self-defense

Which Martial Art Gives You the Greatest Edge When It Comes to Self-Defense?

October 1, 2025 by Briargate Taekwondo

Pitting martial arts against each other reveals surprising truths about which style truly excels in real-world self-defense situations.

Excellent

Based on 54 reviews

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.

Rob Purdy

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

Leslie Stamper

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!

Azure Aguilar

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!

Jordan Brimer

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!

Kat Ramirez

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 :)

Dyana B

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

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

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

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

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.

mary martin

My daughter loves going here and is learning a lot.

Chad Sparling

Awesome family run dojo. There are many family fun events that they run in addition to awesome Taekwondo training.

Karlyne Morawe

Taekwondo has been life changing for my daughter. I can’t say enough about the instructor’s ability to manage kiddos who struggle with self regulation and distractibility. The briargate taekwondo family is so supportive and encouraging and I can’t recommend it enough.

Rebecca Heiser

This place has been a great place for my son! Not only does he learn taekwondo, but he also learns how to be responsible, respectful and accountable inside and outside of class! This place is so welcoming and you can tell they truly care about each and every person who walks through the door. Oh and not to mention how fun parents night out... I mean... movie night is!!

Daniel Notary

Our son loves his teachers, the students, and the challenges. He's not normally one to dive in without understanding, but Mr. McCuistion has helped answer all his questions and gives him confidence for each new task. It's a great school.

Cheryl Whittaker

Our 3 children attend classes here and absolutely love it. Instructor McCuistion and his wife Melissa have a passion for children. Instructor Jacob is amazing. I love that there are multiple classes you can attend each week at a variety of times. They sponsor movie nights for students and non students and Saturday family bible studies. Definitely a light in our community. Highly, highly recommend!

matt johnson

Amy Rockey

We love briargate taekwondo! My daughter has grown so much in discipline and Matthew is an incredible teacher who cares about his students. She is excited to go to
Class each time and has such a sense of accomplishment.

Jennifer Brewer

My son loves attending his classes! The expectations they have on him there extend to our home and everyday life! The lessons he learns has helped him to grow both inside and outside the class!

Ali Patterson

Briargate Taekwondo has been so wonderful for my son. He has gained so much confidence since first starting classes. It has been wonderful watching him grow.

Aleena Notary

We love Briargate taekwondo! The instructors are helpful and patient, but push the kids to learn and be successful. Great family run business.

Aaron Sanborn

My nine-year-old son and I have been attending Briargate Taekwondo since March 2024. We have thoroughly enjoyed the experience together. Instructor McCuistion welcomes families and students where they are at and challenges them to grow and develop. Instructor McCuistion's philosophy of teaching and character development is inspiring and refreshing. I highly recommend this Taekwondo site to any individual or family!

Evelyn Kent

Briargate Taekwondo welcomes families where they are and builds kids up no matter their abilities! We started here (ages 5 and 7) looking to improve focus and strength, but we stayed because they are building so much more. I especially love the flexible schedule and the special touches like regular movie nights that make this place stand out.

Sam Schafer

Good 👍

Maya Upreti

Melissa Tafoya

Definitely recommend! Started training with my daughter and both of us received a warm welcome by the instructors and students. The instructors make sure the students know proper form and work with the students till they are confident in the forms. This place works on character and skill.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Melissa! It means so much to us that you felt welcome so quickly by our students.

Diana Fernandez Sorensen

Matt really cares about the students and their welfare. We had practiced at a different Taekwondo studio before and had a very different experience. Definitely recommend Briargate Taekwondo!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Diana! The success of our students is paramount.

Lindsay Crust

Briargate Taekwondo was represented at our school's Health Jam before Thanksgiving Break. Matt came to volunteer and WOWED our staff and students with his kindness and the kids said it was one of their favorite stations. I have heard from families in our community how wonderful the event was as well as the gratitude to everyone who volunteered their time to help our students learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. We highly recommend Briargate Taekwondo to anyone looking for a way to teach excellent character traits and learn taekwondo!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much Lindsay! We loved being a part of the Health Jam and adding value to our community!

Rebecca S.

An amazing school with amazing instructors. I’m having so much fun studying here and training with all of these wonderful people. great work!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Rebecca! We believe that Taekwondo should be fun and engaging.

Colorado Tracy

Briargate Taekwondo has been understanding and accommodating specifically to my child with physical and intellectual disabilities and to my family as a whole. I highly recommend the Briargate Taekwondo Dojong to anyone interested in Taekwondo.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Tracy! We believe in creating a safe and accepting environment for everyone.

Ned Lentz

In January 2022, the owner of this franchise location went independent from USTC. While my son and I had enjoyed USTC, we have found over the past few months that staying with Instructor McCuistion, who has re-engineered the curriculum to a more focused and pointed training, has been the best decision for us and other students to concentrate on forms, techniques, and discipline. I thoroughly enjoy the sparing, Poomsae, and other training sessions. While USTC provides several locations in Colorado Springs, they are second to Briargate when it comes to quality and traditional Kookiwan Taekwondo which is paramount to my son and I. There are several other parent-child teams that attend and I find they share a similar viewpoint. I highly recommend enrolling your child at this Dojang location if you want the best influence and training for your little student. I also strongly encourage parents to join as well to get the full experience with your son(s) and/or daughter(s).

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, Ned. We appreciate your feedback!

Marcie Wegner

We chose Briargate Taekwondo over a large taekwondo school, as the small class size, individualized instruction, caring staff, a sense of belonging and mutual respect, and the feeling that the instructors always have the students' best interests at heart.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Marcie. We appreciate your review!

Justin Newton

My son started at this school last year, and all of the staff was great from the start. Normal classes were structured, and my son received great instruction. Some events, like the periodic belt tests, felt a little chaotic, but that is understandable when there are so many kids testing at once.

We were nervous about the school rebranding and what might change at the school as result. We stayed for two reasons: location was one of the key favors in our decision to sign up at this school, and Instructor McCuistion had always encouraged a little more discipline and respect from the students than some of the younger instructors working there. We were hopeful that our son would be held to a higher standard if we stayed (which is what our son needs).

I'm pleased to say that our experience since the change has not disappointed! The professionalism and quality at this school are great. My son has been challenged to perform his skills and to focus at a higher level than ever before. We are very happy that we stayed.

Response from the owner:Thanks for the review, Justin. We are looking forward to seeing you again!

Kim Wheaton

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, Kim.

Jenny Rizk

Matt was very helpful, friendly and professional. The instructors here are top notch...very knowledgeable and great with the kids!

Amy Werner

We have been instant fans from the beginning. The sport and center are both new to us, but our 5 year old is learning respect, discipline, and the importance of doing well in school and at home...and those aren’t even the physical skills he’s learning! The staff is patient and does not let the little guys give up or act out. I can’t wait to see how far my little guy can/will take this in life.

Jimmy Simmons

As a recent student the facility is awesome and the instruction feels to notch. Would reccomend to everyone. Taekwondo is the way to go...

Kayden Ho

Response from the owner:Thanks for leaving such a great review of our school! We love our students and seeing where training in Taekwondo takes them in life. If there's anything we can do to improve your experience with us, please let us know!

Benjamin Ward

I started training here 9 months ago with my son and daughter. It has been a great experience. The staff members are absolutely professional and the instructors are amazing. They really emphasize developing focus, respect, and self-discipline in their students. Going in I didn’t think I was really black belt material but since I’ve begun training this has become my goal. It is really easy to get started with their no obligation trial program. I highly recommend USTC for anyone who would like to try martial arts.

Melissa Rogers

Don Hickox

THE ENTIRE STAFF AT USTC BRIARGATE HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. INSTRUCTOR TROY SMITH AND HIS TEAM WORK VERY HARD TO CREATE A FAMILY STYLE ATMOSPHERE. HONOR AND RESPECT IS TAUGHT , REENFORCED , AND EXPECTED BY EVERYONE. ALL THREE OF MY CHILDREN ATTEND AND BENEFIT GREATLY FROM THE INSTRUCTION THEY RECEIVE. WE ARE VERY THANKFUL THAT THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND VALUES WE TEACH AT HOME ARE REENFORCED AT USTC BRIARGATE.

Justin Zeisler

Fun and instructive! Self defense and mental training make confidence. Good facility, but can get quite expensive. Some level of bargaining can be done at contract signing.

Megan Gustafson

The staff is excellent, the other attendees are fun to train with, and the school is at a great location/is always clean.

Robert Spinella

Great community and training center.
Multiple locations around town which I appreciate with my work schedule.

Natalia LaTour

A friendly and active community. I've been a part of it for almost two years now and have found myself with not just a way to keep in shape and balance my life, but a supportive group of friends with which to share the exciting journey to black belt.

Kali Hendon

Martial Arts, specifically Taekwondo, have been a huge part of my life since I was 4 years old. When I moved to Colorado Springs I did not expect to find a school that would meet up to my expectations, but the US Taekwondo Center has exceeded all expectations. Excellent school for children, teens, young adults, and families.

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

self-defense

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