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Glen Ridge Taekwon-do

4.9 ★★★★★ 62 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Montclair, New Jersey

Taekwondo school Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

Affiliated school — reviews and the school's own info point to a recognized taekwondo organization or franchise (think ATA Martial Arts, Kukkiwon certification, World Taekwondo, or ITF). If credentials matter to you, ask which association the school belongs to and where the head instructor earned their black-belt (dan) rank and certification.

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most schools welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes (ages 4–65) — built around discipline, focus, confidence, and anti-bully skills
  • Beginner-friendly all ages and levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule glenridgetkd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 973-744-1666

Hours

Monday 4:30–8 pm
Tuesday 4:30–8 pm
Wednesday 4:30–8 pm
Thursday 4:30–8 pm
Friday 3:30–8 pm
Saturday 9:30 am–12 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and tournaments — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Taekwondo classes on the schedule at Glen Ridge Taekwon-do, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 22 mentions

“I joined Glen Ridge taekwon-do classes because of my daughter taking classes there and I find myself completely enriched and so excited about being a student there too!”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

👤 Private Lessons

“Even in large classes, black belts and instructors work one-on-one to make sure everyone gets feedback and feels supported.”

All schools that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“The school offer him an opportunity to gain discipline, learn self-defense, and have an athletic activity as an all year event.”

All schools that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Taekwondo schools are often multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Glen Ridge Taekwon-do — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“The school offer him an opportunity to gain discipline, learn self-defense, and have an athletic activity as an all year event.”

Other schools that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the school's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want hapkido, karate, or judo alongside your taekwondo, confirm the current schedule with the school.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 62 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert masters & instructors 3 mentions

“Each instructor is patient in their instruction making sure each student receives the personalized attention required to advance their Taekwon-do training.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“Grandmaster Meany and Master Giletti have created a welcoming, supportive environment where students of all ages and ability levels can grow with confidence.”

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 13 mentions

“Grandmaster Meany and Master Giletti have created a welcoming, supportive environment where students of all ages and ability levels can grow with confidence.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My kids love going to class and have gained confidence and discipline.”

certified & recognized school 8 mentions

“Grandmaster Meany and Master Giletti have created a welcoming, supportive environment where students of all ages and ability levels can grow with confidence.”

🧼 clean, well-kept dojang 3 mentions

“GlenRidge Taekwondo is a friendly, professional, pleasant, clean welcoming environment.”

From the reviews

We signed up my 7 year old daughter to the Junior class and she absolutely loves it! She has been in ballet and swim, but always asked me if she can join Martial Arts, so we looked around, did some research and feel Glenridge Taekwon-do was best.

★★★★★ — Martino, Apr 2021

Glen Ridge Taekwon-Do is a wonderful school. My daughter started in the Mighty Lions class when she was 5. She is now 9, continues to train regularly and loves it. Watching her inspired me to join too! I started training two years ago and now her and I take classes together.

★★★★★ — Jasmine, Jan 2020

Glen Ridge Taekwon-Do is an exceptional place to train. Grandmaster Meany and Master Giletti have created a welcoming, supportive environment where students of all ages and ability levels can grow with confidence.

★★★★★ — Rob, Feb 2026

Glen Ridge Taekwondo is a great place for your little one to burn off some energy in a fun but safe environment and learn a cool martial art. My son has been attending for about 2 years now and he loves going.

★★★★★ — Harold, Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 62 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at Glen Ridge Taekwon-do

Glen Ridge Taekwon-do comes up as a beginner-friendly school, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never trained or set foot in a dojang, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build fundamentals (stances, blocks, kicks, and basic forms) for weeks, sparring eases in gradually and with gear on, and instructors keep it controlled and safe. Third, all ages and all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first taekwondo class at Glen Ridge Taekwon-do

Nervous about walking into a taekwondo school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, and kicks with a partner or on pads — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: loose athletic wear you can move in (or a dobok if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the floor. What to bring: water and a positive attitude — many schools lend a loaner dobok for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll get your own dobok and belt, and sparring gear (mouthguard, headgear, and guards) once you begin sparring. Sparring eases in gradually, once your fundamentals and forms are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Taekwondo is a martial art and a contact sport. Ease in, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Glen Ridge Taekwon-do

133b Glenridge Ave, Montclair, NJ07042

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this school? Claim your listing — it's free.