Empire Tae Kwon Do: Taekwondo School & Martial Arts in NYC

Empire Tae Kwon Do Introduce

Located in the heart of the city, Empire Tae Kwon Do is more than just a place to learn martial arts; it is a community dedicated to building character, discipline, and confidence. This renowned Taekwondo school, led by the highly respected Master Seo, has become a go-to destination for New Yorkers seeking high-quality martial arts instruction for themselves and their families. The school's philosophy is rooted in traditional Taekwondo values, while its teaching style is modern, engaging, and highly effective for students of all ages. Master Seo’s unique approach strikes a perfect balance between technical training and creating a fun, supportive environment where students genuinely enjoy their time and are motivated to excel.

Empire Tae Kwon Do goes beyond physical training by focusing on the holistic development of each student. Through the practice of Taekwondo, students learn essential life skills such as focus, self-control, and respect. The school is known for its ability to connect with students on a personal level, which fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. This ensures that when Master Seo and his instructors speak, students listen and internalize the lessons, both on and off the mat. From the first class to the journey toward a black belt, Empire Tae Kwon Do provides a continuous and rewarding path for personal growth, making it a truly invaluable resource for the New York community.

Empire Tae Kwon Do is conveniently situated at 271 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011, USA, in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. This central location makes the school exceptionally accessible from various parts of the city. For those who rely on public transportation, the school is just a short walk from several major subway stations. The 23rd Street station is a hub for multiple lines, including the F, M, 1, and 2 trains, providing easy access from uptown, downtown, and other boroughs. Additionally, the A, C, E, and L lines are within a reasonable walking distance, making the commute seamless for a wide range of New York residents. The accessibility of the location, nestled within a bustling commercial and residential area, means that students can easily fit their training into their busy daily schedules, whether they are coming from work, school, or home.

The school’s location in Chelsea also offers the benefit of being in a dynamic and safe neighborhood with plenty of amenities nearby. Parents can find cafes, shops, and parks in the vicinity to occupy their time while their children are in class. For adults, the proximity to a variety of shops and restaurants makes it easy to combine a workout with other errands or social activities. The convenience of the address is a key factor in its popularity, attracting students from across Manhattan and beyond.

Empire Tae Kwon Do offers a wide range of services and programs designed to cater to a diverse student body, from young children to adults. Their curriculum is comprehensive, providing something for everyone, regardless of age, skill level, or personal goals.

Services Offered:

Martial Arts Classes & Instruction: Core Taekwondo lessons and practice, teaching fundamental techniques, forms, and sparring.
Children’s Program: A specialized curriculum for kids focusing on character building, discipline, and respect through engaging and fun activities.
Adult Classes & Program: Tailored instruction for adults and teens aged 15 and up, designed to improve physical fitness, flexibility, focus, and self-defense skills.
Private Lessons: One-on-one sessions for personalized instruction and accelerated progress.
Summer Camp & Programs: A fun and active way for kids to spend their summer, combining Taekwondo with other enjoyable activities.
Day Camps: Short-term programs during school breaks that offer a mix of physical training and fun.
Birthday Parties: A unique and exciting way to celebrate a special occasion with Taekwondo-themed games and activities.
Art And Crafts: Additional activities integrated into camps and programs to encourage creativity and well-rounded development.

Empire Tae Kwon Do has several standout features and highlights that contribute to its stellar reputation and success in the New York City martial arts scene. These elements are frequently praised by students and their families and are a testament to the school’s dedication to excellence.

Features / Highlights:

Master Seo’s Teaching Style: The Grand Master’s ability to blend serious technique with fun and a positive attitude is a significant highlight. His personal connection with students, including giving them funny nicknames, creates a warm and encouraging atmosphere that is rare to find.
Balanced Approach: The school strikes an effective balance between discipline and enjoyment. Students are taught the importance of respect and hard work without the program feeling "too cold or serious," as one parent noted.
Comprehensive Programs: The wide variety of programs, from adult classes to summer camps and birthday parties, means the school can cater to the entire family and offer multiple ways to engage with martial arts.
Strong Community: The positive and motivating environment encourages students to recruit their friends and family, creating a strong sense of community and a supportive network. This is a powerful indicator of a positive experience.
High-Quality Instruction: Master Seo is an incredible teacher with decades of training, ensuring that students are receiving authentic and high-quality instruction that is respected within the martial arts community.
Convenient Amenities: The presence of a restroom on-site adds to the comfort and convenience for students and parents during classes.

For those who are ready to take the next step or simply want to learn more, here is the contact information for Empire Tae Kwon Do.

Contact Information:

Address: 271 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Phone: (212) 645-6611

Mobile Phone: +1 212-645-6611

When considering a martial arts school in New York, Empire Tae Kwon Do is an exceptional choice for several reasons. The primary factor is the leadership of Master Seo. His ability to connect with students of all ages and abilities is unparalleled. For children, he creates an environment where they are both challenged and entertained, which is crucial for long-term engagement. The testimonial from a parent whose daughter is on her third year at the school and has her sights set on a black belt is a powerful endorsement of the effectiveness and positive impact of the program. This kind of loyalty is a direct result of the school's high-quality instruction and nurturing atmosphere.

For adults, Master Seo’s approach is equally effective. As noted by a seasoned martial artist, he is able to teach in a way that is enjoyable while still maintaining the important traditions and discipline of the art. The school’s curriculum is well-rounded, offering classes that improve physical fitness, flexibility, and focus while also providing valuable self-defense skills. The range of services, including day camps and birthday parties, makes the school a versatile option for families. The clear focus on character building and personal growth ensures that the benefits of training extend far beyond the dojang, impacting students' lives in meaningful ways. Ultimately, Empire Tae Kwon Do is a community-oriented school that provides a professional and rewarding martial arts journey for everyone who walks through its doors.

Empire Tae Kwon Do Services

Taekwondo School
Adult Classes
Adult Program
Art And Crafts
Birthday Parties
Character Building
Children’s Program
Day Camps
Martial Arts Classes
Martial Arts Instruction
Martial Arts Training
Private Lessons
Summer Camp
Summer Programs
Tae Kwon Do Lesson
Taekwondo Class
Taekwondo Instruction
Taekwondo Practice
Tkd Classes

Empire Tae Kwon Do Details

Amenities
Restroom

Empire Tae Kwon Do Photos

Empire Tae Kwon Do Location

Empire Tae Kwon Do

New York New York County New York West 23 Street

271 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Empire Tae Kwon Do Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 18 user reviews.

seoteachlearnbelt

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

My daughter is going on her third year at Empire Tae Kwon Do (started in Kindergarten) and absolutely loves it. We had tried another martial arts program prior, but my daughter just felt it was too cold/serious. Master Seo provides a great balance of education/technique, coupled with fun, to make the kids really enjoy their time there and want to keep at it. He has a great way of engaging with the kids - including providing funny nicknames - and motivating them to excel in their tae kwon do studies. Because he creates a fun environment and connects with each child, when he talks, they listen and provide respect. My daughter has been steadily progressing and is always thrilled when she's ready for her next belt test. We've liked it so much that we've recruited other students from her school and everyone has had the same reaction. I would highly recommend Master Seo and Empire Tae Kwon Do and we plan to continue to send our daughter there indefinitely, as she has her sights set on black belt :-)
May 30 · Jarett Finkelstein
I have personally experienced many taekwondo schools and teaching styles over my decades of training. Master Seo is an incredible teacher who is able to connect with a wide range of student abilities while striking a balance of fun and discipline. His approach with kids keeps training enjoyable while retaining the important traditions of this martial art.
June 29 · smudani
I highly recommend anyone considering learning tae kwon do to take a free trial class with Master Seo at the Empire Tae Kwon Do. Master Seo trained in South Korea from a very young age and is a genuine master in tae kwon do.At five years old, on her first day of kindergarten, my granddaughter was bullied by a male classmate. After researching other martial arts schools in Manhattan, we choose Master Seo because of his expertise and because he is a warm, gentle soul who makes learning martial arts fun for the children. My granddaughter is now going on to her fourth year of classes with Master Seo and she is absolutely thriving. Over the years, many of the girls in my granddaughter’s school class, and their younger sisters, have joined her at Empire Tae Kwon Do. The girls love their weekly classes and look forward to them.One of the great advantages we have found is that the classes available on a daily basis, Monday through Saturday, at convenient times for school age children and there are a variety of class options to choose from. We often see teenage girls in their black uniforms and black belts. Our little girls, now age 8, aspire to earn their black belts and be just like those teenage girls.I have always found Master Seo and Empire Tae Kwon Do to be scrupulously honest. He is always straight forward and thorough in explaining the cost of the school and the options for paying. When we want to suspend my granddaughter’s memberships for the summer, this is always agreed to immediately without question. Originally, we signed up for three months to see how things would go; however, after the first three months, my granddaughter loved the school so much that now we just sign up for the year.
May 30 · Judith McCaffrey
My daughter loves this class as the teacher. She has been taking it since she was 6yrs old. She is 8 currently. She looks forward to it every week. I’m not investing she will be the next Bruce Lee, but they teach her the skills needed and make it fun for the kids.
May 29 · Un Lee
Let me start by saying, if I could put zero stars, I would. I have been doing Taekwondo for 20 years, under many masters, and I also was assistant instructor in several dojangs. After relocating to NYC to my big disappointment, it was very difficult to find in Manhattan a school that was not one solely money driven, and/or it was easy to understand the lineage of the school i.e who is the master, what is the master background, and which "kwan" is the school originated from. Most of the schools here have generic website with stock photos, and no bios of instructors. While I understand that a martial arts school is a business, I expect a certain etiquette from someone calling himself a martial arts "master" ( that's 4th degree and up in Kukkiwon/WT Style Taekwondo).I ended up to this school as the original location I went (53rd st) was located close by my home, and there were classes everyday. I was there for 6 months, and enjoyed the classes with head instructor Dennis, which was very passionated about teaching and Taekwondo, friendly, and technically very good.This school fonctions on a contract basis, where you sign for at least 3 months, and have to pay first and last months ( which I have never heard before in other schools), and then you are on automatic payment.At the end of February, I told the instructor I was not going to be in town for the next month and a half, and asked to "freeze" my credit card as this option was suggested to me when I first joined the club. I did not want to pay for a month/two months I was not going to be able to fully commit. But by the time I came back, my card had been charged AND the club at that location was getting evicted. As a result, all students and instructors were to be relocated to the 23rd street location. But that was too far for me, and did not want to re-register there. When asked to be reimbursed, Master Yu (owner of the school I had not yet met), said he could not do that, but he would give me a month "free" ( mind you, I already paid for since they already charged my card) at the other location. At this new location, I was greeted by Master Seo, whom I did not get a good vibe of right at the beginning, and who was not aware of the arrangement. He said he would check, gave a phone call and eventually let me take the class. He was a little bit condescending when I made mistakes on the drills since not used to the style of this school, but did not care that much about it. I had a quick talk with him at the end of the class, as I wanted to understand the lineage of the school, but he completely avoided the question. Which is very suspicious to me, as usually instructors are proud of their lineage...But the week after, when I showed up, he wanted to talk to me. He came back on his words. He tried to scam me, and tried to convince me that the money that was charged in February (mind you few days before March) was in fact for February and not for March. (even though they always charge class a month ahead). He tried to have me sign a new contract. Which is not cool. Some people might think there was a misunderstanding, but clearly he just tried and see if I was going to let it fly. This despicable behaviour is absolutely not one of a master!!! He went on for a few minutes arguing that this contract was void, and I needed to either pay or go, even though I had the exchange of messages proving what I was saying. Eventually when he saw I was not budging, he said "ok you can go take the class". But I was so upset of this attitude, that I decided I did not want to learn from such a guy, and decided not to come back. He had just lost his highest belt student.What sets Taekwondo apart from any other martial arts is also implementing a set of moral virtues (look up the 5 tenets of Taekwondo), that this master Seo certainly does not have. DONT SIGN A COMMITMENT CONTRACT!!! AT MOST SCHOOLS YOU SHOULD BE PAYING MONTH TO MONTH!!!! Or better, go find a better master!
August 09 · fab ham