Self-defense is the foundation of Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is, first and foremost, the Korean art of self-defense, and the name says it: tae (foot), kwon (hand), do (way). While it is famous for its kicking, training at World Class Tae Kwon Do is well rounded. Students learn blocks, punches, open-hand strikes, kicks, releases from grabs and holds, and the situational awareness to avoid trouble in the first place.
We do not run self-defense as a separate seminar-style class. It is built into every kids, teen and adult class, week after week, because that is the only way it actually works when it counts.
What you learn
- Protect yourself against an attack with blocking, kicking and striking techniques.
- Escape grabs and holds, including wrist grabs, bear hugs and chokes.
- Strike smart. Use the strongest parts of your body, the elbow, knee and fist, against the weakest parts of an attacker, such as the groin, solar plexus or chin.
- Build muscle memory. In moments where milliseconds matter, hesitation is the enemy. We practice moves over and over so they become second nature.
- Carry yourself with confidence. Your posture, self-awareness and the way you walk into a room change, and that alone makes you a less likely target.
Self-defense for women
Many of our adult students are women who came for exactly this reason. You will work with both male and female instructors who go at your pace, and you will train alongside other empowered women and men in a warm, welcoming class. Read more in Tae Kwon Do for women's self-defense.
Bully-prevention for kids
For children, self-defense starts long before any physical technique. We teach three habits that matter most in a bullying situation: strong posture with the head up and shoulders back; a loud, confident voice ("I said no!") that tells a bully they have picked the wrong target; and the confidence to walk away and tell an adult. Physical self-defense is the last resort, and kids learn it in a way that emphasizes control and responsibility. Our posts on standing strong against bullying and confidence in bully situations go deeper.
Train with instructors who have taught it for decades
Masters TJ Eskew and Dennis Polanski trained under Grandmaster Sun Ki Chong, former U.S. National Team Head Coach, and have each taught for more than 15 years. Their approach is practical and grounded: techniques that work for a real person of any size, taught safely, with respect for how serious the subject is.
Ready to feel safer? Your first class is free.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer a one-day women's self-defense seminar?
Our self-defense training is delivered through ongoing Tae Kwon Do classes rather than one-off seminars, because skills only become reliable with repetition. Call us if you are interested in a group session and we will talk through options.
Is Tae Kwon Do effective for real self-defense?
Yes, when it is taught the way we teach it: with blocks, strikes, escapes and awareness alongside the kicking Tae Kwon Do is known for, drilled until they are automatic.
At what age do kids start learning self-defense?
From day one, age-appropriately. Little Tigers learn a confident voice and body language; older kids add physical techniques as they mature.
Ready to try Self-Defense Training? Your first class is free and there is no obligation. Reserve a spot or call (630) 870-9293.
Other programs
- Little Tigers (Ages 5–6) — Our starter program for 5 and 6 year olds. Short, high-energy classes that build balance, coordination and the ability to listen and follow directions.
- Kids Martial Arts (Ages 7–12) — Our core program for ages 7–12. Forty-minute classes that build strength, focus and self-discipline on the way to Black Belt.
- Teen Martial Arts (Ages 13–17) — Ages 13–17 train in our Teen & Adult class: a real workout, real self-defense and the confidence that comes with earning it.
Training from another town? See our pages for Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Oswego and Plainfield families.