or even at all anymore. The studio is very spacious and there are always more than one instructor out on the mat which means the student to instructor ratio is really good and their curriculum is well planned out. I highly recommend anyone interested in martial arts or even a good work out to come check Il-​Do out!
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
My son joined Il-​Do 3 years ago when he was 5 years old. About 6 month into the program, I did notice an improvement in his confident level, his respect towards others and in his focus. Il-​Do has a structured reward system for the kids. This program encourages them to do well at home, socially and academically to earn stars. To me, this is an excellent motivator for my son. The instructors at Il-​Do Heritage, Grandmaster Kang, instructor Lois Shim and instructor Park are not only knowledgeable about Tae Kwon-​Do but are also good with motivating the students to push to be their best.
As I am not new to Tae Kwon-​Do myself, I decided to continue my training with my son at Il-​Do after I left Tae Kwon-​Do 25 years ago. We both have since got our black belts and are continuing on towards our 2nd Dan. We both look forward to classes every week and it is an activity we both enjoy very much. Another plus in the program at Il-​Do is that they teach traditional Tae Kwon-​Do and your black belt is Kukkiwon certified (
). Training is disciplined and tough but the reward of staying healthy, in shape and having a black belt that is internationally recognized is worth the effort. I am very happy with the program and would highly recommend it to friends and families as well as those who want to get in shape.
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
My 3 year old is currently a student at the University location. I can’t say enough good things about them. His teacher Master Yun as well as Master Daniel have the perfect balance of discipline and care for the students needed for them to learn as well as to enjoy the experience. Also they encourage the kids to do chores at home and to be respectful towards their parents and siblings through an awesome rewards system.
My son eagerly looks forward to each class!
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
The teachers at IL-​DO are not only great at Taekwondo, but are skilled at teaching it to children. The kids have fun, but are also expected to take it seriously.
This is not a «black belt factory» as some of the other martial arts schools nearby are, but a place where children learn confidence, respect (for self and others), self-​control and the value of rewards for hard work! They get recognized in front of the whole class for completing their HOME chores, and can not move up to the next belt if they are disrespectful to their parents.
I don’t want to make it sound like a harsh program, though. My daughter loves the lessons and the teachers, and is always eager to show off what she learned. She always leaves with a beaming, confident smile. I couldn’t be happier with the program and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
I also had my 7 year olds birthday party here at the Elite location in Woodbury. It was the bomb, as my son would say. We invited his whole 1st grade class and their siblings. I think there were 40 kids and half as many parents. The kids had a blast doing great relays, obstacle challenges, tug of war, etc. along with basic taekwondo drills like breaking boards. Master Doug made sure to have plenty of teachers on staff so the kids (between ages 4 — 12) were thoroughly entertained. My younger son is begging to have his 6th birthday here.
Place rating: 5
Artesia, CA
Master Kang and his son Master Daniel are one of the best in what they do. Not only are they skilled and professional in what they do, they also understand how important it is to teach young people about respect and discipline. We had our son take classes there and ever since then his level of confidence and focus in school have improved tremendously. They are also very caring for people and it clearly shows in the way they teach. I highly recommend Il Do (Elite) TKD to everyone, especially those with kids.