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Self-Defense Global KC

4.9 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Kansas City, Missouri

Taekwondo school Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

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 — 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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule selfdefenseglobalkc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 816-746-5728

Hours

Monday 3:30–9 pm
Tuesday 11:30 am–9 pm
Wednesday 3:30–9 pm
Thursday 11:30 am–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 7:30 am–3 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 Self-Defense Global KC, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 18 mentions

“From kids classes to adult classes to weekend seminars, I have always had a wonderful experience at Self-Defense Global.”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

🧑 Adult Classes 2 mentions

“From kids classes to adult classes to weekend seminars, I have always had a wonderful experience at Self-Defense Global.”

All schools that run adult classes →

🛡️ Self-Defense 10 mentions

“If you are looking to feel more confident in yourself, and meet a good group of people, I can't recommend Self-Defense Global KC enough.”

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 Self-Defense Global KC — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“If you are looking to feel more confident in yourself, and meet a good group of people, I can't recommend Self-Defense Global KC enough.”

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 54 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“They will be use you to do your best but understand that beginners will not go as hard or fast as experienced students.”

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 8 mentions

“The instruction is top notch, the facilities are clean and safe, and the community of folks training there is stellar.”

great workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“I'm 47 and it is a great workout, you learn real world applications and it's my family away from home.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“My son in particular loved the personal relationship this training team provides.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“I wasn’t able to spend much time at SDG due to some personal factors, but the couple of classes I had there were well worth it!”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 15 mentions

“I never thought I could love a work out but training here is not only a workout but empowerment and confidence.”

From the reviews

Eric is a phenomenal instructor and an even better person. He will connect with students at a granular level, whether that is a young child up to adults. My son had great discipline and respect while under Mr. Siley.

★★★★★ — Mark, Apr 2025

Self -Defense Global KC is amazing! We discovered this place after my 6 year old had a spontaneous tonsillar hemorrhage resulting in a blood transfusion and wanted to find a place to get his strength back up. He is now 13 and sill loves every minute of training.

★★★★★ — Laurie, Apr 2025

This place is absolutely amazing. Eric, Sarah, and Mandi are nothing short of phenomenal. Even in a larger class they still make sure to take their time with each student to help correct mistakes, the music is always great, the people are amazing and welcoming, and the comedy from the instructors always makes my day…

★★★★★ — Anonymous, Apr 2025

I wasn’t able to spend much time at SDG due to some personal factors, but the couple of classes I had there were well worth it!! Sarah and Eric are both fantastic instructors, and they make it really fun.

★★★★★ — Bailey, Mar 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 54 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at Self-Defense Global KC

Self-Defense Global KC 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 Self-Defense Global KC

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 Self-Defense Global KC

1522C NW Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO64118

Get directions

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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.