personal safety

Why Striking-Based Self-Defense Is the Most Effective

April 22, 2026 by Briargate Taekwondo

Knowing why striking-based self-defense outperforms all others could mean the difference between survival and surrender—the answer will change how you think.

Top rated

Briargate Taekwondo4.7

Based on 70 reviews

2 days ago

1 week ago

Our kid loved taking classes here and learned a lot! The board breaking ceremony was super cute.

Steve Foltz

1 month ago

Excellent instruction for adults and kids. Can’t say enough about the classes here. Both my son and I are white belts (beginners) focused on our journey to black belt. The instructors at BTKD give us both instruction and confidence as we learn! 5 stars!

Doreen Kelly

2 months ago

They are so invested in the kids. Amazing to watch the growth. Highly recommend

Robert Kelly

3 months ago

My grandson has been with Briargate Taekwondo since April.I highly recommend Briargate Taekwondo,all around experience has been very positive for him!

Kathryn Anderson

3 months ago

Nicholas Shaw

4 months ago

A 5-star rating isn't enough. The students here of course learn taekwondo; on top of that though, the instructors expertly incorporate life values, goal achievement, and expectations of behavior into their culture. But Briargate Taekwondo is more than a martial arts gym - Matt and his wife, Melissa, have built a community. There are opportunities to connect in camps and shared celebrations of students' achievements, to participate in parent's nights out, to be involved in the demonstration team... It's a wonderful place for kids (or students of any age), and is a place we've been thankful to see our kids grow as athletes and as people.

Brittany Heredia

5 months ago

Very friendly and patient instructors and staff. They all work so well with smaller kids who are just learning taekwondo. Such a fun way to keep my 5 year old busy and active after school while still allowing him to learn excellent values for everyday life!

Alexandra Youmans

6 months ago

As a mom of an autistic/adhd child, I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful business. We have been with Briargate for a month now and there has been such an amazing change in my kiddos behavior. He has alot of support needs as a neurospicy child trying to make it in this world- and taekwando has helped him focus and become more disciplined. They hold him accountable for his behavior here- and help him feel accomplished when he does good! I highly highly suggest Briargate for all the neurospicy kids! The quiet peace in the car as he naps on the way home is absolutely everything lol. The scheduling is flexible, and the pricing is very fair. The facility is clean, the staff is pleasant and well trained, and the owner is very well versed on how to properly handle a tism meltdown.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Alexandra! We are excited to support and equip your son to better handle his emotions and behavior as he learns to use his autism/ADHD for good!

Jennifer Moudry

7 months ago

My kiddo loves this place. Learning character skills along with taekwondo has been a great experience. It’s not just about kicks and punches. The instructors really focus on teaching respect, discipline, and self-control. Those lessons show up both in class and in everyday life.

Response from the owner:We love our students and it’s important to us that they can show these characteristics on and off of the mats! Your son is amazing and we are excited to grow with him!

Pat Yeomans

8 months ago

Amazing space! Matt and his people are wonderful. Ive never seen someone with such patience and connection with the kids. This place has great mentors and teachers. If you’re looking for an amazing place for your children, give this place a try. I’m very impressed.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Pat! That means a lot to us as we do highly value our students!

Allison Abbate

9 months ago

These instructors go out of their way to help people improve at every age and level of ability.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Allison! Your grandson has come a long way, and we're excited for his future!

Tilmon Adams

9 months ago

Doing great with my son learning focus and listening skills. For a 5 year old he is showing great understanding.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Tilmon! Focus and discipline are important to our program. Your son is amazing!

Luther Benson

11 months ago

Matt is a master at his craft and is really cares about his kids in his school. He helps kids with goals and discipline plus makes physical fitness. Go check out his school, you will be glad you did.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Luther! Goals and discipline are so important to our student's future success!

Jacob Nooner

1 year ago

Such a great school, started here as a white belt with minimal experience and was accepted wholly as part of the family. As I grew through the ranks the master continued to be a great a friend and I eventually became an instructor and got my black belt.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Jacob! Yes, you are part of the family!

Rob Purdy

1 year ago

I've been coming here with my son for almost two years now. Great family environment. The instructors are great with my son.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Rob! We love having you both in class and reigniting your passion for Taekwondo!

Leslie Stamper

1 year ago

My son has attended Briargate Taekwondo for a couple of months, and I have been most impressed with Matt and his team. Quality instruction and knowledgeable instructors. They know the name of every participant and greet them as they walk in the door. The staff are truly invested in the individual progression of each student, both skill and character development. They also have a schedule of classes that allows families to have some flexibility in weekly attendance. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Leslie! Your son has come a long way and we are excited to walk with him as he continues to grow!

Azure Aguilar

1 year ago

I really love coming to this place no matter what type of day I'm having. The environment and the community are just something that's hard to find anywhere else!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Azure! Yes, you've had some hard days, and we're here to support you as you grow!

Jordan Brimer

2 years ago

My daughter Kaia absolutely loves going to class with Matt and his team! The instructors are not only goal-oriented but also deeply focused on helping each student grow—both mentally and physically. I see noticeable progress in Kaia every time she attends class, and it's clear she's gaining confidence, discipline, and strength. We couldn’t be happier with the experience!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Jordan! Your daughter is awesome!

Kat Ramirez

2 years ago

Briargate Taekwondo is a great! They have a great discipline structure and have fun extra activities for the kiddos. Matt and his team are very dedicated. Love being apart of the family :)

Response from the owner:Thank you, Kat! We love having your son as part of our family!

Dyana B

2 years ago

I highly recommend Briargate Taekwondo! From the very first experience, it was clear that this is not just a place to learn techniques and skills in Taekwondo, but also a space where personal growth and character development are prioritized. Coach McCuistion truly cares about each and every student and goes above and beyond to help them not only improve in martial arts but also become better individuals. He is devoted to helping his students develop qualities like humility, patience, resilience, and how to lead others through your actions and not just your words or a position. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced martial artist, this is an amazing place to train. The atmosphere is positive, supportive, and challenging in all the best ways. If you’re looking for a coach who is dedicated, inspiring, and truly cares about your growth, this is the place to be. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Ryan Steinseifer

2 years ago

Matt is great! I enjoy talking with him and seeing the passion he has for people at Briargate Taekwondo. It's awesome hearing the stories of kids taking their constant energy and turning it focus and determination through his taekwondo program

Shelley V Shelley

2 years ago

5 stars for Briargate Taekwondo! Matt McCuistion is just an AMAZING human being and his company is what we were looking for. It’s a personalized experience when you choose a small business. We prefer this compared to the big companies in town. They know your children’s names, they care and my son has loved joining. We are so excited to see him excel 👏🏼👏🏼

Stephen Adams

2 years ago

Awesome teacher and great time for the kids. You can even have the kids participate if the weather is bad. Love Matthew and his family, they are great people who make you feel like family.

Evelyn Figueroa

2 years ago

My kids ( 5 and 8) both have been attending for a few months, and we already see a night and day difference. Not only in the dojo but everywhere else. They help your child implement respect, accountability, and discipline. I didn't know what I or my children would gain out of the program, but it has been wonderful seeing my kids build their confidence, helping more at home and even receiving positive feedback from the school staff. It was one of the best decisions to have my kids attend Briargate taekwondo.

Monday	4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday	4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday	4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday	4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday	4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

personal safety

Footer

Briargate Taekwondo

Follow Us On Facebook!