EST. IN 2014, BY MS. MARIA PATALINGHUG.
We are Maryland’s only female‑owned and operated, International Taekwon‑Do Federation (ITF)–certified Taekwon‑Do school, proudly serving the Pasadena, MD community.
At Golden Dragon Defense, our mission is to deliver high‑quality martial arts, self‑defense, and fitness training to youth and adults. Through authentic ITF Taekwon‑Do, we focus on planting seeds of confidence, discipline, empowerment, and personal growth in every student who steps onto our mats.
We are committed to motivating children, teens, and adults to achieve success both in training and in everyday life. Your progress, confidence, and transformation matter to us — your success is our goal!
THE HISTORY AND BENEFITS OF TAEKWON-DO AT GDD.
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We practice the ITF Style of Taekwon-Do, which is a Korean Martial Art with four distinct facets: as a sport, a martial art, a tool for social development and as a way of life. Taekwon-Do was developed by General Choi Hong-hi in the 1940s as a combination of a Korean form, taek kyon, and the Japanese discipline of karate. It is a method of unarmed combat intended for self-defense that engages the mind and the body. The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was founded in 1966. We believe in making quality instruction of this martial arts style available to the communities we serve – including Pasadena, Millersville, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, and beyond.
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In our Taekwon-Do classes, you’ll find that you will experience improved strength, flexibility, agility, and cardiovascular fitness. Each class is a full body workout. Regular practice can help with weight management, muscle tone, better posture, and balance! It also establishes consistency through the routine of classes, which is essential for seeing progress.
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Taekwon‑Do is a powerful tool for mental wellness. Training at Golden Dragon Defense helps reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve overall mental clarity. Every class reinforces the importance of discipline, concentration, and intentional movement, giving students mental skills they can carry far beyond the dojang.
Each session is designed to challenge you in a healthy, motivating way — building resilience, confidence, and problem‑solving abilities that last a lifetime. Our experienced instructors coach you with personalized guidance so you not only reach your goals, but surpass them.
Golden Dragon Defense is truly for everyone. We believe every student — children, teens, and adults — can benefit mentally and physically from structured martial arts training. Children of all abilities are welcome, and all ages and fitness levels are invited to join our GDD Family.
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At Golden Dragon Defense, we are a tight-knit family that strives to keep each other accountable and motivated from the very beginning. We have no doubt that you will feel welcomed the minute you walk through our doors.
Our martial arts programs are not just for kids – in fact, we have many parents sign up to take classes with their children, or even by themselves. Families are encouraged to train together here!
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Do you like tournaments? We have them! Our students have traveled to NY, NJ, CT, PA, FL, and DE to compete in ITF Taekwon-Do tournaments. Through the International Taekwon-Do Federation, 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 – all while maintaining safety and standardized judgment.
We are proud to announce our very own Golden Dragon Defense-sponsored Dragon’s Eye Tournament, which began in 2021 and continues to be an annual event, attracting schools all along the East Coast to our hometown.
Additionally, we can accommodate all ages and abilities. Just show up and give it your best effort!
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.