West Side Taekwondo is the premier Taekwondo dojang in Manhattan, with world-class instructors who are established and respected in the larger Taekwondo community, and who have accomplishments on the national and international scale. Having done Taekwondo for 20+ years at dojangs across the country, the quality that drew me to West Side in the first place was the quality of instruction and the quality of the black belt. This is not just another black belt factory that just pushes students through belt after belt to take their money - it's about creating quality students and maximizing each student's potential. Even before I joined, I could see that the West Side black belt was something special that candidates worked very hard to embody a high level of Taekwondo in order to attain. The result is a community that is respectful and traditional in its roots and Korean heritage, but also modern in its teachings and particpation in Taekwondo today. Students at West Side also have the opportunity to learn from and train alongside some of the world's top athletes, with past and present members and coaches of the United States and other international teams. Outside of the traditional classes, special training sessions and opportunities are available, such as visits from the Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian national teams in the past. I started coming to West Side in 2001/2002, and benefitted from personal training from the head masters. I met not only classmates, but friends who have supported me and pushed me to be the best that I can be. I also learned how to teach, and cultivated my love of coaching. As I get older and my Taekwondo training changes its focus or intensity, it has been rewarding to see those who I've taught now teaching others, and to know that I have a safe place to call home. Whether it's personal fitness and weight loss or Olympic dreams - West Side Taekwondo is a community that challenges you to be the best version of yourself you can be, and encourages and empowers you get there. read more

I am a 4th degree blackbelt with over 23 years of experience. I have been training at Westside TKD now for over 7 years and can honestly say it is a world-class program with world-class instructors and people. First, the master instructors (Whang Junior/Senior and Lim) are not only terrific teachers but also great people. They teach most classes personally, are extremely generous with their time, and genuinely care about their students. They have coached Olympic team athletes to victory as well as helped disadvantaged youth achieve their next belt level. They are very very accessible and very humble. It has been my great pleasure to learn from them and to be associated with them. I think any student, whether an experienced martial artist or beginner can benefit greatly from working with Masters Whang and Lim. Second, the workouts and classes are excellent. There are a variety of workouts to cater to people's interests including competition Olympic style, traditional, poomsae, childrens etc. The energy levels are high and I always end up challenging myself to improve. The competition classes are among the best in the nation in my opinion. Westside has several world class athletes that train along side regular college students and working professionals. The workouts are intense and I always get a terrific workout. Finally, Westside is not just a TKD school but a vibrant martial arts community. I have developed close friendships with many fellow students and instructors and regularly see them outside of class. The level of respect and professionalism inside and outside the classroom is really special. I highly recommend Westside and hope you will come and discover why it is the best TKD school in Manhattan. read more

You want to know what a family is...come to West Side. My name is Dorian I am from Trinidad & Tobago and compete for T&T on an international level. I came to NYC for the first time back in 2004 as a poor lonely student living in a basement in the depths of Canarsie. I took the trains for hours just to find west side and I still remember the first day I walked in and met the masters. Never before I have i felt so welcomed in a foreign country. Even the students there at the time (Christina, James, Adolfo) - players of the highest quality in skill and character - had adopted the genuine admirable characteristics that Westside exemplifies. Westside doesn't only produce top quality athletes, we produce well rounded individuals. I returned to NYC in 2008 only to find myself even poorer but still strongly drawn to taekwondo; if not for the family environment I would never of been able to afford to train at Westside, they have adopted me as their own son in the dojang. And everyday I see the generosity of the masters in the multitude of students who flock to our dojang. Countries as varied as Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Canada, Bulgaria and I have left out more than a few have all sent Olympic quality athletes to our dojang to train. The Masters have even produced their own Olympian in my fellow country man. And have put time and energy into each and every athlete at the school, there is not a student's name they don't know, or that student's brother/sister/parents. There are not enough words to qualify Westside and the masters at the dojang. All I can say is come experience it for yourself! Thank you Westside, Thank you Masters! read more

I've trained at West Side occasionally. While I lived and spent most of my time training in Boston, I've stopped in for Saturday competition workouts at West Side a few times. The Masters there are very polite and were welcoming to me as an outside student. The workouts were high energy and were challenging both aerobically and technically. One time I visited as part of a big cross-club training event where they gathered some high level players from all over New York (as well as my club in Boston), which was great. There was some awesome talent there, but they also did a great job of not overwhelming the younger players as well. After everyone went out to eat and socialize. I've had nothing but positive interactions with the coaches, instructors, and students at West Side. They do a good job of training some high level athletes as well as maintaining a good club program for people of all levels. I've seen them train good color belts and beginners as well as fostering athletes who have a great amount of experience. It's been my experience that the people there genuinely care about each other and about Taekwondo. I'm not a member of this club, and don't have a vested interest in its success. I've just found the people there to be welcoming to me when I visit, and the level of instruction I've witnessed there has been on par with some of the best dojangs in the country. read more

I first started Taekwondo 4 years ago in college, and since I started going to Westside Taekwondo 2 years ago, I have never left the dojang without smiling from ear-to-ear. Every workout is novel, fun, and incredibly challenging, with a large variety of high-energy classes including sparring, poomsae, or conditioning, so there are classes for everyone depending on their interests and motivations. Westside is an incredible family where everyone supports each other and his/her individual goals. They were nothing but welcoming since I joined, and I found a tight-knit community that has helped me far beyond Taekwondo. Every master has tremendous experience and their insights have helped me rapidly improve my technique, fitness, and mental sharpness. They always take the time to answer anyone's question and are always willing to spend time beyond class to teach students. I am honored to learn from and train with elite masters and athletes who dedicate so much time and effort to the sport and truly appreciate discipline, hard work, and camaraderie. Whether you are looking for a new sport, some fitness, or continuing your training. I am sure you will find all you want and much more at Westside, so I highly recommend trying out a class. read more

I enrolled my son at WSTKD about five years ago when he was 8. I wanted him to have the benefits of martial arts training -- better fitness, coordination, confidence and stamina. Watching him work out made me realize what was missing from my own workouts, and within a couple of months I had followed my son to the dojang. We both continue to train several times a week. I have found the instructors to be patient and helpful, both with me and with my son. I worried about feeling welcome as a middle aged mom, but it was not an issue at all. In fact, I have noticed that there are more and more women like me, who have followed in our children's paths. The weekday classes are particularly mom-friendly. It is true that the instructors do not coddle the students. Rather, this is a place where you will reap what you sow. It you put your time and energy into this place you will see benefits. If you commit to the training and try hard, the instructors will commit to you, regardless of whether you are a great athlete. FYI, as a way to encourage students to come often, the fee is the same whether you come once a week or every single day. read more

I have no idea why Westside TKD could get a bad review. My son, now 15, has been taking classes at the school for years. It is a fantastic community and has helped him grow into a confident young man. The teachers are great, the students too. We paid one fee to go through black belt. There are charges for tests and uniforms, and we have paid for great private lessons, but it has been the best value for after-school programming that I could ever wish for. Students can go seven days a week if they're so inclined. What is even more impressive is that it attracts such accomplished people in their professional lives, outside of their abilities as martial artists, that they are great role models for children. I can only assume that the person who wrote the nasty review is either: a: starting their own dojang. b: got fired. c: failed a belt test one too many time. d: has some other issue unrelated to what goes on at the dojang that would cause them to post such an absurd review. We have been going to Westside TKF for almost a decade. I recommended it to countless parents. An amazing school!!! read more

I started training at West Side TKD in 2006, after earning my black belt at a school in another area. It's a great school for anyone who loves tae kwon do. There are classes 7 days a week to fit your schedule. Each class has a focus, such as sparring, poomsae, or conditioning. As an adult black belt, you can really focus on the things you're interested in. The masters are exceptionally dedicated to the sport, and have always had insightful, helpful feedback during training. In addition to the masters, I really like that we have a big group of black belts to learn from, as they compete at the highest international levels in both poomsae and sparring. Frequently, West Side will also host students and/or masters from other schools for workouts in which we can get a little different perspective and broaden our horizons. The school has a high level of grassroots-style enthusiasm - people stay after class for more training, watch video from competitions, or organize trips to tournaments. If you want to get back into TKD, or are curious about starting it, it's a great place to check out. read more

I was on the Taekwondo team in college and after I graduated, I missed the feeling I got from being a part of a close-knit Taekwondo group. After years of training at other places (even in Korea), I finally got that feeling back when I started training at West Side. The instructors are great. And some of them are world class athletes. Want to perfect your poomsae (forms)? Get pointers from one of the current National Poomsae Team members, who train and teach at West Side. Want some sparring tips? There are nationally ranked fighters, Olympic-level coaches, and current national team members (from Team Trinidad and Tobago), who teach classes and can give you pointers. Do you have a kid who wants to do martial arts? The instructors, who teach the children's classes, are great with kids. I have nothing but love for West Side. The class schedule is flexible. The community is great. And whether your ultimate goal is competing or not, West Side is definitely worth checking out. read more

If you're drawn to the allure of an authoritarian instructor, displaying an alarming lack of professionalism, casually disregarding respect for both you and your cherished children - all under the deceptive guise of discipline or expertise - then, by all means, look no further! However, as a concerned parent, I cannot fathom subjecting my precious little one to such an environment. No, absolutely not. This individual remains unapologetically obstinate even when proven wrong, and desperately requires substantial guidance in imparting discipline lessons devoid of cruel humiliation. My time spent there was nothing short of a horrifying ordeal. Master Lim, without a moment's hesitation, finds delight in publicly shaming innocent children before their peers and their vulnerable parents. Spare yourself the anguish and invest your valuable time elsewhere. Trust me, there are far better training centers to be found in vibrant New York City. read more

My now 13 year old Twins have been with West Side Tae Kwon Do for the past 5 years. Master Lim, Master Park, Masters Sr and Jr Whang have all supported the Twins development. They have each given private attention to my children not just at the Dojang but also at Local and National tournaments where both children have won. In addition, other members of the staff have also been very supportive. The friendships my children have built have been invaluable. The lessons of Tae Kwon Do have helped my children in both school and in other sports where they have also excelled. This school provides an wonderful environment for children and adults. Regardless of skill each individual is encouraged to work to the next level leveraging the focus and discipline which is necessary for success in all aspects of life. Respect runs throughout the school and I am so grateful we found them. Elizabeth Brady read more

I am a relative newbee at Taekwondo, with under a year of experience. No one from the donjo has yelped me or asked me to comment in any way. I'm writing this because my experience at Westside is so positive.. All the teachers, Masters and instructors, care deeply about their students and the techniques we are learning.They always have time for a question and although the school is home to world class athletes, a white belt who genuinely gives 100% effort is welcomed and helped by all. I also have been impressed by by all of the upper belts, not just black belts.. They are always ready to give a hand to a less experienced student. I have no axe to grind nor do I have any reason to express anything but my genuine opinion. I was horrified at the one bad review as it's 180 degrees from my experience. I look forward to many more years with West Side Taekwondo. read more

I've been at Westside taekwondo since 2007 after starting at another school. They have been very welcoming to those that come from other places and certainly don't resent people who leave. I took some time off to go back to school in 2010 and they actually guided me through my taekwondo training after I left. This is one of the main reasons I decided to return Westside after finishing school and don't consider any other school when I think about my taekwondo train and such a positive and family friendly environment. read more