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Self Defense America
5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Deer Park, Texas
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
- Sparring sparring classes, from Olympic-style to point sparring — controlled, gear-on training that builds timing and confidence at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule yaegerselfdefenseofamerica.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (281) 479-3880
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–9:15 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–9:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9:15 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–9:15 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–9:15 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been training here for the past year and a half, and I’ve seen incredible growth in his confidence, courage, and abilities.”
“We have been so impressed with the confidence and abilities my boys have learned and my husband is in the best shape of his life, great exercise, and self defense!”
Other martial arts here
“When he was in Jiu-Jitsu, he began asking to stay home pretty frequently.”
“We have been so impressed with the confidence and abilities my boys have learned and my husband is in the best shape of his life, great exercise, and self defense!”
What students say
“Master Chris Yaeger is one of the best martial arts instructors I have ever had the pleasure of learning from.”
“Everyone — from beginners to advanced students — is encouraged to grow at their own pace, with constant guidance and encouragement from the instructors.”
“The school has very strong community values and you will find yourself surrounded by lots of kind hearted individuals.”
“We have been so impressed with the confidence and abilities my boys have learned and my husband is in the best shape of his life, great exercise, and self defense!”
“Grand Master Yaeger has a fabulous program which includes after school, martial arts, anti-bullying, sparring, and self-defense.”
“Grand Master Yaegar and his team of instructors are truly exceptional — they bring a deep level of knowledge, professionalism, and passion to every class.”
From the reviews
Master Chris Yaeger is one of the best martial arts instructors I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. The Pasadena Police Dept and Pasadena Swat Team depend on his style and instruction, so why shouldn't I? You won't regret it.
My son has been training here for the past year and a half, and I’ve seen incredible growth in his confidence, courage, and abilities. Chris Yaeger is absolutely amazing—his many years of experience really show. He not only teaches with skill and patience, but he’s also approachable and friendly with me as a parent.
I’ve been training at Self Defense America for about four years now, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Grand Master Yaegar and his team of instructors are truly exceptional — they bring a deep level of knowledge, professionalism, and passion to every class.
My son joined almost two years ago and loves going. When he was in Jiu-Jitsu, he began asking to stay home pretty frequently. To this day, that has not been the case with MMA. His confidence and sense of belonging is great to see.
New to taekwondo? Start at Self Defense America
Self Defense America 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 Self Defense America
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site