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Plus One Defense Systems

4.9 ★★★★★ 189 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in West Hartford, Connecticut

Taekwondo school Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

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 5–13) — 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
  • Women's classes dedicated women's taekwondo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • 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
  • Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule teamplusone.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 860-922-5343

Hours

Monday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Tuesday 11 am–9:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Thursday 11 am–9:30 pm
Friday 6:30 am–9 pm
Saturday 9:15 am–4 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 Plus One Defense Systems, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 5 mentions

“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

💪 Women's Classes 3 mentions

“The women-only class is also great opportunity, not only for the technique taught and smaller class size, but also for those who may be unsure about training with men.”

All schools that run women's classes →

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”

All schools that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking to obtain their pistol permit or for any firearms or self-defense training.”

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 Plus One Defense Systems — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🤼 Jiu-Jitsu 8 mentions

“If you're interested in Brazilian Jujitsu, BJJ as well as the many other martial arts they offer, I would highly recommend attending Plus One!”

Other schools that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking to obtain their pistol permit or for any firearms or self-defense training.”

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 189 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert masters & instructors 4 mentions

“The professor leading the class gave great instruction and even gave some additional details later on.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 16 mentions

“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 27 mentions

“Darin and the rest of the Plus One team are so encouraging and inviting, you really feel like a part of a big martial arts family.”

📘 strong forms & technique 4 mentions

“The women-only class is also great opportunity, not only for the technique taught and smaller class size, but also for those who may be unsure about training with men.”

great workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“Classes are challenging and rewarding, and I'm constantly learning (and getting a great workout, AND having a ton of fun).”

🧼 clean, well-kept dojang 8 mentions

“Plus One is great because it offers everybody the opportunity to learn self defense in a clean, safe, and authentic environment.”

From the reviews

I am having a fantastic time learning BJJ at Plus One. I didn't have any martial arts background, but everyone is so welcoming and helpful. Every question I've had has been quickly and thoroughly answered, by the instructors and by the experienced practitioners, who are eager to see me succeed.

★★★★★ — Kirsten, Jun 2022

I can't recommend Plus One Defense Systems enough. It's a safe training environment that encourages members to push themselves without having to worry about getting hurt. If you're a beginner looking to train Muay Thai look no further!

★★★★★ — Erik, Nov 2024

This gym is fantastic. I came from out of town and got a week's worth of classes. I immediately felt welcomed and part of the community. The training is safe and the instructors are knowledgeable. They also keep the facility clean. I highly recommend them!

★★★★★ — James, Feb 2025

Many martial arts styles. Talented instructors. Large, well kept facility. Always open (even in bad winter weather). My son and I have switched from a month-to-month contract to a long term contract based on the good experience we have had so far

★★★★★ — Brian, Feb 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 189 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at Plus One Defense Systems

Plus One Defense Systems comes up as a beginner-friendly school — noted on their own site. 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first taekwondo class at Plus One Defense Systems

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 Plus One Defense Systems

9 Tolles St, West Hartford, CT06110

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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.