What age can my child start taekwondo here?

From 3. Babies Taekwondo is for ages 3 to 4, Beginner Taekwondo for 5 to 8 and Intermediate Taekwondo for 9 and above, with Advanced and adult classes beyond that.

When are the kids' classes?

On the autumn term timetable: Babies (3-4) Saturday and Sunday 9:30-10AM and Wednesday 3:30-4PM; Beginner (5-8) Saturday and Sunday 10-11AM and Wednesday 4-5PM; Intermediate (9+) Saturday and Sunday 11AM-12PM and Wednesday 4-5PM.

Can we try a class before signing up?

Yes, the first class is free with no obligation. Message +971 50 694 9776 on WhatsApp or call 04 344 9776 with the student's age and experience, and the centre confirms a day and time.

How much do classes cost?

Fees are not published on the website; ask the provider. The centre says a flexible payment plan is available.

Who teaches the classes?

Sabum Abdurahiman, Chief Instructor of UAE ITF Taekwon-Do, a 6th Dan black belt, international instructor, examiner and Class A umpire; the timetable lists him on every taekwondo class.

How long does it take to reach black belt?

The school says gradings depend on the individual: a dedicated student can reach black belt in around two to three years, and for others it takes longer.

UAE ITF Taekwondo — Dubai, Jumeirah 1

Combat SportsMartial Arts

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Jumeirah

Free trial

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UAE ITF Taekwondo is the taekwondo department of The Ballet Centre in Jumeirah 1, a KHDA-approved performing arts school founded in 1985 that also runs dance and music under the same roof. Classes follow the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) syllabus and are led by Sabum Abdurahiman, Chief Instructor, UAE ITF Taekwon-Do, a 6th Dan black belt, international instructor and examiner who has taught ITF Taekwon-Do for 32 years, 17 of them in the UAE. There are five levels, from a 30-minute Babies class for 3 to 4 year olds, through Beginner (5 to 8) and Intermediate (9 and above), to Advanced and an adult class. Kids' classes run on Saturday and Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons in the autumn term. Students are placed by age and experience, and the first class is free with no obligation to continue. Because all three departments share one building, a child can add ballet or piano later without changing school. On Google it holds a 4.1 rating from 7 reviews.

balletcentredubai.com YouTube

The activity

Martial Arts, explained

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art built around kicks, punches, blocks and patterns (set sequences of moves), with students progressing through coloured belts by grading. ITF Taekwon-Do follows the International Taekwon-Do Federation syllabus, so each level works towards clear, recognised standards. Classes typically mix warm-ups, basic techniques, patterns, partner exercises and self-defence. Along the way children build balance and body control, focus, leg and core strength, and the confidence that comes from learning real self-defence. Starting ages vary by school: here the youngest group, Babies Taekwondo, takes children from 3, with a Beginner class for ages 5 to 8.

Who it's for

Children from age 3 up to adults. The autumn timetable lists Babies Taekwondo for 3 to 4 years, Beginner Taekwondo for 5 to 8 years, Intermediate Taekwondo for 9 years and above, and Advanced Taekwondo for adults; the taekwondo page also describes a dedicated adult class. Complete beginners are welcome: instructors assess each new student's age and experience and place them in the right level.

What to expect

Message the centre on WhatsApp or call with your child's name, age and any previous training. An instructor places them in a level, then the centre confirms a day and time; the first class is free, with no obligation to continue. Classes combine warm-ups, fundamental techniques, patterns, partner exercises, self-defence and grading preparation, and the Babies group starts with the names of techniques and listening and responding when called. The centre asks families to check attire with the instructor before a first class, and parents usually watch on designated observation days rather than inside the classroom.

Highlights

First class free, with no obligation to continue (balletcentredubai.com)
ITF syllabus, led by a 6th Dan Chief Instructor with 32 years of ITF teaching, 17 in the UAE (balletcentredubai.com)
Babies class from age 3 (30 mins), Beginner 5-8 and Intermediate 9+ (1 hour each) (balletcentredubai.com)
Weekend mornings plus Wednesday afternoon kids' classes (balletcentredubai.com)
KHDA-approved school with dance and music under the same roof (balletcentredubai.com)
4.1 on Google from 7 reviews; women-owned business (Google listing)

Why parents rate it

What parents say on Google

It holds a 4.1 rating on Google from 7 reviews: five 5-star, one 3-star and one 1-star. On the centre's own testimonials, a taekwondo student says the classes helped her stay active and build confidence and strength, and describes the teachers as extremely friendly and encouraging.

The facts

Ages: Babies Taekwondo: 3-4 yrs
Beginner Taekwondo: 5-8 yrs
Intermediate Taekwondo: 9 yrs and above
Advanced Taekwondo adults
(balletcentredubai.com)
Prices: Ask the provider
Schedule: Autumn term: Babies (3-4, 30 mins) Sat & Sun 9:30AM, Wed 3:30PM; Beginner (5-8, 1 hr) Sat & Sun 10AM, Wed 4PM; Intermediate (9+, 1 hr) Sat & Sun 11AM, Wed 4PM; Advanced (adults, 1 hr) Sat, Sun & Wed 12PM (balletcentredubai.com)
Trial: First class free, no obligation; arranged by WhatsApp or phone after the instructor places the student by age and experience (balletcentredubai.com)
Where: The Ballet Center, Villa #64, 16C Street, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
How to book: balletcentredubai.com/book-a-trial-class · +971 4 344 9776 · wa.me/971506949776 · [email protected]
Opening hours: Every day8am–8pm

Guide · 8 min readRead: Gymnastics and martial arts: body control, balance and learning to fall

Questions parents ask

Good to know

Located at The Ballet Center, Villa #64, 16C Street, Jumeirah 1 (Google listing)
Attire varies by programme; check with the instructor before the first class (balletcentredubai.com)
Parents are usually not allowed inside the classroom; there are designated observation days (balletcentredubai.com)
Limited make-up classes; tell the instructor in advance if your child will be absent (balletcentredubai.com)
A flexible payment plan is available across programmes (balletcentredubai.com)
Toilet on site (Google listing)