Tiger Den Tae Kwon Do

[Anonymous]

We are thinking about enrolling our 6 year old son in Tiger Den Tae Kwon Do classes in Herndon. Does anybody have any review or experience of this place?

We have never done Tae Kwon Do... so any tips on how to decide for a studio will be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

My son went to a birthday party there and it was great. Now he goes to Lead By Example TKD in Fair Oaks (it's just closer for us than Tiger Den). We're very happy with the program at Lead by Example, but classes are very crowded. My son loves it, though, and has been going for years. Be sure to ask if they cap the class size at Tiger Den. That's the only thing I regret about LBE.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son went to a birthday party there and it was great. Now he goes to Lead By Example TKD in Fair Oaks (it's just closer for us than Tiger Den). We're very happy with the program at Lead by Example, but classes are very crowded. My son loves it, though, and has been going for years. Be sure to ask if they cap the class size at Tiger Den. That's the only thing I regret about LBE.

Thanks for the response. I will check on the class sizes.

Btw, can you tell me if Lead by Example has any contract system? And, how much do they charge?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I have a 3-year contract. I pay $179 per month for unlimited classes. There was also an upfront fee and other fees for belt testing, graduation, private lessons, and specialty classes (weapons, Parents Night Out, etc.) It's not cheap, but I think all the TKD studios are similar (if they're not, don't tell me-- I'd like to remain blissfully ignorant They do have a beginner's program that is either 6 months or one year long. That's what we started with, but I don't know what it costs now. I think it's significantly cheaper if you only want to go once per week.

[Anonymous]

NP. Can someone provide feed back on Tiger Den Tae Kwon Do? Are you happy with the instruction? The registration fee for black belt program is very steep along with the long term contract. I wanted to get some feedback before signing up my DC.

[Anonymous]

Tae Kwon Do nowdays is nothing more than money making scheme.

[Anonymous]

We do Mt. Kim and my son really likes it. It is good for teaching them to work toward a goal and to respect their teachers and rules. He is also learning about Korean culture and has made friends there.

However, it is expensive and yes a money making scheme because pretty much everyone passes the tests and its $50-75 to take a belt test even at the early belt levels - it costs more than travel sports for a lot less time per week overall - over $2000 per year. I also don't believe that some of these 9 year olds really deserve a high-level belt when they are wiggling around during class and goofing off sometimes.

[Anonymous]

I'll agree that Mt. Kim is very expensive and it seems like everyone passes early on. How long have you been attending and what belt is your son? It unfortunately becomes more expensive but much more disciplined in the higher belts. It has been wonderful for my son.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have experience with Tiger Den?

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

As a martial artist, I find it problematic when martial arts schools have business practices that resemble those of shady used car dealerships. Martial arts schools should teach and model concepts of humility, integrity, and respect. Frankly, a three year contract for a child is unreasonable.

I'm not in the DMV area, but there are martial arts instructors/ schools with integrity out there just as there are used car dealerships out there with integrity. We're just harder to find. You might want to check out schools that are non-profits and/or run out of cultural/community centers.

[Anonymous]

Tiger Den is closed in McLean and cannot reopen due to money concerns. Online program is not worth it. Other than asking for cash, there is no involvement in the community.
Mt Kim McLean is dirty, way overpriced, and on its last legs. In 30 years they have not moved out of a smelly unventilated basement and it shows.
Others in area rely on multi year contracts only and seem to really have been hurt by COVID. None of these 'dojos' compete in routine AAU competitions as other actual dojos do.
Try Kaizen or 50/50, otherwise local wrestling and sports. People involved in programs are coaches for local school sports.
Whether looking for a quick buck, or just hanging on to make their last buck, McLean does not have any realistic TKD options.