Martial Arts Classes in Surrey, BC: A Parent’s Complete Guide 2026

Martial Arts in Surrey, BC: A Complete Guide for Parents (2026)

If you’re a parent in Surrey looking into martial arts for your child, you’ve probably noticed there’s no shortage of options. Most schools look similar at first glance, and honestly, it can be hard to tell what actually matters until you visit in person.


What usually matters most isn’t the style or the branding—it’s the environment, the instructor, and whether your child actually grows from the experience.


This guide is meant to give you a clearer picture of what to look for, and why many local families end up choosing Jong Kim Martial Arts.

What Parents Are Looking For in a Martial Arts School

When parents sign their kids up for martial arts, it’s rarely just about learning kicks or self-defense. It’s usually more about things like:
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• Building confidence in shy kids
• Helping with focus and attention
• Teaching respect and discipline
• Giving them something positive to do after school

And if it’s done right, martial arts really can support all of that over time.  I have seen the results over decades of instruction and past students from decades ago letting me know how taekwondo has transformed their lives.  It's so encouraging to hear from them years later.

Why Environment Matters More Than Anything Else

Kids pick up a lot from the atmosphere they’re in. If the environment is too chaotic or too casual, they don’t really develop structure. If it’s too harsh, they shut down.  From my 50 years of Taekwondo experience, I realize the perfect balance is crucial.


At Jong Kim Martial Arts, classes tend to follow a pretty balanced approach. There’s structure and expectations, but also patience and encouragement.
Kids are taught to listen, try their best, and improve gradually—not to be perfect right away.

Why the Instructor Makes a Big Difference

A lot of parents realize pretty quickly that the instructor is the biggest factor.
At this school, students are taught by Grandmaster Edward Kim, who has more than 50 years of experience in Taekwondo.  He encompasses life's wisdom, great moral character derived from his parents, and a heart to build success into every student.


That experience is obvious, but what stands out more is how he works with kids. He’s calm, consistent, and very genuine in the way he interacts with students. He doesn’t overcomplicate things—he keeps expectations clear and fair.


A lot of parents end up saying he feels more like a mentor figure than just a coach, which is not something you find everywhere.

Long-Term Growth and Student Development

One of the biggest things parents care about is whether they actually see change over time.


Over the past 5 decades, students under Grandmaster Edward Kim have shown improvements in areas like:

• Confidence in themselves
• Focus in school
• Listening and following instructions
• Handling frustration better
• Having a balanced mind-set for life's challenges; be it school, social interaction, and home life

It’s not an overnight thing, but over months and years, the changes tend to become pretty noticeable—both in class and at home.  

How Martial Arts Helps Children Beyond the Dojo

Kids usually stay in programs when they feel both supported and challenged.  On their first lesson, it is crucial to introduce them to a friend in class so they have a sense of belonging and self worth!
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At Jong Kim Martial Arts, classes are structured so kids aren’t just running around or guessing what to do. There’s a clear routine, and they understand what’s expected of them.


Grandmaster Edward Kim also adjusts how he teaches depending on the child. Some kids need more encouragement, others need more structure, and that balance really helps keep them engaged.

Programs for Different Ages and Skill Levels

One thing that helps a lot is having programs that match different ages and stages.

• Younger kids focus on basics like listening, coordination, and respect
• Older kids start developing discipline, confidence, and responsibility
• Teens build leadership and more advanced skills

It’s not a one-size-fits-all setup, which is important if you want long-term growth.  Incredibly some students stay with us for decades!  They started in the kids taekwondo classes and move up into the teens classes and so on.  It's quite amazing to see their journey in life as their success in real life progresses!

What to Expect in Your First Few Classes

What surprises a lot of parents is that martial arts ends up affecting more than just physical ability.


Kids often start carrying themselves differently. They become a bit more confident, a bit more disciplined, and usually more respectful at home and school.  Taekwondo is quite unique apart from other styles such as kickboxing, jiu jitsu, and boxing; since taekwondo programs incorporate a strong moral philosophy which includes respect and honor.  This is how we ensure every student adds incredible value as a person in their community!  This is what will positively impact us all.


That’s really where the value shows up.

Final Thoughts for Parents in Surrey

At the end of the day, choosing a martial arts school isn’t just about convenience or price. It’s about trust.  


You want to know your child is in a safe environment, learning from someone experienced, and actually growing in a positive direction.


That’s why many families in Surrey choose Jong Kim Martial Arts and stay with it long-term under the guidance of Grandmaster Edward Kim.

Ready to Try a Class?

Honestly, the best way to know is just to visit and see how your child responds. Most parents can tell pretty quickly whether it feels like the right fit or not.  We welcome students to a free trial class to put you at ease and to know you have made the right choice for your child.

Visit our Surrey martial arts location at Unit 136 - 7536 130 Street, Surrey, BC, V3W 1H8.

Or call today at 604-590-1000 to speak with Grandmaster Kim personally!

Visit our website at www.JKTKD.ca to register for free trial lesson.

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