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Ultimate Defense Bristol

4.8 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Bristol, Rhode Island

Taekwondo school Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes (ages 5–14) — 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 bristolultimatedefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (401) 474-1502

Hours

Monday 4–8:30 PM
Tuesday 4–8:30 PM
Wednesday 4–8:30 PM
Thursday 4–8:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 AM–12 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 Ultimate Defense Bristol, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 35 mentions

“It’s been 4 years now, and my son is more confident, has more self control, is more focused, and able to defend himself if ever needed.”

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🐲 Little Dragons

“Our son joined Ultimate Defense at age 5.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“He met with her one on one to give her an insight to what classes would be like and then invited her into a class to try it out.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“I would definitely recommend this program to those seeking not only knowledge and skills in self defense but also looking to be within just an all around positive environment.”

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 Ultimate Defense Bristol — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🎽 Karate 7 mentions

“My son has been attending karate at ultimate defense for a couple of years.”

Other schools that also teach karate →

🦵 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“He really enjoys it especially learning newer techniques like kickboxing and ju-jitsu.”

Other schools that also teach kickboxing →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“I would definitely recommend this program to those seeking not only knowledge and skills in self defense but also looking to be within just an all around positive environment.”

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 35 Google reviews — in their own words.

📘 strong forms & technique 2 mentions

“He really enjoys it especially learning newer techniques like kickboxing and ju-jitsu.”

🧒 strong kids program 9 mentions

“It’s been 4 years now, and my son is more confident, has more self control, is more focused, and able to defend himself if ever needed.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“Worth it in so many ways.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 15 mentions

“Sensei Austin and his team are very committed to teaching the students self- discipline, leadership, self-defense, confidence and other important tools.”

From the reviews

It is a privilege to be apart of this organization! The main focus in the martial arts program is teaching kids how to be a Black Belt physically and mentally! There's constant praising and positive reinforcement to help boost kids' confidence!

★★★★★ — Amy, Oct 2016

Sensei Austin took my daughter in with open arms about a year and a half ago. He met with her one on one to give her an insight to what classes would be like and then invited her into a class to try it out. At the time, she was shy and a bit reserved.

★★★★★ — Stephanie, Oct 2022

My two kids absolutely love it here. They came from another school and the difference was night and day. This school renewed their motivation and dedication to the process. It’s more than learning karate, it’s also a healthy dose of life lessons.

★★★★★ — William, May 2024

This program should not be overlooked. Sensei Austin and his helpers are amazing with the children. My son in the 3 months he’s been with Ultimate Defense has already exhibited increased confidence that he carry’s within and outside the dojo.

★★★★★ — David, Dec 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 35 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at Ultimate Defense Bristol

Ultimate Defense Bristol 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 Ultimate Defense Bristol

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 Ultimate Defense Bristol

2 Peter Rd, Bristol, RI02809

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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.