Costs
How Much Does Taekwondo Cost? Classes, Belt Tests and Gear (2026)
What US schools usually charge, what the extras add up to, and what to ask before you sign.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 19, 2026Many US schools charge $100 to $200 a month for group classes. A first year with registration, belt tests, a uniform and sparring gear usually lands between about $1,500 and $3,300. These are published estimates, not a survey, and prices vary by city.
Typical costs
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly classes (2 to 3 a week) | $100 to $200 | Urban schools often $150 to $250. Suburban and rural $60 to $150. Community centers $45 to $99. |
| Registration fee | $20 to $100 | One time. Some schools waive it in promotions. |
| Color belt test | $35 to $100 | Often every 2 to 3 months. |
| Black belt test | $150 to $600+ | Some schools charge $1,000 or more with Kukkiwon registration. |
| Uniform (dobok) | $30 to $100 | Premium brands cost more. |
| Full sparring gear set | $100 to $300 | Chest protector, headgear, shin and forearm guards, mouthguard. |
Source basis: published blog and directory estimates (Tae Kwon Do Nation and similar). They are not survey data. We are collecting our own school price survey.
What a first year can cost
Using the ranges above, with 12 months of classes and 4 color belt tests in the year:
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months of classes | $1,200 ($100 x 12) | $2,400 ($200 x 12) |
| Registration | $20 | $100 |
| 4 belt tests | $140 ($35 x 4) | $400 ($100 x 4) |
| Uniform | $30 | $100 |
| Sparring gear | $100 | $300 |
| Total | $1,490 | $3,300 |
Sparring gear is often bought after the first few months, so the early cost is lower.
Contracts, fees and what to ask
- Is it month-to-month, or a contract? What does cancelling cost?
- What are the belt test, uniform, gear and event fees?
- Is a trial class free or paid?
- Are there family or sibling discounts?
- What is the price to test for black belt, and does it include a Kukkiwon certificate?
- Walk away if a school will not tell you its prices.
Ways to spend less
- Try community centers, park districts and university clubs, which often charge less.
- Buy a basic uniform first and add sparring gear when your instructor says you need it.
- Ask whether family plans or non-contract rates are available.
- Compare two or three schools before you pay a registration fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much does taekwondo cost per month?
Many US schools charge $100 to $200 for group classes. The full range seen in published estimates is about $50 to $250.
How much is a taekwondo belt test?
Color belt tests are commonly $35 to $100. Black belt tests are commonly $150 to $600 or more.
Is taekwondo expensive?
It costs about the same as other martial arts classes. Gear and tests are the extras to plan for.
Do I have to sign a contract?
Not always. Many schools offer month-to-month plans, and contract plans can cost less per month. Read the cancellation terms first.
What does a taekwondo uniform cost?
Usually $30 to $100 for a standard dobok.
Sources and how we checked
- Tae Kwon Do Nation: taekwondo lesson costs – blog estimates, not a survey
- UK Kukkiwon Office: Dan grading process guide (PDF) – waiting times and minimum ages
Last checked October 19, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.