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Traditional Taekwon-Do
4.9 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Portland, Oregon
Style / system: ITF (Traditional) — based on the school's own site and student reviews. Taekwondo systems (Olympic/World Taekwondo, ITF, and ATA/Songahm) differ in forms, sparring rules, and tournaments; if lineage matters to you, confirm it with the school. ATA vs WT vs ITF, explained →
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
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule taekwondo-pdx.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 503-736-9634
Hours
| Monday | 9–10:30 am, 4–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9–10:30 am, 4–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 9–10:30 am, 5:30–7 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | 5–6 pm |
The classes they run
“Highly recommend this program for anyone (kids, adults, teens .”
“Highly recommend this program for anyone (kids, adults, teens .”
Other martial arts here
“Self Defense, Fitness, and Self Discipline.”
What students say
“I highly recommend Traditional Taekwondo to students of all ages.”
“In addition to getting a great workout and learning an incredible traditional martial art, I have discovered a community that is supportive and dedicated.”
“Even through the pandemic, Master Johnson went above and beyond to keep students engaged, whether that meant classes via Zoom or classes in the park.”
“Self Defense, Fitness, and Self Discipline.”
From the reviews
The martial arts instruction in this school is excellent. It's just very good teaching. The teachers and fellow students are all very kind, and several are true martial artists. It's fun to be in class just to watch the amazing feats of strength that go on here. There is a great feeling of community and support.
I guess I could be considered biased since I have been going here for most of a decade, but perhaps that in of itself is review enough. My son and I started here many moons ago and though we augment our education with seminars, other disciplines, it is because of the foundation we have received here that we are…
Easy to see right off of South East Belmont Street servicing Portland and the adjoining areas of Oregon. Plenty of parking and a wheelchair accessible entrance. Clean facilities. Master Gil Johnson has decades of experience teaching all facets of the Martial Arts. Self Defense, Fitness, and Self Discipline.
My youngest (who is, as they say, "a handful") started taking Taekwon-do with Gil about a month and a half ago. I had low expectations, because he's wiggly, loud and on his own wavelength. He's still wiggly, loud and on his own wavelength, but he responds to Gil, is learning quickly, and loves the program. I am BLOWN.
New to taekwondo? Start at Traditional Taekwon-Do
Traditional Taekwon-Do 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 Traditional Taekwon-Do
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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