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McCarthy's Taekwondo Self Defense
4.5 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Temple, Texas
Style / system: Olympic / World Taekwondo · Kukkiwon-certified — based on the school's own site and student reviews. Taekwondo systems (Olympic/World Taekwondo, ITF, and ATA/Songahm) differ in forms, sparring rules, and tournaments; if lineage matters to you, confirm it with the school. ATA vs WT vs ITF, explained →
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
- Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes (ages 5) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mccarthystkd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 254-771-5425
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My grandson has just started his Martial Arts journey and he is gaining new skills with every class.”
“They teach classes for peewee, juniors and adults.”
“I have been studying with GrandMaster McCarthy for a few years now and I have learned so much more than just self-defense.”
Other martial arts here
“They also teach Hapkido (self defense) and (as a separate art) Texas Arnis Seenkohtiros.”
“I have been studying with GrandMaster McCarthy for a few years now and I have learned so much more than just self-defense.”
What students say
“Martial Arts is an art form that teaches respect, honor, and discipline which is taught by all the instructors within this school.”
“I have been studying with GrandMaster McCarthy for a few years now and I have learned so much more than just self-defense.”
“Martial Arts is an art form that teaches respect, honor, and discipline which is taught by all the instructors within this school.”
From the reviews
I have been doing Taekwondo for more than 20 years (15 years at a previous school and 5 at this one). This is a Moo Duk Kwan school which combines traditional and modern Taekwondo techniques. They also teach Hapkido (self defense) and (as a separate art) Texas Arnis Seenkohtiros. I very much enjoy this school.
I have been studying with GrandMaster McCarthy for a few years now and I have learned so much more than just self-defense. Martial Arts is an art form that teaches respect, honor, and discipline which is taught by all the instructors within this school.
I love taking classes here! It has been a great way for me to challenge myself physically and mentally. We have fun while also learning respect, discipline, tradition, & how to defend ourselves. It is also great way to build ones confidence.
I have been taking classes with McCarthy's Taekwondo and Self Defense for a little over two years now. The training is solid, comprehensive and challenging. Instructors are extremely knowledgable and very good at explaining how to do the techniques properly. They teach classes for peewee, juniors and adults.
New to taekwondo? Start at McCarthy's Taekwondo Self Defense
McCarthy's Taekwondo Self Defense 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.
Your first taekwondo class at McCarthy's Taekwondo Self Defense
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.
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