Your child’s first Taekwondo class can feel like a big moment — for them and for you. The nervousness before walking through the door. The questions in the car ride over. Will they like it? Will they fit in? Will it be too hard?
As the founder of Level Up Taekwondo in Davie — and a parent myself — I’ve welcomed thousands of first-timers through our doors since 2016. This guide tells you exactly what to expect, so you and your child can walk in with confidence.
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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
What to bring to the first class:
✅ Comfortable athletic clothes (shorts and a t-shirt are perfect — no uniform needed for the first class)
✅ Clean, bare feet — Taekwondo is practiced without shoes on the mat
✅ A water bottle
✅ An open mind and a positive attitude
You do NOT need to bring:
❌ A uniform (dobok) — we’ll discuss that after class if your child wants to continue
❌ Any equipment — we provide everything needed for the trial class
❌ Prior experience — absolute beginners are always welcome
Pro tip: Arrive 10 minutes early. This gives your child time to look around, meet the instructor, and settle in before class begins. First-day nerves shrink significantly when a child isn’t rushed.
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1. THE FIRST THING YOUR CHILD WILL NOTICE
When your child walks into Level Up Taekwondo, they’ll see the mat — our large red and blue training floor with the American flag and Korean flag on the wall. They’ll see other kids warming up, maybe stretching or running around the edges of the mat.
This is intentional. We want new students to see that this is a real school with real students — not an intimidating space, but an energetic, welcoming community.
Master Alex or one of our instructors will greet your child personally. We use first names. We make eye contact. We shake hands. That first interaction sets the tone for everything that follows.
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2. THE BOW — AND WHAT IT MEANS
One of the first things your child will learn is the bow. In Taekwondo, students bow when entering and leaving the mat, when greeting the instructor, and when beginning and ending class.
This is not a religious gesture. It is a sign of respect — for the art, for the instructor, and for fellow students.
We explain this to every new student in plain language: “When we bow, we’re saying: I respect you, and I’m here to learn.”
For many children, learning this simple act of mutual respect is one of the most impactful things they take home from their very first class.
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3. WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CLASS
A typical first class at Level Up Taekwondo flows like this:
WARM-UP (10 minutes)
Light jogging around the mat, jumping jacks, stretching. We keep it fun — sometimes with music, sometimes with games. The goal is to get the body moving and the nerves out.
BASIC TECHNIQUES (15–20 minutes)
Your child will learn their very first Taekwondo techniques — usually a basic stance, a simple block, and a front kick. Master Alex or an instructor demonstrates slowly, then students practice. Nobody is expected to be perfect on day one. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
PARTNER DRILLS OR GAMES (10 minutes)
Students practice with a partner or play a structured game that reinforces what they just learned. This is often the moment a shy child starts to smile.
COOL-DOWN AND BOW OUT (5 minutes)
The class ends as it began — with respect. Students line up by rank (new students go to the back of the line, which is actually a great position — you can follow what others are doing). The class bows together, and Master Alex addresses the students briefly.
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4. WHAT YOUR CHILD MIGHT FEEL
Every child is different, but here are the most common reactions we see:
The Excited Child — runs to the mat, wants to try everything immediately. We channel that energy productively.
The Shy Child — hangs back, watches before participating. We never force or rush. We invite. Within 10–15 minutes, most shy children are on the mat with everyone else.
The Nervous Child — may stay close to the parent at first. We involve parents gently — sometimes asking a parent to bow with their child for the first few minutes. It works every time.
The “I don’t want to be here” Child — usually dragged by a well-meaning parent. We’ve seen this child become our most dedicated student more times than we can count. Give it one full class before deciding.
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5. WHAT YOU (THE PARENT) SHOULD DO DURING CLASS
Sit in the parent waiting area and watch — but try not to coach from the sideline. Your child needs to focus on the instructor, not on your reactions.
Do:
✅ Smile and give a thumbs up if your child looks over
✅ Take a short video if you’d like a memory of the first class
✅ Notice how your child’s body language changes during class
Don’t:
❌ Call out instructions or corrections from the sideline
❌ Signal to leave early if they seem nervous — nervousness is normal and usually passes
❌ Compare your child to other students in the class
The most powerful thing you can do is simply be present and let the instructor do their job.
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6. AFTER THE FIRST CLASS
When the class ends, ask your child ONE question: “What was your favorite part?”
Not “Did you like it?” — that’s a yes/no question that puts them on the spot.
Not “Do you want to come back?” — too much pressure in the moment.
Just: “What was your favorite part?” Let them process at their own pace.
Most children who complete a first class at Level Up Taekwondo want to come back. Some need a few days to think about it. And some aren’t ready yet — and that’s okay too. Martial arts will be here when they are.
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READY TO BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FIRST CLASS?
At Level Up Taekwondo, every first class is completely FREE — no commitment, no pressure, no uniform required. Just come and see if it’s the right fit for your family.
We’ve been welcoming Davie families since November 2016 and we would be honored to welcome yours.
📞 Call us: 954-648-1744
📍 Visit us: 11850 W State Rd 84, Suite A3, Davie FL 33325
🌐 leveluptaekwondo.com
Classes available for ages 3 and up. After School and Summer Camp programs also available.
— Master Alex Di Guida
Kukkiwon 6th Dan Black Belt
Founder, Level Up Taekwondo · Est. 2016