Analyzing 5,719,3725.7M ReviewsFor 15,71215.7K Experts
Google reviewers rate Self Defense 4U Martial Arts five stars based on sixty-three reviews, with the owner responding to ninety-two percent of comments. Customers frequently cite the school’s focus on teaching self-defense, discipline, and confidence to both children and adults in a supportive environment. Recurring themes include the knowledgeable instruction provided by staff, the emphasis on personal growth and respect, and the family-oriented atmosphere. No common criticisms appear within the provided excerpts, as all listed reviews are positive.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
We read 49 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Mr Tom is a very knowledgeable instructor who is great with kids.”
“We are so grateful to be part of the Self Defense 4U family and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place that builds confidence, character, a…”
“Fast forward 20 years, I had been keeping up on Facebook with their new dojo in Bedford, Self Defense 4U, and saw the same positive attitude and energ…”
“This definitely worth every penny and second invested.”
“What sets this place apart is that they genuinely care about their students as people, not just as martial artists.”
“The other instructors are also top-notch — professional, encouraging, and great with children.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
I wish we had started here sooner! Mr Tom is a very knowledgeable instructor who is great with kids. He keeps classes fun and interesting. Would recommend to anyone.
Thank you So much Ryan. We love having you your whole family at the school!
My son is having a great time attending lessons here. He is engaged and serious about his time spent here. I believe that he is learning valuable skills in self-management here. Tom is personable and provides clear instruction.
Thanks so much!
Self Defense 4U has been an incredible experience for our family. What sets this place apart is that they genuinely care about their students as people, not just as martial artists. The leadership team is outstanding and consistently creates an environment that is supportive, encouraging, and focused on personal growth. Since joining, I've seen my kids become more responsible, respectful, and confident. The lessons extend far beyond self-defense and teach valuable life skills that they carry with them every day. One of our favorite perks is the monthly Parents' Night Out. It's a fantastic value and gives parents a chance to enjoy an evening while knowing their kids are having fun in a safe, positive environment. Mr. Tom is an exceptional leader and role model. He demonstrates the perfect balance of discipline and kindness, holding students to high standards while making them feel supported and valued. His dedication to helping each child succeed is evident in everything he does. We are so grateful to be part of the Self Defense 4U family and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place that builds confidence, character, and life skills while teaching excellent self-defense.
My kids and myself have come to classes for 2 years. Great school for not only martial arts but also confidence and behavior at home and school. Mr. Tom is a great guy!
Thanks so much!
This is a great place for your child to learn respect, self discipline, self defense, and responsibility. We love Mr. Tom, he works so well with the kids.
By far one of the best martial arts institutions in the area!
I have been attending the school for two years and have been very pleased with the training here. I enjoy the sparring in each class and improving my self-defense skills. Mr. Tom and Ms. Alex care about all of their students. It is nice to have a other adult students to train with.
Thanks so Much!
Self Defense 4U has been such a blessing to our kids over the years. Both our son and daughter have learned under Mr. Tom. He's really good with the kids, and he helps them excel in not only self defense but also confidence and leadership. I've seen so many children grow up and become leaders through his program. I highly recommend SD4U!
Thank you so much!
Love this martial arts gym. Our kids have been rising through the belt ranks for a couple of years now and the discipline and leadership they are learning is even more valuable to me than the athletic training they're receiving. Mr. Tom is a true mentor for his students and ally for their parents.
Thank you so much!
As a lifelong martial artist and prior martial arts school owner — this place truly stands out. I’ve been teaching martial arts for over 30 years and have owned my own academy for 15 years. Needless to say, I’m extremely selective about where I choose to train and who I recommend to others. Self Defense 4 U is one of those rare schools that exceeds my highest standards. The head instructor Sifu Tom Hogue and his wife Alex pedigree speaks volumes — Tom has a Black Belt in American Kenpo under Rick Fowler who was a student directly under Keith See (RIP) , and also a Black Belt in Wing Chun and Filipino Martial Arts under Sifu John Rister, who himself trained directly under Guro Dan Inosanto and Sifu Francis Fong. That lineage is WORLD-CLASS, and you can see its influence in every element of instruction here. The techniques are pure, practical, and taught with precision — but even more importantly, the character development and integrity of the school are genuine engraining courtesy, honesty, integrity, perseverance and an indomitable spirit to achieve. The Little Dragons, Juniors, and Teens programs are phenomenal. The kids are engaged, disciplined, and clearly gaining confidence and respect — not just for martial arts, but for life itself. Instructor Hogue’s instructors know exactly how to balance structure with fun, which I can tell you is a rare skill. As for adults, the training is robust, diverse, and deeply authentic and engaging. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a foundation or an experienced martial artist, like myself, looking to refine your craft, you’ll find something valuable here. The blend of Kenpo, Kickboxing, BJJ, Filipino martial arts and wing Chun creates a curriculum that’s both traditional STREET practical and adaptive to real-world situations. As a parent, I also can see activities like the Parents’ Nights Out are an outstanding idea — safe, constructive, and community-minded. It’s clear this school isn’t just teaching martial arts; it’s helping to build better people. I can say with confidence — if you’re considering martial arts training for yourself or your family, Self Defense 4 U is the real deal. Schools like this truthfully are rare.
Thank you so much!!!!
Analyzing 5,719,3725.7M ReviewsFor 15,71215.7K Experts