Kids Taekwondo in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Sidekick Martial Arts & Fitness teaches Taekwondo to kids in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Taekwondo is the foundation of our curriculum, and classes are led by Master Joe Tabakhman, a 6th degree black belt who has trained since 1989. Tiny Tigers is ages 3-5 (potty trained), Kids Martial Arts is ages 6-14, and Teens & Adults is 13+.
Call or text (201) 754-4408 · 155 NJ-17, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
Taekwondo at Sidekick: what your child actually learns
Taekwondo is the base of everything we teach: dynamic kicks, stances, punches, and self-defense, along a 16-belt path to black belt. Kids learn Korean words for each belt, and our signature flying sidekick starts at White belt.
As students move up, Master Joe adds skills from other arts so kids get a well-rounded foundation: Kali stick training starts at Orange belt, kettlebell strength at Green belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at intermediate belts, and Muay Thai elements at advanced belts.
Taekwondo classes by age
Preschool Taekwondo: Tiny Tigers (ages 3-5)
Games, listening, taking turns, and the very first Taekwondo basics. Kids must be potty trained. Tiny Tigers meets twice a week, and parents are welcome to watch. Tiny Tigers don't belt test yet. Belt testing starts when they move up to the beginners class.
See Tiny TigersKids Taekwondo (ages 6-14)
The heart of our school. Confidence, focus, discipline, and self-control through Taekwondo classes kids look forward to every week. Beginners welcome anytime, no experience needed. We recommend at least 2 classes a week; membership lets your child attend any class on the schedule for their program.
See class timesTeens & Adults (13+)
The same belt system, with curriculum adapted for older students, plus kickboxing, kettlebell strength, and self-defense. Parents of current students get a discount.
Teens & AdultsThe Taekwondo belt path: 8 colors, 16 levels
White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Red, Brown, and Black, with a "High" belt between each color. Belt testing starts in the beginners class (Tiny Tigers don't test yet). Students test after both 3 months of training and 24 completed classes, whichever comes second, and families are encouraged to come watch test day. Every student gets a printed Belt Journal for each tier.
Black belt takes years. On paper it is about 4 years; many students take 5 or 6, and that is normal. We do not hand out fast belts.
Taught by Master Joe, 6th degree black belt in Taekwondo
Master Joe is a member of World Taekwondo. Master Joe started Taekwondo at 12, after watching a Taekwondo demo in Fair Lawn, NJ, and never looked back. He founded Sidekick in Hasbrouck Heights in 2013. His instructor, Mr. Lally, an 8th Degree Grand Master, visits for special occasions. Master Joe's own son trains here and earned his Junior Black Belt, and most of our assistant coaches started as students. Classes stay small so every child is known by name.
Your child's first Taekwondo class
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Book a class online or call or text (201) 754-4408.
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Arrive a few minutes early in comfortable clothes - sweats and a t-shirt are perfect.
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Your child joins a real class with kids their age. Parents are welcome to watch from our viewing area.
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We talk afterward about fit, not about closing a sale.
One free week, not one free class. No credit card required to book.
Try 1 Free WeekClass times and location
Classes run Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Fridays are special events only (no regular classes). Closed Sunday.
Beginner class times
- Monday and Wednesday: 4:45 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday: 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:15 AM
Tiny Tigers and other class times are on our live schedule.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM · Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM · Friday special events only · Sunday closed
Sidekick Martial Arts & Fitness
155 NJ-17, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
Families come from Wood-Ridge, Lodi, Carlstadt, Moonachie, Teterboro, Little Ferry, Hackensack, Rutherford, and across Bergen County.
Kids Taekwondo FAQ
Do you teach Taekwondo for kids in Hasbrouck Heights?
Yes. Taekwondo is the foundation of Sidekick's curriculum at 155 NJ-17 in Hasbrouck Heights. Kids classes are for ages 6-14, Tiny Tigers for ages 3-5, and Teens & Adults for 13+. Master Joe, a 6th degree black belt in Taekwondo and a member of World Taekwondo, leads the school.
What age can my child start Taekwondo?
Age 3, as long as they are potty trained. Tiny Tigers (ages 3-5) builds listening, focus, and the first basics. Most kids move into Kids Martial Arts (ages 6-14) when they are ready.
Is this Taekwondo or karate?
Many parents call it karate, and that's fine. These days "karate" pretty much just means martial arts. What we teach is Taekwondo-based: Taekwondo is the core of every class, and Master Joe adds Kali, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai so students become more complete martial artists.
Do Tiny Tigers earn belts?
Not yet. Tiny Tigers don't belt test. Belt testing starts when they move up to the beginners class, so little ones can focus on listening, confidence, and fun first.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
Years. There are 16 levels, and students test after at least 3 months and 24 classes at each one, so it is about 4 years on paper. Many students take 5 or 6 years, and that is normal.
How many classes a week should my child take?
Tiny Tigers meets twice a week. For ages 6 and up we recommend at least 2 classes a week, and membership lets your child attend any class on the schedule for their program.
My preschooler is shy. What if they won't join in?
Come in and watch first. If your little one really isn't ready, you don't pay anything - that's one of the reasons we offer a free trial.
Do kids spar?
Not right away. Sparring footwork starts at Orange belt and sparring fundamentals at Blue belt.
What should my child wear to the first class?
Comfortable clothes - sweats and a t-shirt are perfect. Effort and respect matter more than a perfect uniform on day one.
How much does kids Taekwondo cost?
Memberships are month-to-month with no contract, and there is a family rate for siblings. See current prices on our pricing page.
How do we try it?
Book a Free Week online or call or text (201) 754-4408. It is a full week of real classes, not one sample class.
Ready to try Taekwondo?
One free week. No commitment. Bring your child in comfortable clothes and see if Sidekick feels like the right fit.