S.H. Hong Taekwondo Academy

S.H. Hong Taekwondo Academy offers Tiny Tigers Taekwondo classes, Big Kids’ Taekwondo, Teens/Adult Taekwondo, Combat Class, and Wrestling. Tiny Tigers classes are playful and energetic and teach body mechanics and motor skills. Big Kids’ Taekwondo focuses on fundamentals, stronger technique, self-defense abilities, and mental growth and self-improvement. Teens/Adult Taekwondo continues fundamentals with combative training, self-defense, and cardio based training. Combat Class includes takedowns, submissions, elbow and knee strikes, and joint manipulation, and Wrestling welcomes athletes of all ages and experience levels.

Programs

• Tiny Tigers — 4-7 years old · Taekwondo classes are playful and energetic to keep the kids focused and engaged. Teaches body mechanics and improves motor skills.
• Big Kids’ Taekwondo — 5-12 years old · Focuses on fundamentals, stronger technique, self-defense abilities, and mental growth and self-improvement.
• Teens/Adult Taekwondo — 13+ · Continues fundamentals from Big Kids’ Taekwondo, with combative training, self-defense, and cardio based training.
• Combat Class — All ages · Advanced self-defense tactics and cardio health, with techniques such as takedowns, submissions, elbow and knee strikes, and joint manipulation.
• Wrestling — All ages · Welcomes athletes of all ages and experience levels, with opportunities for both boys and girls to train and compete.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• General schedule: Saturday classes focus on competition training that emphasizes details for Olympic Style competition. Weekday classes are available.
• Facility hours: Monday: 3:30-8PM; Tuesday: 3:30-8PM; Wednesday: 3:30-8PM; Thursday: 3:30-8PM; Friday: 3:30-8PM; Saturday: 9 AM-12PM; Sunday: Closed

About the provider

The academy opened in 1991, and Grandmaster Soon Ho Hong founded it. Ramon Gomez is the current owner and head instructor, and listed instructors include Justine Gervacio, Ramon Gomez III, Esmeralda Ortiz, Jesus Nuno Vera, Efren Hernandez, Aaron Hernandez, and John Pancho. The academy says it is a family-friendly dojang focused on Korean martial arts and a hybrid Taekwondo style, and it was voted Best Martial Arts School of 2025 and 2026. It also mentions events such as bring a friend to class day, bring a parent to class day, celebrating honor roll students, holiday events, and a holiday toy giveaway for the local community.

Offers two free trial classes. Welcomes everyone in Santa Maria and nearby Guadalupe, Lompoc, Nipomo, and Arroyo Grande. Hablamos Espanol.

What families say

“I like the ethics, responsibility, and attention placed individually with every child. Jesus has learned to be more confident and it shows with those around him.” — Gabriela Nuno

“I like how the dojang has opened up my boys and they are more confident and have developed goals and they look forward to coming every day.” — Maria Cuevas

“Training here is very good. It helps the kids to be physically and mentally. The instructors are very nice to everyone.” — Mario Alenjandro

Last updated October 7, 2026.