Business Details
38 Years
experience
Master Traditional Taekwondo in Nanaimo with Expert Instructors
Established in 1988, Nanaimo Tae Kwon Do Club has been dedicated to advancing the art of Taekwondo in Nanaimo for over 35 years. We are a non-profit society governed by our members, ensuring affordable fees and flexible class schedules tailored to community needs. Our curriculum emphasizes traditional World Taekwondo techniques, self-defense, and the philosophical tenets of the discipline, including Korean language and conduct. Under the technical guidance of Grand Master Gil Woo Kim, a three-time President of the B.C. Taekwondo Federation, we provide structured training for students aged six and up. Our experienced instructors, including Master Steve Large, focus on building physical strength, self-confidence, and flexibility through dynamic cardio exercises, partner drills, and form execution.We offer ongoing enrollment with no requirement to commit to specific start dates, allowing students to join at any time. Our facility in Nanaimo has served as a hub for martial arts excellence since 1995, fostering a supportive environment for both casual learners and dedicated practitioners. We prioritize transparency in operations, maintaining open communication with our members to ensure their needs shape our programs. With a legacy of community involvement and technical expertise, we remain committed to preserving the integrity of traditional Taekwondo while adapting to modern training standards.
Services
Taekwondo Classes
Self-Defense Training
Olympic Sport Preparation
Korean Language Basics
Flexible Attendance Options
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of continuous operation with proven teaching methodology
- Non-profit structure ensures affordable rates and member-driven decisions
- Certified instructors with decades of competitive and instructional experience
- Flexible attendance policy with multiple weekly class options
- Emphasis on traditional techniques combined with modern fitness training
Associations and certifications
- World Taekwondo Federation
- Kukkiwon
What people say
Experienced instructors
Structured curriculum
Family-friendly environment
Improved fitness
Technical proficiency
Services
Adult Taekwondo Classes
Structured training for adults combining cardio exercises, traditional techniques, and partner drills. Focuses on self-defense applications, form execution, and physical conditioning. Classes incorporate Korean language instruction and emphasize the five tenets of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. Sessions run 7:00-8:30pm Monday-Thursday.
Junior Taekwondo Classes
Age-appropriate martial arts instruction for children aged 6-12. Develops discipline through structured lessons that balance technical training with team-building games. Teaches fundamental kicks, forms, and self-defense basics while fostering mutual respect and confidence. Classes held 6:00-7:00pm Monday-Thursday.
Self-Defense Training
Practical self-defense techniques integrated into all belt levels. Emphasizes real-world applications of Taekwondo principles through controlled partner exercises. Students learn situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and effective countermeasures while maintaining traditional martial arts discipline.
People
Master Steve Large
Instructor
With over 30 years of experience, Master Steve has led the Nanaimo school since its founding in 1988. Holds advanced black belt certification and specializes in traditional technique development.
Grand Master Gil Woo Kim
Technical Director
Three-time President of the B.C. Taekwondo Federation and Kukkiwon liaison. Provides technical oversight for all instructional programs across Canada.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students aged six and older with no upper age limit for new participants.
Do I need special equipment to start?
No special equipment is required initially - comfortable workout clothing is sufficient for trial classes.
Are classes held year-round?
Regular classes operate September-June with summer holiday breaks and statutory holiday closures.
Can I try classes before committing?
Yes, we offer three free introductory classes with no obligation to join.
What style of Taekwondo do you teach?
We specialize in World Taekwondo Federation style, focusing on traditional techniques and Olympic competition standards.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Brett Mcdonald
Jun 02, 2019
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My only thought is why one of their 4 degree blackbelt "masters" (named Adam Hall" is acting like a little child on local Facebook Groups attacking small business owners. Damn immature and I thought martial arts people were supposed to be the ones acting "cool". Grow up Adam Hall. In the real world there wont be punches and kicks thrown, it'll be lawsuits getting flipped around and you're gonna lose if you don't check your mouth at the door on social media. I'm sure there are good ones at the club but you need more lessons kid.
Steve Zarkovic
Jul 24, 2018
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I attended taekwondo here in the late 1980s For several years and Attained my black belt under the instruction of then 2nd degree black belt Steve large. I absolutely loved it and I would highly recommend it to anybody considering joining the martial arts. Its incredible how far they have come as a club and I am happy to see that they are still a nonprofit organization dedicated to their students and spreading the art of taekwondo to many many people.
Pam Aldrich Kapalka
Dec 04, 2016
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This is a great club! They teach respect, taekwondo skills as well as self defense and have fun doing it. Master Steve is the best! Definitely recommend this Taekwondo Club.
Miranda Short
Dec 12, 2015
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Our family has been involved with Nanaimo Woo Kim Taekwondo Club in one form or another since 1997. All 5 of my children have studied taekwondo, with the youngest starting with Steve Large when they were 7 and at 16 earning their 3rd dan.
Steve Large
Oct 04, 2013
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Nanaimo Taekwondo School History
In the spring of 1988, an International Taekwondo school in Nanaimo had lost their instructor and was desperate to find someone that would take over the teaching responsibilities. At that time the club existed in a small two story school house in Harewood near Vancouver Island University . Master Steve (at that time a second degree black belt) met with them and soon began teaching at their school full time. It was a bit of a challenge to get the members to switch over to the World Taekwondo Federation style. However, the core members were strong and we all pulled
In the spring of 1988, an International Taekwondo school in Nanaimo had lost their instructor and was desperate to find someone that would take over the teaching responsibilities. At that time the club existed in a small two story school house in Harewood near Vancouver Island University . Master Steve (at that time a second degree black belt) met with them and soon began teaching at their school full time. It was a bit of a challenge to get the members to switch over to the World Taekwondo Federation style. However, the core members were strong and we all pulled
