Golden Dragon Defense 8894 Fort Smallwood Rd #14, Pasadena, MD 21122 +1 410-317-5376
ITF TAEKWONDO
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From the moment you step through the doors of Golden Defense Dragon Taekwondo, you'll feel a palpable sense of dedication, discipline, and community. This isn't just a martial arts school; it's a place where students of all ages and skill levels are empowered to grow, both physically and mentally.
The instructors at Golden Defense Dragon are truly exceptional. They combine deep expertise in Taekwondo with a genuine passion for teaching. Their guidance is not only clear and precise, but also incredibly encouraging, ensuring that every student feels supported and challenged to reach their full potential. They emphasize respect, perseverance, and self-control, instilling invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the dojang.
My experience, and what I've observed in others, is that Golden Defense Dragon fosters an incredibly positive and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps or an advanced practitioner honing your skills, you'll find a welcoming environment where camaraderie thrives. The focus is always on personal improvement and mutual support.
Beyond the impressive physical training – which builds strength, flexibility, and coordination – the mental benefits are profound. Ms Maria helps students develop remarkable focus, discipline, and confidence. Parents will particularly appreciate how the lessons learned here translate into improved behavior, better concentration in school, and a stronger sense of self-esteem in their children.
If you're looking for a top-tier Taekwondo experience that prioritizes holistic development, Golden Defense Dragon Taekwondo is without a doubt the place to be. It's more than just learning kicks and punches; it's about building character, resilience, and a lifelong love for martial arts. Highly, highly recommended!
Ashley: "This is the perfect place if you're looking for a strict/ fun place to learn Ti Kwon Do. The staff and instructors are the best and are great with kids. We absolutely love them. They have a variety of classes and times. They clean between classes, only allowing a limited number of people inside the building and have hand sanitizer all around the school and making everyone use it on their way in and out of classes. I would highly recommend GDD if you are looking for a place to learn and workout at."
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Ashley: "This is the perfect place if you're looking for a strict/ fun place to learn Ti Kwon Do. The staff and instructors are the best and are great with kids. We absolutely love them. They have a variety of classes and times. They clean between classes, only allowing a limited number of people inside the building and have hand sanitizer all around the school and making everyone use it on their way in and out of classes. I would highly recommend GDD if you are looking for a place to learn and workout at." 〰️
EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE IN ITF TAEKWON-DO: INSPIRING GREATNESS IN YOUTH AND ADULTS.
Join Golden Dragon Defense in Pasadena, MD for a transformative journey in self-discovery through the art of TaekwonDo. Unleash your potential with world-class instructors. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned martial artist: kids, teens, and adults are welcome here at GDD!
Amanda: "We love Ms. Maria and all the staff and Golden Dragon Defense. Highly recommend to other families.",
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Gordon: "Excellent instruction and friendly environment. All of the instructors are well versed in the art and work with the students. Ms. Marie is very knowledgeable and is excellent with kids and young adults. We couldn't have picked a better place to take taekwondo.",
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Amanda: "We love Ms. Maria and all the staff and Golden Dragon Defense. Highly recommend to other families.", 〰️ Gordon: "Excellent instruction and friendly environment. All of the instructors are well versed in the art and work with the students. Ms. Marie is very knowledgeable and is excellent with kids and young adults. We couldn't have picked a better place to take taekwondo.", 〰️
August Testing
7 Students Tested this month
All 7 Passed
Board Included Ms. Maria VI Dan, Ms. Elissa I Dan, and Ms. AC Jr. I Dan
Jason: "My daughter has been attending Golden Dragon for over a year now, and I can’t speak highly enough about the experience! She absolutely loves it. Not only has she learned valuable self-defense skills, but she’s also grown tremendously in discipline and character. I would definitely recommend Golden Dragon to anyone considering martial arts training for their child.",
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Alexx: "One of the best taekwondo Dojos around Miss Maria is the best instructor Amazing with kids and very good at teaching all age groups and levels her black belts also helping her out with teaching are amazing also you won't regret choosing Golden Dragon Defense",
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Jason: "My daughter has been attending Golden Dragon for over a year now, and I can’t speak highly enough about the experience! She absolutely loves it. Not only has she learned valuable self-defense skills, but she’s also grown tremendously in discipline and character. I would definitely recommend Golden Dragon to anyone considering martial arts training for their child.", 〰️ Alexx: "One of the best taekwondo Dojos around Miss Maria is the best instructor Amazing with kids and very good at teaching all age groups and levels her black belts also helping her out with teaching are amazing also you won't regret choosing Golden Dragon Defense", 〰️
Check out our Instructors and Jr. Instructors!
Mark: "After taking a long break from TKD, I decided to start up again and introduce my son to it as well and we both love the school and Ms Maria. I recommend it to anyone looking to get in shape or have their kids learn about discipline and self control.",
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Devin: "Both of my kids have attended for about half a year now. The instructor, Ms. Maria , is exceptional with her students. She is an excellent guide to my children's personal journeys to success, and I would strongly recommend this studio to anyone.",
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Mark: "After taking a long break from TKD, I decided to start up again and introduce my son to it as well and we both love the school and Ms Maria. I recommend it to anyone looking to get in shape or have their kids learn about discipline and self control.", 〰️ Devin: "Both of my kids have attended for about half a year now. The instructor, Ms. Maria , is exceptional with her students. She is an excellent guide to my children's personal journeys to success, and I would strongly recommend this studio to anyone.", 〰️
WE’RE AN ITF CERTIFIED SCHOOL. TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES; WORLD-CLASS INSTRUCTION.
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Golden Dragon Defense is an ITF Certified School. ITF Taekwon-Do is a Martial Art with four distinct facets, as a sport, a martial art, a tool for social development and as a way of life. Competition highlights the Sport facet of ITF Taekwon-Do.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) aims to promote and support Taekwon-Do according to the principles of its Founder, General Choi Hong-hi. It was founded in 1966 and has member associations in over 120 countries worldwide.
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Enrolling in an ITF Certified school means embracing an authentic martial arts style that is true to its roots. Our curriculum adheres to the original teachings of Taekwon-Do, as outlined in an Encyclopedia, written by founder General Choi Hong-hi.
ITF allows hand strikes, kicks, takedowns, blocks, and more. Students practice patterns, self defense, board breaking, and sparring.
ITF also opens the door for competitions, both nationally and internationally, where students can choose to take their martial arts journey to the next level!
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There are five tenets defined in the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).
Courtesy ( 예의 ye-ui )
Showing courtesy to all, respecting others, having manners as well as maintaining the appropriate etiquette at all times, both within and outside the dojang (도장) (designated training area).
Integrity ( 염치 yeom-chi )
Although it may be similar, this form of integrity takes on a more wider role then defined in the common dictionary. In Taekwon-Do, integrity means not only to determine what is right or wrong but also having the conscience to feel guilt if one has done wrong and to have the integrity stand up for what is right.
Perseverance ( 인내 in-nae )
One will persevere time and time again until they have achieved a result which is adequate towards what one was trying to achieve.
Self-control ( 극기 geuk-gi )
This means to not only have control over one's physical acts, but also their mental thoughts and actions.
Indomitable Spirit ( 백절불굴 baekjul-boolgool )
To have indomitable spirit means to have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what odds you are up against, and to always give 100% effort in whatever you do.
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ITF Certified schools are eligible to enroll in plenty of competitions and tournaments of various scales throughout the year. Competitions allow students to evaluate and increase their abilities, set goals to achieve a higher level of training and accomplishment and to achieve success at local, regional, national and international level.
Golden Dragon Defense offers an Annual Dragon’s Eye Tournament where students from schools throughout the East Coast travel to compete in our hometown to compete each year!
Official Championships organised by the ITF are the ITF World Championships and ITF World Cups. However, other approved championships take place across the world such as Continental Championships and approved ITF Open Championships. Learn more here.
Carly: "We love GDD. Our kids have been going here almost 4 years. Instructors are great, everything is very clean. All patrons are very friendly and we’ve made awesome friendships with other families too! Highly recommend!",
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Brendan: "Ms. Maria is the best instructor in the area, and her team is incredible in building confidence in her students and ensuring they stay motivated and engaged.",
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Carly: "We love GDD. Our kids have been going here almost 4 years. Instructors are great, everything is very clean. All patrons are very friendly and we’ve made awesome friendships with other families too! Highly recommend!", 〰️ Brendan: "Ms. Maria is the best instructor in the area, and her team is incredible in building confidence in her students and ensuring they stay motivated and engaged.", 〰️
A YOUTH-CENTRIC TAEKWON-DO PROGRAM THAT PROMOTES HEALTH, RESPECT, AND CONFIDENCE? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.
Elevate Your Child’s Journey to Excellence: Join Youth Taekwon-Do in Pasadena, Maryland today!
Our youth program is designed to inspire and instill the values of physical fitness, confidence, self-control, and self-defense mastery in your child or teen. Youth can expect to experience the dynamic world of Martial Arts through ITF Taekwon-Do, where the thrill of fast-paced martial arts meets character development and discipline to cultivate your child's behavior and manners.
Jessica: "Ms Maria is great. Classes/School is very good. Excellent instructors and great for teaching discipline and give kids opportunities to lead in class and small groups. Sparring part of week is expected and formal classes the other part of week. Good instructions.",
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Dan: "Absolutely amazing place. The professionalism and dedication of the instructors is awesome. The facility is clean and well cared for. What more can you ask for?",
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Jessica: "Ms Maria is great. Classes/School is very good. Excellent instructors and great for teaching discipline and give kids opportunities to lead in class and small groups. Sparring part of week is expected and formal classes the other part of week. Good instructions.", 〰️ Dan: "Absolutely amazing place. The professionalism and dedication of the instructors is awesome. The facility is clean and well cared for. What more can you ask for?", 〰️
Discover the Power of Taekwon-Do for Adults: Achieve Balance, Strength, and Vitality in Your Life!
Join us today and experience the transformational benefits of Taekwon-Do! Embrace balance, boost your activity level, and unlock your full potential as a confident, healthier, and more empowered adult. Learn from the best Martial Arts instructors in Pasadena who are dedicated to providing a stable, family-friendly environment where you can excel in your personal goals and find a supportive community. Whether your plan is to compete, lose weight, meet new like-minded people, or increase your day-to-day life activity, we will help you get there faster than you ever thought possible, all while having fun!
ADULTS: UNLOCK YOUR INNER DRAGON WARRIOR! JOIN OUR ADULT MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM TODAY.
Gregg: "Great studio to learn TKD, for kids (and adults) to learn self defense, gain confidence, and understand responsibility. My daughter loves learning TKD and the instructors. They handle the pandemic very well and safely, to allow students to continue learning in varying capacities. Definitely recommend for kids of all ages.",
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Angelina: "The instructors are very helpful and encouraging. The families are friendly and accepting. We enjoy the cross training that's offered. Several different martial arts area offered. It's clean and a real fun place.",
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Gregg: "Great studio to learn TKD, for kids (and adults) to learn self defense, gain confidence, and understand responsibility. My daughter loves learning TKD and the instructors. They handle the pandemic very well and safely, to allow students to continue learning in varying capacities. Definitely recommend for kids of all ages.", 〰️ Angelina: "The instructors are very helpful and encouraging. The families are friendly and accepting. We enjoy the cross training that's offered. Several different martial arts area offered. It's clean and a real fun place.", 〰️
Pamela: "Amazing Tae Kwan Do school!!!!! My son Has always been unsure of himselfand after a short time is more confident and happy. The exercise is also great!!!",
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De'Vante: "All I can say is wow! The Golden Dragon Defense is a great place to learn Tae Kwon Do. The instructor here, Ms. Maria is very strict and teaches discipline, and the teaching methods work! This is an amazing place, it is wonderful. It has built my confidence tremendously. ",
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Pamela: "Amazing Tae Kwan Do school!!!!! My son Has always been unsure of himselfand after a short time is more confident and happy. The exercise is also great!!!", 〰️ De'Vante: "All I can say is wow! The Golden Dragon Defense is a great place to learn Tae Kwon Do. The instructor here, Ms. Maria is very strict and teaches discipline, and the teaching methods work! This is an amazing place, it is wonderful. It has built my confidence tremendously. ", 〰️
GDD ON THE WEB
Find Golden Dragon Defense online!
Naomi: "Very friendly and cares about all students. Also teaches good morals. Goe above and beyond!"
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Marjorie: "My son loves it. Mrs. Maria is great with the kids.",
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Geneva: "I love golden dragon defense. I would recommend it to anyone.",
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Justa: "Fantastic school with excellent instructors. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable.",
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Naomi: "Very friendly and cares about all students. Also teaches good morals. Goe above and beyond!" 〰️ Marjorie: "My son loves it. Mrs. Maria is great with the kids.", 〰️ Geneva: "I love golden dragon defense. I would recommend it to anyone.", 〰️ Justa: "Fantastic school with excellent instructors. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable.", 〰️
SCHEDULE A VISIT
Come by anytime 5PM-7PM on Weekdays! We also offer a Free Trial for new students – for children, teens, and adults! Click here to schedule Your Free Trial. We’re confident you will love our school! View our Class Schedule to see which times are best for you.
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PASADENA, MARYLAND
8894 Ft. Smallwood Road, Suite 14
Pasadena, MD 21122
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THERE ARE NOT MANY INSTRUCTORS LIKE MARIA PATALINGHUG. MY 3 CHILDREN EARNED THEIR BLACK BELTS WITH HER AS A MENTOR AND INSTRUCTOR. SHE IS KNOWLEDGEABLE, STRONG, AND UNIQUE IN HER TEACHING METHODS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER AND GOLDEN DRAGON DEFENSE!
-Julia S.