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Vertical Taekwondo

5 ★★★★★ 80 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Lee's Summit, Missouri

Taekwondo school Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 (ages 4–16) — 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule verticaltaekwondo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 816-500-1197

Hours

Monday 12–8:15 pm
Tuesday 12–8:15 pm
Wednesday 12–8:15 pm
Thursday 12–8:15 pm
Friday 12–8:15 pm
Saturday 9 am–2 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 Vertical Taekwondo, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 45 mentions

“Vertical Taekwondo is an amazing studio to take your children to if you're looking for martial arts instructions.”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

🎓 Belt Testing

“My son received several band colors on his belt to mark his accomplishments between belt testing.”

All schools that run belt testing →

Other martial arts here

Taekwondo schools are often multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Vertical Taekwondo — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

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 80 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert masters & instructors 2 mentions

“Awesome instructor and great environment- balances teaching with fun, while instilling values of respect, self control, hard work, and perseverance.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“His patience with beginners, detailed instruction, and fostering of a supportive environment make Vertical Taekwondo a standout choice for our family.”

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 6 mentions

“His patience with beginners, detailed instruction, and fostering of a supportive environment make Vertical Taekwondo a standout choice for our family.”

📘 strong forms & technique 2 mentions

“He takes his role very seriously, ensuring his students not only learn the forms but also implement the core values of the studio both within the dojo and in their daily lives.”

🧒 strong kids program 11 mentions

“Vertical Taekwondo is teaching my kiddo how to ground himself, helping focus his energy into something positive, and using some of that endless energy!”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 19 mentions

“Catana is amazing with redirection and helping the kids here grow while learning respect, morals and many other traits that any parent would want their child to have.”

From the reviews

The teachers are gifted with kids, respectful & engaging! They call them to a higher standard! My boys are growing in self awareness and respect. My 9yr old particular loves it! Highly recommend!

★★★★★ — Mizz, Jun 2025

My 6 year old son started at Vertical Taekwondo after being invited to buddy week (where a current member invites a friend to try it out) a couple of months ago. My son took to it right away! He loves the encouraging and structured environment for learning his new moves and that he can be with his peers.

★★★★★ — Crystal, Dec 2025

Our experience with Vertical Taekwondo under Mr. Catana's guidance has been truly outstanding. What sets Vertical Taekwondo apart is the personalized attention each child receives. Mr. Catana ensures that every student, regardless of skill level, thrives under his guidance.

★★★★★ — Juston, Nov 2023

Perfect place for your child) Parents can either stay and watch their kids train or leave during the classes. The atmosphere here is warm and welcoming. But the most important part is the coach. Mr. Catana is the best coach we have ever met. He is really fun and strict at the same time.

★★★★★ — Anastasiia, Dec 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 80 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at Vertical Taekwondo

Vertical Taekwondo 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first taekwondo class at Vertical Taekwondo

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 Vertical Taekwondo

1159 NE Rice Rd, Lee's Summit, MO64086

Get directions Instagram

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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.