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Pride Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Gladstone, Missouri
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 3–18) — 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 pridemartialartskc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 816-200-7719
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–9 pm |
| Thursday | 3–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been training at Pride Martial Arts for over two years, and I can't recommend Mr.”
“That was quickly answered when I surprised him in our pool and grabbed him from behind… He quickly created space using self defense tactics.”
Other martial arts here
“That was quickly answered when I surprised him in our pool and grabbed him from behind… He quickly created space using self defense tactics.”
What students say
“We love the atmosphere, it's always welcoming, encouraging, and full of positive energy.”
“We have been going officially for one year but have multiple other family members that have also attended for the last several years.”
“If you're looking for a place for your kids/yourself to feel more confident, active & learn something new, this is the place!”
“Master Palmer is rock solid and very good with kids and adults alike.”
“His confidence has grown, his focus has improved, and he’s developed strong discipline and respect, both inside and outside the studio.”
From the reviews
Such an amazing staff and school! My daughter has gained so much confidence and learned so much. Highly recommend taking your kiddos here!
The teachers truly care about the children. It is not just a general training of martial arts, it is a lot more than it! Respect, discipline are focused on this school. We have been training since 2016. We have met wonderful people there. It has helped my children to work hard and be confident on themselves.
Reviews are not something I typically take part in. However Mr.Palmer and his staff at Pride martial arts are well above spectacular. The amount of professionalism and dedication to increasing the safety and confidence of anyone who walks in the school. It doesnt stop there.
I wish I could give this place 100 stars. Palmer and his instructors are amazing. They meet every student on their own level and inspire growth. I for awhile wondered if this was beneficial for my 9 year old going on his third year.
New to taekwondo? Start at Pride Martial Arts
Pride Martial Arts 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 Pride Martial Arts
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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