Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Stamford, CT
YB World Taekwondo has dedicated nearly five decades to mastering and teaching Taekwondo, combining traditional values with modern training methods since 1992. Our Stamford, CT-based academy emphasizes respect, self-discipline, and holistic growth, serving the community for over 30 years. Founded by Grand Master Yong Beom Kim, Ph.D., a former Korean National Taekwondo Olympic Team Coach and Chairman of the Martial Arts Undergraduate Program at the University of Bridgeport, we offer programs tailored to children, teens, adults, and families. Our instructors, each with over a decade of experience, provide a safe, encouraging environment to develop physical and mental strength. With 750+ black belts awarded, we focus on leadership, self-defense, and community building through traditional Taekwondo principles.Our alumni have gained admission to top universities, including Harvard and MIT, reflecting our commitment to excellence beyond the dojo. We host birthday parties, private lessons, and competitive Olympic training, fostering lifelong skills and relationships. Recognized for our structured yet engaging approach, we prioritize individualized instruction and character development. Our leadership program mentors students to become assistant instructors, preparing them for real-world challenges. YB World Taekwondo remains a trusted institution, blending cultural heritage with contemporary martial arts education.
Services
Children's Taekwondo
Teen Classes
Adult Programs
Family Training
Olympic Sparring
Leadership Development
Private Lessons
Birthday Parties
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of combined Taekwondo expertise and Olympic-level instruction.
- Our instructors are personally trained by Grand Master Yong Beom Kim, Ph.D.
- We emphasize traditional values like respect, discipline, and community building.
- Our leadership program mentors students into confident, skilled assistant instructors.
- 750+ black belts awarded, with alumni accepted into top-tier universities.
What people say
Excellent instructors
Positive environment
Confidence growth
Supportive community
Lifelong friends
Services
Children's Taekwondo
Our Children's Taekwondo program teaches discipline, respect, and self-confidence to kids aged 3+. Traditional instruction includes self-defense, board-breaking, and belt promotion exams. Instructors tailor lessons to individual paces in a safe, friendly environment.
Olympic Sparring
Olympic Sparring classes focus on agility, strength, and discipline through sparring, breaking, and forms. Designed for advanced students, this program simulates combat scenarios and refines technical precision under expert guidance.
Leadership Development
The Leadership Program trains students to become assistant instructors, building confidence and teaching skills. Participants learn to mentor peers, organize group activities, and apply Taekwondo principles to real-world leadership challenges.
Private Lessons
Private Lessons offer personalized instruction tailored to individual physical conditions and goals. Master instructors focus on refining strengths and addressing weaknesses for balanced skill development in a dedicated setting.
Family Classes
Family Classes promote bonding through shared Taekwondo practice, fostering discipline and teamwork. All skill levels train together, creating a supportive environment for parents and children to grow physically and mentally.
People
Grand Master Yong Beom Kim
Founder & Head Instructor
8th-degree Grandmaster with a Ph.D. in Physical Education, Yong Beom Kim founded YB World Taekwondo in 1992. A former Korean National Olympic Coach, he established the first martial arts major program at the University of Bridgeport and has trained over 750 black belts.
Seung Kim
General Manager & Director
Seung-eui Kim, co-founder and director, oversees student wellness and education. With an MBA in Physical Education and adjunct professorship at the University of Bridgeport, she ensures a holistic approach to Taekwondo instruction and community engagement.
Jeong Ho Kim
Headmaster
Jeong Ho Kim, a 7th Dan Black Belt, has served as Headmaster for 17 years. Certified by the World Taekwondo Headquarters, he brings 30 years of martial arts expertise and international competition experience to YB World's rigorous training programs.
Jimin Son
Master Instructor
Master Jimin Son, a 6th-degree Black Belt, graduated from Keimyung University with a Taekwondo degree. A Korea National Poomsae Champion and UNESCO award recipient, he specializes in advanced forms and technical precision for competitive students.
CJ Yorfino
Master Instructor
CJ Yorfino, a 4th-degree Black Belt, has trained under Grand Master Kim for 20 years. As Director of the Demonstration Team, he focuses on dynamic sparring techniques and competitive event preparation for advanced practitioners.
Questions
How is YB World Taekwondo different from other martial arts schools?
We combine traditional Taekwondo values with modern training, led by instructors trained by Grand Master Kim, Ph.D., emphasizing character development and community.
What age groups do you accept?
We teach children as young as 3, teens, adults, and offer family classes for all generations.
Do you teach sparring and weapons?
Olympic-style sparring begins after six months of training; black belts learn bow staff and sword techniques.
How do you accommodate different fitness levels?
Instructors personalize training to individual physical conditions, ensuring safe progression for all students.
Can Taekwondo help with college admissions?
Our leadership program and alumni network support college applications, with graduates accepted into top universities like Harvard and MIT.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Marc Nicolet
Dec 19, 2019
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My son has been going to YB World for just about 3 years now and its been an amazing experience for him. Its built up his confidence and has driven him to pursue other interests and sports. His ability to work with others has also developed and he is much more rounded young man. He also loves Mrs. Kim and the way she is so kind and wonderful with everyone, a great role model.
Jack is now working on his second degree black belt and loves every minute of it.
Jack is now working on his second degree black belt and loves every minute of it.
Nathan Balayev
Oct 12, 2019
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This is the most amazing experience I have had. I would highly recommend this to the first person I lay my eyes on. The instructors, masters, are fun and respectful to all students. I myself learned a lot from them. They are literally the reason why im a black belt. In any of my belt test, you name it, I have never failed. This Tae Kwon do does not just help teach you defense, but helps teach you to increase your value of life. I would strongly recommend this place to all teens and adults as well. Not just for kids since I built my leadership skills and better my focus for my schoolwork. Thank
Ajay Choudhary
Sep 27, 2019
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We saw a big change in our kid since we started going to YB world at hope street. Became more social, confident and an extrovert. The staff is amazing right from Mrs. Kim's friendly attention and consideration for every member and the professionalism and individual attention that Master Carlos and Master CJ gives to every kid. Small focused classes and individual roadmap for every kid is the reason you will see each kid growing at their pace in a very open friendly and collaborative environment. Strongly recommend it for every kid.
Todd Latham
Aug 30, 2019
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My family has enjoyed being part of the YBworld family. Our two kids started back in 2016 and in the beginning we thought joining would be like many other sports but it has been much more. The YBwold teachers and staff are of the best of the best in welcoming you into there family and at the same time providing a professional structure which has allowed our kids to grow and be more confident. One of the best things i can say is that my kids always want to go. My kids have met life long friends in this program and the kids are a great bunch. I could go on and on but i am going to stop now.
Best
Best
Malcolm Carter
Jun 05, 2019
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I am so thankful to be part of the YB World Martial Arts Taekwondo Academy on Hope Street. The instructors are second to none. They provide a nice balance of structure and care. As a student in the adult class, I truly appreciate the instruction at each of my early belts that I have been part of, truly looking forward to eventually reaching a Black Belt. My son started in the Family Class as a 2-year-old, now as a 3-year-old in Little Dragons and truly loves it. He (and his parents) feels that it is his second family. Mrs. Kim, who runs the Hope Street location welcome us with open arms. She is
Ray Ratermann
Dec 23, 2017
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I have two children that just passed their blackbelt test at the YB World Academy. We have lived in three different states, and transferred to four schools due to relocation - this is by far the absolute best decision we have made for both their martial arts training as well as their personal growth. Since enrolling, my children have started to excel in their school efforts (both now on high honor roll) as well as their dedication and commitment to all activities. To watch them grow as a direct reflection of their focus and training has been amazing. The Grand Master Kim , Mrs. Kim, and their team
