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West Side Tae Kwon DO

4.5 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in New York, New York

Taekwondo school Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule westsidetkd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 212-663-3998

Hours

Monday 9 am–9 pm
Tuesday 12–9 pm
Wednesday 9 am–9 pm
Thursday 12–9 pm
Friday 9 am–8 pm
Saturday 9 am–8 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 West Side Tae Kwon DO, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Taekwondo 16 mentions

“His teaching style blends discipline, patience, and encouragement in a way that motivates kids to give their best while still having fun.”

All schools that run kids taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Great for adults who want to push themselves to train in a self defense sport.”

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 West Side Tae Kwon DO — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Great for adults who want to push themselves to train in a self defense sport.”

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 32 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert masters & instructors 3 mentions

“All the instructors Katy, Yuri and Hillary (Master Monaco) are amazing.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“He has a unique ability to connect with kids of all ages and inspire them to push past their limits while always celebrating their progress.”

🤝 friendly, family atmosphere 7 mentions

“Our son has been attending classes at West Side taekwondo for 4 years, and we have always appreciated the community and instruction provided.”

📘 strong forms & technique 4 mentions

“My child has learned skills and techniques that have helped my child to become more assertive, confidante, balanced and stable.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My daughter loves the instructors too!”

certified & recognized school 13 mentions

“(Or as an adult) I was never athletic, never stuck to a sport, and suddenly Master Lim’s classes allowed this late bloomer to pick up a sport and continuously do it.”

From the reviews

We love it! Super affordable and love the yearly plan where we can attend classes 3x per week. This is unheard of! My daughter loves the instructors too!

★★★★★ — Trisha, Oct 2021

Excellent taekwondo school. Top of the line training. Awesome for college taekwondo athletes working or staying in New York during winter break or summer!! Great for adults who want to push themselves to train in a self defense sport.

★★★★★ — Jeselin, Aug 2019

I would recommend Westside Taekwondo to other parents. My child has learned skills and techniques that have helped my child to become more assertive, confidante, balanced and stable. I've learned a lot myself just from sitting there watching the lessons! Thank you to all the Master's and the entire staff!!!!

★★★★★ — Tora, Jun 2017

My oldest has been at Westside taekwondo for six years and my youngest for almost 2 years. Master Lim strives to help his students with focus and achieve great technique. That same care and focus to details is what my children exhibit in the classroom setting. TKD with Master Lim has been a great foundation.

★★★★★ — Rita, Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 32 reviews →

New to taekwondo? Start at West Side Tae Kwon DO

West Side Tae Kwon 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first taekwondo class at West Side Tae Kwon 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.

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 West Side Tae Kwon DO

243 W 124th St, New York, NY10027

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.