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Rising Star Martial Arts
4.6 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Portage, Indiana
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 — 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
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule risingstartaekwondo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 219-588-4108
Hours
| Monday | 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My kids have been going here for only about eight months, and we are so happy with this school.”
“If you are looking for traditional Tae Kwon Do, practical self defense, competition training, or simply a fun way to get in shape other than a boring health club.”
Other martial arts here
“If you are looking for traditional Tae Kwon Do, practical self defense, competition training, or simply a fun way to get in shape other than a boring health club.”
What students say
“I love this place, my grandson takes classes here & he loves it & his taekwondo instructor. Master Messmer is the best.”
“The fellow students don't make you feel out of place when you come in for the first time, they welcome you to the family.”
“The history of taekwondo, teaching from Grand Master Grove all the way down to The Family Of Messmers all instructed throughout the years by Grand Master Grove.”
“He takes his time and makes sure we understand not only how but why we are learning the techniques and when to use them.”
“Doing Taekwondo here has taught my kids discipline and respect, and they are learning every day more and more things they can apply to the real world.”
“The history of taekwondo, teaching from Grand Master Grove all the way down to The Family Of Messmers all instructed throughout the years by Grand Master Grove.”
From the reviews
I started training at Rising Star in 1986 under Master Grove. I trained with him for 10 years in Schererville until I moved from the area. About a year ago I discovered there is now a Rising Star in Portage run by Master Messmer.
Coming back to martial arts after 15 plus years I felt a little apprehensive. After about six months, my back issues improved and I was feeling more physically fit! Master Messmer continues to challenge me physically and mentally each day in class. The training at Rising Star is well disciplined and fun.
Master Messmer is a wonderful instructor and does wonders. My son has been going here for months and has learned so much. There are classes for adults and kids as young as 5, bit i would suggest starting later 🤔 I started taking classes and they are just as fun as for the little kids.
The instructor pushes you to your limits and a little farther to get you better. The fellow students don't make you feel out of place when you come in for the first time, they welcome you to the family.
New to taekwondo? Start at Rising Star Martial Arts
Rising Star 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 Rising Star 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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