Supreme Martial Arts - Upper West Side — Local services in New York

A Disappointing Experience: Prioritizing Profits Over People

My experience at Supreme Martial Arts was quite disappointing. Initially, when we signed up for the program, the staff were friendly, and the process felt smooth and welcoming. However, after we paid for the clothing and fees, the level of care seemed to change.

When we encountered scheduling conflicts and needed to cancel our membership, we were met with responses that felt dismissive and unhelpful. Our family had high hopes that our child would enjoy martial arts, especially given their genuine interest in it. Unfortunately, we experienced several challenges. The scheduling system often didn’t align with class availability, leading to costly trips were turned away because the class was for a different age group.

Additionally, the frequent changes in trainers affected our child’s comfort level. Although they love martial arts, the inconsistency made attending classes a struggle. The classes were often full, which impacted the quality of instruction and left us feeling that the focus may not have been on providing the best learning environment.

The most frustrating part came when we needed to cancel due to scheduling conflicts and the distance from our home. Despite understanding the policy that the last month’s deposit would be non-refundable, I requested a refund for the most recent charge, which went unused, while agreeing that they could keep the last month’s deposit. Unfortunately, my concerns were not addressed. It left me feeling that customer satisfaction was not a priority.

The way my request was handled made me question the level of customer care after payment had been made. Based on my experience, I suggest potential parents carefully consider other options before committing.

Update in response to the owner’s reply (posted 5 months after my review)

My original review was written after several failed attempts to resolve this matter directly. I had hoped things could be handled respectfully and fairly without needing to go public, but their recent reply—posted five months later—includes several misleading claims that need to be addressed.

It’s saying that their response came not when the issue was raised, but five months later, right as summer sign-ups begin, and reviews become more important to their business. That timing speaks volumes about what they truly value.

They claim my child attended from July 15 through the end of August and received “extra weeks” of training. This is simply false. My child attended approximately 8–9 sessions total, including the free trial. Multiple classes were missed due to being turned away because of incorrect schedule information (classes not matching his age group), something that wasted our time and money with long commutes and confusion.

I never disputed the non-refundable deposit and made that clear from the beginning. My request was only for a refund of the second charge, made after I had informed them we would no longer continue. I visited in person the day before that charge to discuss the situation. They later insisted on a 30-day written notice with no flexibility or empathy when I asked for reasonable consideration.

What’s even more confusing is that they now claim I was never charged for that month — yet in writing, they offered a 50% refund of that exact payment. You can’t offer a refund for something you claim wasn’t charged. That contradiction alone speaks for itself. Their public reply paints a picture of fairness and empathy that was completely absent in our actual communication.

In summary: What could have been a positive long-term relationship ended in unnecessary frustration due to miscommunication, poor handling, and a refusal to take accountability. I stand by my original review, and I encourage other parents to do their research carefully. Ask specific questions about scheduling, cancellation, and how concerns are addressed — not just before payment, but after.

I sincerely hope they choose to match their public words with private actions...

Supreme Taekwondo has been such a wonderful addition to out lives. I have strong-willed & smart children (dont we all?!). Mine are boys and these classes have built the principals of confidence ans self respect that act as cornerstones to proud and proper behavior in all aspects of their lives. My kids arent perfect, but they are lovely himans, in part thanks to these studios. Tkd instructors instill self control and respect for those in class wnd all around us - my boys 4&6yrs are super proud of who they are. When we started I felt like they were searching for morals and values outside of what I was teaching and these courses gave them such healthy personal goals. Plus physical strength and body control. Instructors lead by example. Ive heard other patents mention “too firm” but, for us, and i teuly believe for most...its a gentle and expected firmness of respect that is both given and expected and the consistency and structure that really works to help mold our wonderful little people. Kids know exactly what to expect when they walk in and it lays groundwork for their lives iutside of class. Im so pleased. On top of all that its a sport for the self, not a direct competition, their practices are their own. They do what they do for themselves and not to please their parents. Self driven is HUGE. I highly reccomend this specific studio because they genuinely care and this practice because its a lifelong healthy mentality. We go 1x a week. My kids are...

Update: We are in our 2nd year with Supreme, and my son has continued to enjoy the classes and Masters who teach him. The Masters as well as the children who attend are diverse. The Masters do a great job at keeping the children engaged and teaching them discipline, sometimes sitting children on the side if they are not listening. My son has learned Tae techniques and skill and is continuously developing through repetition. He has also learned to count in Korean to ten. The establishment is clean and well kept. The only downside is that it is a small space with many frequenters.

My 3yr old son has been a member since October of 2020. Taekwondo services my sons level of activity and interest in physicality. We also wanted him to learn foundational skills in self-defense. This business, specifically at upper westside location, has been a great experience for my son. The Master for the 3-5yr old age range is great. He is very relatable, silly, but also, serious when its time to focus and execute drills. I appreciate that the children aren't given rewards, when they don't earn them. I also like that there are daily as well as long term incentives that this age range can grasp in understanding. I am also happy that they have increased the ratio between children and Masters. Annd that they mix indoor and...