If you’re a parent in Davie, Plantaion, Sunrise, Cooper City, Weston and Pembroke Pines searching for a Taekwondo school for your child, you’ve probably noticed there are a few options nearby. But not all martial arts schools are the same — and choosing the right one makes all the difference in your child’s experience, safety, and long-term growth.
As the founder of Level Up Taekwondo — Davie’s original martial arts school since 2016 — I’ve spent a decade watching families make this decision. I want to give you an honest guide to what actually matters, so you can make the best choice for your child.
—
1. VERIFY THE INSTRUCTOR’S ACTUAL CREDENTIALS
The most important question you can ask any martial arts school is: what is the head instructor’s rank, and who certified them?
In Taekwondo, the only internationally recognized certifying body is Kukkiwon — the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. A legitimate Kukkiwon Black Belt certification comes with a certificate number that can be verified online. If an instructor can’t provide this, their rank is not internationally recognized.
Watch out for titles like “Master Instructor” or “Head Coach” without a verifiable Dan rank and Kukkiwon certificate number. Anyone can print a certificate — not everyone earns one from the world governing body.
At Level Up Taekwondo, our founder Master Alex is a Kukkiwon-certified Black Belt and International Certified Master — by Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarters.
—
2. LOOK FOR A PROVEN COMMUNITY TRACK RECORD
How long has the school been operating in your community? A school that has served the same neighborhood for years has proven one thing that no new school can fake: results over time.
Look at their Google reviews — not just the star rating, but the dates. Are reviews from recent years, or all from years ago? Active reviews signal an active, engaged school. Look for reviews that mention specific instructors by name and families who have been there for years.
Pro tip: Ask the school — “Can I speak with a family who has been enrolled for over 2 years?” Any confident school will connect you. If they hesitate, that tells you something.
Level Up Taekwondo has been at 11850 W State Rd 84 in Davie since November 2016 — nearly a decade of serving families from Davie, Cooper City, Weston, Plantation, Sunrise and Pembroke Pines.
—
3. CONFIRM SAFETY CERTIFICATIONS
Any school teaching children should hold current certifications that protect your child’s safety and wellbeing. Here’s what to look for:
✅ SafeSport Certification — protects athletes from misconduct and ensures coaches meet federal safety standards. Required for USAT-affiliated schools.
✅ USA Taekwondo (USAT) — the national governing body for the sport in the United States.
✅ AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) — provides additional competition pathways and insurance coverage for student athletes.
✅ Kukkwon Taekwondo HQ
✅ Background-checked instructors — ask directly. Any reputable school will confirm without hesitation.
—
4. VISIT THE SCHOOL AND WATCH A CLASS
No amount of online research replaces 30 minutes of watching a real class. When you visit, pay attention to how the instructor interacts with children:
✅ Are the kids engaged and having fun, or bored and distracted?
✅ Does the instructor address children by name?
✅ How does the instructor handle a child who is struggling or frustrated?
✅ Do parents seem comfortable and happy in the waiting area?
✅ Is the facility clean, organized, and well-maintained?
“A great martial arts school should feel like a family. The first time you walk through the door, you should feel welcomed — not sold to.” — Master Alex Di Guida, Level Up Taekwondo
At Level Up Taekwondo, we invite every family to watch a free class with no commitment and no pressure before making any decision.
—
5. ASK ABOUT REAL STUDENT RESULTS
A school worth choosing has students who grow — not just in rank, but in confidence, discipline, and character. Ask specifically:
✅ Have your students competed at the state or national level?
✅ What percentage of students who start continue past their first year?
✅ How many students have earned Black Belts through your program?
✅ Can you share any student transformation stories?
Level Up Taekwondo students have earned medals at USAT Florida State Championships, AAU National Championships, and international competitions. But our proudest results aren’t trophies — they’re the shy 4-year-old who walks in barely making eye contact, and two years later leads the class with confidence.
—
READY TO SEE IT FOR YOURSELF?
Come see Level Up Taekwondo in person. Watch a class, meet Master Alex, and let your child try it — completely free, no commitment required. We’ve been welcoming Davie families since 2016 and we’d love to meet yours.
📞 Call us: 954-648-1744
📍 Visit us: 11850 W State Rd 84, Suite A3, Davie FL 33325
🌐 leveluptaekwondo.com
— Master Alex Di Guida
Founder, Level Up Taekwondo · Est. 2016