CW TKD's youth program is fantastic. Our daughter has been going for about 2 years now (now in the level 2 classes), and is always excited to go. The curriculum is age appropriate, and the instructors are extremely attentive and responsive to kid's needs and level. I also really love that their teaching model has mentorship built in: senior youth students (black and near black belts) are always present as assistant instructors to support classes, which makes kids get individualized attention even if it's a large class. There can sometimes be a bit of a delay when communicating via email, but they always respond and are very accommodating. read more

CW is an awesome not-for-profit TKD club. 2 principle factors that make it A#1: great people, great instructors (active competitively at the local, national, international level) who enthusiastically share and spread their love for taekwondo. read more

This is THE place to train in taekwondo in the Greater Boston area. I've lived in the Boston area for six years, and no other place can compare. The instructors and staff here are the epitome of what a good role model should be. Also, the program at CW does an excellent job of accomplishing the elusive task of balancing between the sport competition aspect of taekwondo with the traditional side of taekwondo. You'll find National team members, Olympic athletes, and World Champion athletes here, and they're all very down-to-earth and easily approachable. But you'll also find a strong emphasis on the traditions and spirit of taekwondo. There is a strong sense of community, and taekwondo is truly a way of life for the people at CW. The workout facility is top-notch. It is well-lit, matted, and there are big mirrors all around. This dojang (taekwondo school) is also a non-profit and regularly participates in local events around Cambridge. It is dedicated to making the neighborhood a better place. read more

I've been here for their cardio kickboxing. I've heard that each teacher has their own style (as expected) but the one I had was just alright. She was super friendly, but there were times when she lost count. I don't know if she did that on purpose like my high school swim coach that always conveniently lost count during our crunches (grrr).. but it was a little frustrating. And I do wish we spent more focus on a certain parts instead of quickly jumping from one thing to the next (it's like a really fast circuit). Don't get me wrong, you do get a pretty intense workout. I just think that it's a workout you could probably do on your own after a few classes.. if you had the right amount of discipline. The passes (buying a block of classes or a month pass) are on the cheaper side when considering other group exercise rates in Boston. If you know you're going to go a couple times a week, the monthly passes are a super deal. Like I mentioned up top, I think it's a good way to force yourself to go (when you know you sunk a chunk of change into the place by buying a multi-class pass) if you don't have enough discipline to exercise on your own. If you call in advance you get to try a class out for free. Oh and the workout has a jump roping segment. For the first class you can borrow one, otherwise bring your own or they'll charge you for the use of theirs. 3.5ish stars. read more

Great location, good space, excellent cardio kick-boxing classes. Sort of small locker room, but whatever. In and out in a flash. Overall a great find! I can feel my arms changing shape already. SCULPT, baby. P.S. Cardio kick-boxing is a great way to channel aggression and anger. read more

These people are amazing. I currently attend Cardio-Kickboxing here 3 times/week (MWF) after work. It's an amazing lcoation and everyone here is just fantastically friendly and helpful. It's an amazing workout too - there are literally all sorts of levels of fitness in the class, mostly about 80% women and seems to be anywhere from 15-25 people in class depeneding on the night of the week. Hell of a workout - makes me feel very virtuous!! I've been doing it over 3 weeks now and it's still very challenging; it's definitely not something that will bore you in a couple of weeks. I'm a huge fan and I see kickboxing (especially here) playing a big part in my future! Bonus, they're non-profit, so you even feel good about paying for their (very reasonably priced) classes! ;D Perhaps you can even include your payments in your itemized deductions next year....hmm.... read more

CW Taekwondo is an excellent non-profit martial arts school. Having attended several TKD schools across the U.S., I was so pleased to find this one a year ago after moving to Boston. The facilities aren't fancy, but they provide what you need and everyone chips in to take care of the place and keep it clean and well-maintained. The instructors are competent, patient, dedicated, and personable. I've attended the adult classes (both intermediate and advanced) for over a year now and have watched the adult beginner classes and children's classes as well--and they're all terrific. I've recently started attending the cardio kickboxing classes too (which are free for those who pay for the Taekwondo classes). The cardio classes are a great workout; I always leave exhausted but exhilarated. The fees are very reasonable for the number of classes and open workout hours they offer each week. (Once you've paid you can attend as many as you'd like, which encourages me to get my money's worth and attend a lot of classes!) As another poster said, it's not just a place to exercise, it's a community. They've been very welcoming and I relish the wonderful friends I've made at CW Taekwondo and the time I spend there each week. read more

If there is a place I like to be this is it.. Albeit this is my first foray into Martial Arts, I will say I feel I made that jump with the best possible place. Although C.W. teaches Taekwondo is feels more like a Taekwondo community. Often struggled to go to the gym for more than 2 hours a week because it is was rote lonely experience. I now spend close to 6 hours per week at CW because it is a great workout with a very social experience. I feel like I am hanging out with friends and just happen to be soaked in sweat from the various classes. All the instructors bring a different feel to their class which also provides for different levels of focus around technique, especially good because not everyone learns the same way. The community is warm and friendly and love doing and teaching Taekwondo and it shows. I am very glad to be going here and would highly recommend! read more

Kickboxing at CW is pretty great. The good: - the price ($50/mo unlimited) is great - two of the three instructors lead very fun and very hard workouts - you get an excellent workout, seriously! - they play fun music to keep you going The not-so-good: - I think that instructors sometimes do moves too quickly which I find allows me to cheat and get a less strenuous workout, and potentially do moves incorrectly - I find that the mats get pretty dirty, which is unappealing when you're up and down on the floor throughout the workout, but expected. - it's crowded, lately there's been like 30+ people in class, it's just enough to feel cramped; it would be great if they increased the number of classes to help this out. Conclusion: - I would definitely recommend this place to friends. Classes are an excellent workout and fun too! read more

Long time member, distant alum. The best part of this place is its community. As a young professional or a settled adult in the city, it's great to have a place where you can work out, be a part of the community, and also be a part of an incredibly talented and accomplished international sports presence. We also hit the local restaurants and bars after workouts...celebrate belt tests with great parties, and really stick together much longer after being here, in case you ever leave. read more

We've felt so welcomed here by the instructors as well as the parent community. Our son started at 6 years old and loves it--it's fun and so beneficial for him. We've liked going to the studio ourselves and enjoy the connection to the instructors and families. read more

Awesome taekwondo school. The community is great and the instructors are all amazing. CW teaches good and correct techniques to beginners. I am so glad I started my taekwondo here. Some students coming from other schools seem not to have very great foundations. Also, people are very friendly and fun. Highly recommended! read more

This place is all kinds of awesome. I did Tae Kwon Do here for 3 months. 1) Cheap - last time I checked their prices are in the $60 range per month for introductory classes 4 times a week - that's crazy cheap per class. 2) Instructors - the instructors really care about your progression as a student. There is personal attention for almost everyone in every class - it is a truly awesome feeling. 3) Community - the leadership really tries to push for a community feeling and they succeed. The parties and the group events are great! read more

Oh CW Taekwondo, I miss you so much! Yet, a nasty case of tendonitis that won't quit has kept me out of classes here for almost six months. Amazing instructors, welcoming environment, no meatheads. And the price is right. I do wish some instructors spent more time stretching/warming up though. And the last few classes I took felt more like tabata or cross fit workouts than martial arts. But, always a great sweat session regardless. read more

This place is fantastic. I've been coming here for 9 months (as of today). The community is absolutely wonderful, the instructors all give a good balance of criticism and praise, and I'm much more in shape. Plus, I can kick and punch with both power and grace. Would recommend if interested in any sort of martial arts. read more

After trying out another TKD place in Boston, I joined CW TKD and have been pleasantly surprised. Flat out the nicest group of instructors I've encountered. Unlike a lot of other trainers of any sort, they actually respect your body limits and try to avoid injuries. They provide a lot of encouragement, but it's not empty. You will get better if you pay attention, especially since many of the instructors are former (or current) world-class fighters. Yes, the location is a bit odd and the accommodations are cramped. Still, there are enough classes and open mat times that you can get your work-out in without colliding with someone. All of the black belts (and honestly, a lot of non-black belts too) are willing to take some time to go over whatever you need. Plus, it's non-profit, which means the rates are a lot cheaper. The average is about $84/mo for unlimited weekly classes (6 days a week, 2-3 classes a day if you can make it), compared with over $200 at another place in the city. You don't feel like they're after your money and there's no pressure to go for the "black belt club" or to pay for extra-special treatment. Re: competition club: The competition club is an elite group of students, most of whom aren't technically affiliated with the school; a lot of them are from local colleges. They are there primarily to learn with Dan and to train for international competitions. That's why they're a bit stand-offish. If you want to compete, there are tons of other classes that will get you into good enough shape and competence to fight along with them. read more

Need motivation to workout? Are you easily bored and like variety? Do you think the gyms in Boston charge outrageous amounts of money for classes? Well if that describes you, then you should join CW Taekwondo for its cardio kickboxing. I have been coming here now for almost three months and it's been a great (if exhausting!) experience. For $50/month you get unlimited classes which are held MWF after work, one hour each. You can also buy packs of classes if you don't know how regularly you'll attend. There are three instructors all of whom are black belts and each of whom has their own style of instructing (not to mention unique high energy playlist). Even within their styles though, no two classes are exactly the same, they keep things varied so there's no getting bored. The classes are over 90% female, and most of the men who come are from the Taekwondo classes (Taekwondo students can take kickboxing for free). The classes are not leveled and you get people from all ability ranges from crazy-in-shape black belts to people who haven't worked out in ages. Each student goes at their own pace, doing as much as they can and building as they go. After three months I can say I've improved a great deal and can definitely feel a difference in my ability to keep up with the instructors and feel a difference in my physical stamina in my day to day life. The kickboxing here is based on Taekwondo forms (obviously) and they do try to teach you something about proper form even though there is no sparring although occasionally we punch or kick pads rather than just the air as we do the majority of the time. I think it's great that even as I'm getting an amazing workout (and trust me, you will sweat like never before) that I'm also learning something, however limited, of a martial art. The classes also always include a jump roping segment and ab work as well as plenty of push-ups and jumping jacks. The last great thing about CW is that, as some other reviewers have mentioned, it really is just a friendly community and not just a faceless gym. They have group outings and parties and really want to make you feel welcome and will help you out with any aspect of the workout you're struggling with. Overall this is just a great place to work out and a great community to be a part of! read more

I love the Cardio Kickfit classes here! I have been coming for about a month. Each time is a great workout, and it is fun too! My favorite part of the class is the kicking and punching portion. The instructors have been very helpful and the classmates are welcoming! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to add some more cardio into their routine! read more

I train with the competition workout team at CW. I've trained with several taekwondo teams over the years and I can say that the quality of instruction here is second to none. The instructors consist of Collegiate National team coaches, US National champions/medalists, National team members from various countries, and other elite caliber athletes. At the same time classes are open to all levels of athleticism and proficiency. On top of that the studio is a non-profit organization so you know that the people there are doing it out of love and not just to make a buck. As far as the competition workouts go in general they are up paced and geared towards people who don't need a lot of explaining. If you're looking for high level competition training you'd be hard pressed to find anything better in the Boston area. The competition workout is run as a semi collaboration between several of the schools in the area, which allows it to get a wide variety of perspectives and ideas. As far as the school in general is concerned it's almost like a second family. The people are great and welcoming and there are great social activities outside of practice as well. If you are looking for high level Taekwondo or just looking to try it out for the first I'd highly recommend CW Taekwondo. read more

I just want someone from the studio to call me back. I would like to take the cardio kickboxing class. I've left two voicemails and an email. Is this place still open? Thinking of looking at other places in the area now.... read more

This club isn't just a place to work out, it's a community. I joined the taekwondo program as a way to get more exercise, and convinced my husband to participate with me-- we've been members for almost a year now and are now trying to convince all of our friends to try it too! There are classes for all different skill levels; the instructors from every class are super-approachable, and there's always someone willing to help you or show you a new technique, whether it's a black belt or a fellow student. I can't say enough about how great the people are here, honestly. It can be difficult starting something new, especially when you have a bunch of other things on your plate, but it really helps when you've got a group of people who are actually interested in making sure you're doing well and having a good time. So there's the adult program, the kids' program, and cardio kickboxing, which I haven't tried yet but which looks like quite a workout. You can also attend specialized classes for things like sparring and martial arts forms. Basically, you can attend whatever classes you're interested in-- there's no set program you have to go through, though you're encouraged to test for promotion if that's what you want. Whether you're interested in learning to fight competitively, increasing your general fitness level, or becoming familiar with the "art" in martial arts, CW Taekwondo is an ideal place to do it. Plus, sometimes it's just fun to kick things. ;) read more

I've been taking classes here for 5 years. Probably one of the best places to do taekwondo in New England. Reasonably priced (it's a non-profit), great teachers, nice people. Very social - lots of people in their 20s and 30s (and some older). Good place for both regular people and world class athletes. There's a beginner program, so you have a place to start where no previous knowledge (or great physical prowess) is assumed. Free trial class, where they go over the basics. There's also a youth program - I don't know much about it, but the kids look happy. read more

I trained here briefly before moving on to other martial arts. The facility, the school, and the staff are great and it's a non-profit so you'll be paying much less than other for-profit schools. I'd say if you are brand new to martial arts or if you want to get back into TKD, you should check this place out. read more

At first, I wasn't sure if it would be worth going to a school so far from home, but it has been fantastic. Matthew has been taking classes for almost 2 years, and the teachers and environment (firm, but fun discipline) have been outstanding - he loves It. Can't comment directly on the adult classes, but I highly recommend enrolling your kids here if you're thinking about TKD. read more

Have been coming here since September. The teaching is top-notch, the community is excellent, and I love that it's a non-profit. They teach children's classes and at MIT, where I took their PE class. To give you an idea of the rigor of this program - I had trained for four years in another school and thought I could start in the advanced class, but I had a LOT to learn. (To be fair, this is a WTF - World Taekwondo Foundation - school, which is used at the Olympics/has more of a sparring focus, and my old school was ITF/had more of a self-defense focus. There were things I needed to unlearn, but I also got more guidance/feedback on ways to improve my technique. I should have continued there but MIT is MIT.) I started anew as a white belt in the fall. From the beginning, mistakes are corrected and basics are drilled in (even in advanced classes). You can come three days a week as a white belt, and can come to up to eight classes a week (!) as a color belt. The fee at this time is only $89 a month, and there's no additional fee for belt tests (which happen every three months). There are many black belts and advanced belts who are welcoming and happy to teach/help out, and we have a strong competition team. Not everyone does competitions, but that focus keeps standards high, and people only promote once black belts have reviewed techniques 1 on 1 with them, given feedback, and signed off them. This is also a wonderful community. We have parties after tests, sometimes grab drinks/play board games, clean up the river, watch movies... it's just a fun group. There's a mix of young (and some older) professionals and students, and quite a few international members. Come join us :) read more

I love this place. The classes really challenging but the instructors are awesome. They really push you to do your best without the intimidation factor. Before taking this class I was REALLLLLLLLY out of shape, but two month in i'm feeling strong and confidant. Kind of like I could really kick some butt :D I highly recommend this place and hope to see you in class. read more

CW is the best! I started 6 months ago with no previous Taekwondo experience. Everyone has been incredibly friendly and helpful as I learn. The instructors are super talented and dedicated to the art and the community. They have parties and group activities which are tons of fun, too. read more

I've been training here since 2012, and there really isn't a better place to learn Taekwondo from or a better place to build community with. Not only do you have some of the best instruction in the world and international-caliber athletes training here, you also make a ton of wonderful friends and they end up becoming like family. I highly recommend people of all skill levels (from no experience to elite level fighters and poomsae athletes) to check out CW. There really isn't a better place in the city. read more

Awesome place for martial arts instruction. The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging. There is a an atmosphere more than just a class-students socialize with each other and the instructors. Its also a non-profit so the prices are much lower than other places. read more

World class instructors, amazing atmosphere, tons of energy. This is by far one of the greatest martial arts schools in the New England area. If you go to MIT, definitely check out the Sport TKD team, you will find a great community of athletes and an amazing workout. Everyone is welcome too, which is awesome, no matter what your skill level is. read more

I am taking kickboxing there and really like it. There are three instructors and two of them are way better than the other one (I won't name names). All in all, it is a good class that provides a good workout for really really cheap. read more

When I moved to Cambridge I wanted to get back into martial arts, which I practiced as a child. I choose C.W. because it was right around the corner, and I really lucked out! I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to train here. I will never forget how welcoming the instructors and members were when I first joined - the community at C.W. is truly fantastic. The classes are an excellent mix of cardio and core strength/flexibility. I've been a member at C.W. for almost 2 years now and would highly recommend C.W. to anyone interested in trying martial arts. :) read more

I definitly recommend this place to learn TKD. It's a very relax and nice environment, especially to learn TKD for adults. Most people are graduate students or young professionals of ages from 24 to 50. And they also have a cardio class, and a TKD class for kids that seemed to bre pretty nice. So if what you are looking for is a more relax, less competitive place to learn TKD in a friendly environment, this is probably the best place around Cambridge read more

My children, now 8 and 12, have attended CW for over two years. I'm really happy with the attitude of the instructors. They work with the children in a fair, consistent manner. My kids look forward to going and work hard while they're there. In recent months, they've made the belt tests on specific dates, which have made my children more motivated to test. CW also does things like apple picking trips and movie nights, so there's a strong sense of community. read more

I've been taking Taekwondo classes at CW for 9 months and I'm having a blast. I have been trying to get myself to exercise regularly for years and this is the first time it's finally happened. There is a great sense of community and so much energy and enthusiasm at this place - it makes working out fun and rewarding. I highly recommend that people give it a try! read more

On a whim I got the Yelp deal for cardio kickboxing, and man, is this place worth it. I'd never done cardio kickboxing (or any kind of boxing) before, and the three instructors are awesome at integrating new people and not making you feel like an uncoordinated failure when you're flopping around like a fish trying to do high kicks. It's a small studio, but the energy is always high, the music is fun, the instructors are great, and I really liked my classmates. Not to mention it's a killer workout. Expect to be tired. Totally worth it. Buying another month of classes next week! read more

CW Taekwondo is a cool place. I've been coming for nearly six years, and hope to advance in TKD as much as I can.

I've been training at CW for the past 3 years, so obviously I'm a big fan. I really appreciate its non-profit status as that generates an incredible sense of community. The instructors are there for the right reasons which makes the students stay for the right reasons. The instructors are also world class so you are getting an incredible value. Imagine taking cooking lessons from a James Beard awarded chef or driving instructions from a NASCAR driver or computer skills from Bill Gates...that's what we have here. read more

I was a total newbie to martial arts, decided to try out Taekwondo at CW and got hooked! I trained here for five years, from white belt to black belt. Now that I've moved away from the area and have tried different schools of different kinds, I can say that no other place compares to CW. The level of instruction is phenomenal. CW has a strong adult program as well as a strong children's program, which is unusual for martial arts schools. Plus, the membership fee is incredibly reasonable, lower than schools where the instruction is only half as good. This is not a black belt factory that just takes your money-- It has the community-oriented feel of a non-profit or collegiate club. Classes can be rigorous, but always supportive. I can confidently say, even as someone who does not identify as a natural athlete, that this school has taught me well. And, to this day, members remain as some of my best friends. I still make sure to come to classes when I visit the Boston area. read more