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Black Belt Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Laguna Hills, California

Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule myblackbeltacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (949) 349-0700

Hours

Monday 3–8:30 PM
Tuesday 3–8:30 PM
Wednesday 3–8:30 PM
Thursday 3–8:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 AM–12:30 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Black Belt Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 53 mentions

“My son has been attending Master Rhee’s Tae Kwon Do classes for several months now, and I cannot say enough good things about the positive impact it has had on him.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Master Rhee not only teaches the students Taekwondo, but teaches them discipline, life skills, and self defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Black Belt Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo 23 mentions

“My son has been attending Master Rhee’s Tae Kwon Do classes for several months now, and I cannot say enough good things about the positive impact it has had on him.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🐉 Kung Fu

“Instills values, teaches differences between Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Martial Arts, Kung Fu to the kids.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Master Rhee not only teaches the students Taekwondo, but teaches them discipline, life skills, and self defense.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 39 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Master Rhee is amazing and really has a way with kids.”

friendly, respectful dojo 10 mentions

“He’s more respectful, focused, and confident, and I truly believe a big part of that is due to the structure and discipline Master Rhee instills through his teaching.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 4 mentions

“The form of martial art is not just about the moves, he focuses so much on discipline, the results of which I see with his behavior at home and outside as well.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“He is great with children, helping them build self confidence and respect for others.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 35 mentions

“He’s more respectful, focused, and confident, and I truly believe a big part of that is due to the structure and discipline Master Rhee instills through his teaching.”

From the reviews

Addendum 12/10/2022 - Google said people actually read this. Update - our kids are STILL going to Black Belt Academy. Master Rhee - survived corona. My kids - kicking each other with body armor now. And my addition to my parenting arsenal - "Do you want me to tell Master Rhee what you did?!

★★★★★ — John, Dec 2022

My 5 year old and 7 year old boy's are attending Black Belt Academy for an year now , and I couldn't be happier with my experience. Master Rhee is are highly skilled and supportive, he makes each class both challenging and enjoyable.

★★★★★ — Madhavi, Jul 2024

My son has been learning Taekwondo from Master Rhee for a few weeks now. He loves it and looks forward to his class each week. Master Rhee is a wonderful instructor, and so are the junior instructors.

★★★★★ — Manasa, Jul 2025

I am adding on to the review I left when my daughter first enrolled at Black Belt Academy 9 months ago (see below). Master Rhee is an exceptional instructor, and his program has made such a positive impact on my daughter!

★★★★★ — Valerie, Jun 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 39 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Black Belt Academy

Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Black Belt Academy

24881 Alicia Pkwy Unit i, Laguna Hills, CA92653

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.