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Reviews of Tai-Zen Academy of Self-Defense

This page shows Reviews & Testimonials of Tai-Zen Academy of Self-Defense in Selden, NY. 27 Reviewer rated Tai-Zen Academy of Self-Defense as Very Good. Read detailed reviews below.

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Average Rating: Very Good (27 Reviews)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent

25 out of 27 Reviewer recommended Tai-Zen Academy of Self-Defense.

(1 of 3 People found this review helpful)

Good school but too much emphasis on Gay Pride

Mar 23 2024 by Dan M (Former Student with 1 - 3 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Very Good
Other aspects:
Very Good
Recommended:
Yes

The self defense you will learn here is excellent. Unfortunately, there is overemphasis on LGBTQIA issues. Maybe they should call themselves the “Gay Martial Art. ” It is uncomfortable for me, as a straight male, to go there. If you’re LGBTQIA, you will thrive with many others. If not, look elsewhere for instruction.


(1 of 2 People found this review helpful)

Lessons to be learned in self-defense and in life

Mar 11 2024 by B. G. (Former Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I attended Tai-Zen for approximately 8 years when my work and family obligations made it no longer possible to take classes. This is one school where rank doesn’t matter. Hanshi Romeo told me “If you want my belt, take it. ” It’s the practical real world self-defense you learn that matters. In regards to what others have said, while I’m personally straight, most of my dojo buddies (and instructors) were gay, bisexual, or questioning. It was wonderful to see people accepted for who they are, and instructors not afraid to show their emotions. Hanshi Romeo and Grandmaster Tague are truly in touch with their feelings. Neither one is afraid to openly cry. They are truly 21st century men. There is no better dojo than Tai-Zen.


(2 of 6 People found this review helpful)

Tai-Zen= Rainbow Self-Defense for All!

Feb 14 2024 by Mike (Former Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I studied under both Hanshi Romeo and Grandmaster Tague for quite some time. I moved away from the NY area when I retired and I really miss it. They taught me (as a gay man) how to defend myself against attacks from homophobes, and gave me the ability to walk away from mere taunts with my head held high, knowing that if my tormentors were foolish enough to try something physical, I could handle myself. What a gift!!

I recommend this system to all decent people who want to defend themselves, but especially to those of the LGBT Community. I agree with all my LGBT friends below, who bear witness to how forward thinking and kind Hanshi Romeo and Grandmaster Tague were. They were probably afraid of how they themselves would be treated. It’s no secret that Grandmaster Tague and Hanshi Meyer have lived together for years. Hanshi Romeo spent more time with Kyoshi Amorosi than his wife. If they love each other, I hope they can now express that love, unfortunately looked down upon by society for too long.


(2 of 9 People found this review helpful)

A One Of A Kind Gem!

Dec 30 2023 by Todd (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

This school is the best in teaching self-defense that keeps you safe and within the law. It provides members of the LGBTQIA Community with a safe space to protect themselves against homophobic attackers. Many years ago in the Levittown school with Kyoshi (now Hanshi) Romeo, there was a young man who went by the nickname of “Rice. ” He was seeking a sex change to become a woman. This was unheard of in the early 1990s. Other “macho man” martial art schools would have expelled him. Kyoshi Romeo hugged him tenderly and supported his decision! Tai-Zen is truly a martial art of self-defense for LGBTQIA people. There are many members of the Community who study and are black belts/instructors. Unfortunately, they keep it under wraps because they are older and society was bigoted when they were seeking acceptance. A great place to study and highly recommended.


(2 of 12 People found this review helpful)

The Best Dojo on Long Island

Dec 03 2023 by Jack (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

This dojo teaches self-defense for use in the real world. It is also a great place to meet other men, as it is very accommodating to the Gay Community. I was a clown, but the discipline that was instilled in me made me a better person! It will do the same for anyone who joins.


(2 of 10 People found this review helpful)

A Dojo for Defense and Self-Discovery

Nov 02 2023 by Frank (Former Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

Tai-Zen will teach you to defend yourself against attacks of any kind. You will not be sorry if you join. I am obese and made up for my insecurities by being a jerk and screaming at people. The instructors taught me to love myself the way I am. Not just obese, but gay. I found nothing but support from the LGBTQ Community here. Tai-Zen is a special place teaching a one-of-kind self-defense. I haven’t been there in some time, as my life became busy, but I plan to return soon!


(2 of 10 People found this review helpful)

A Unique Dojo Accepting of All

Oct 15 2023 by Bruce (Former Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

As I read through these reviews, I agree with how amazing Tai-Zen truly is as a martial art. I can no longer train due to personal reasons, but I wish I could. Hanshi Romeo and Grandmaster Tague had us perform the same technique for months at a time to achieve perfection. As a sign on the dojo wall stated, “Practice makes PERMANENT. Prefect practice makes perfect”! It is a real world, practical study of the opponent in battle. I recommend it to all who want to learn self-defense.

I also agree with how open-minded and accepting Tai-Zen is of marginalized people. As a bisexual male, I was made to feel at home by Hanshi. There are many who love each other there. Two black belts got married after meeting in class; so maybe it’s also a “marital art”!! I was told my sexuality would never hold me back—and it didn’t. This is really a safe space for LGBTQ students. Tai-Zen taught me how to fight, and apparently, how to love!!


(11 of 11 People found this review helpful)

Teaching real world self defense

Jul 05 2023 by Blackbelt w 30 yrs exp (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I have studied over 5 different forms of martial arts over the last 35 years. This is the only school which allows you to question anything being taught and does not just expect you to follow blindly. You are taught a technique based on karate as well as jiu jitsu. It does not expect the opponent to just stand there while you hit him with multiple strikes. It expects him to react when he has the time to do so and teaches you techniques that are beyond his ability to react as well as others that expect him to react as a normal person would. The techniques are also discussed in the context of the laws of nys and analyzed by legal professionals. It is a one of a kind school teaching what none of the other schools I have attended teach. It teaches real life self defense for real life situations. It will not give you a black belt in 2 or 5 or maybe 10 years unless you earn it on your merit. It is a one of a kind dojo with amazing instructors.


(3 of 16 People found this review helpful)

Be Careful of the Real Fakes

Jun 23 2023 by A Person (Familiar with the School , No Personal Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I’m aquatinted with Tai-Zen. I have a friend who went their and has only good things to say. In reading through these reviews, I was surprised to see “smh” and Joe T claim that reviews praising the diversity of the school are the alleged product of an “obviously mentally disturbed individual. ” The reviews praise the instructors and the Tai-Zen system. How does that make those reviews the product of someone “obviously mentally disturbed. ”? You are mentally disturbed if you praise Tai-Zen? Or is it that, in spite of claims of being open to all, smh and Joe T are homophobic? If I had a business that was positively reviewed, I couldn’t care less about who wrote it.

Joe T claims that because a reviewer wasn’t certain about something and said it was “according to rumor” that makes all his claims false. Really? I checked Jim R’s citation within his review and it was spot on accurate. Maybe he said “according to rumor” because he didn’t know that for a fact. Nothing wrong with that. Moreover, how does Joe T know “ have not been any homosexuals or transgender students” at the schools? Does he ask them and require “proof” of sexual orientation? Does he follow them around 24/7?

These two are to be ignored. I’m sure if those reviews praising the diversity of Tai-Zen were “wrong” the Chief Instructor would not hesitate to comment here.


(12 of 15 People found this review helpful)

Please the ignore fake reviews

Jun 23 2023 by smh... (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

When reading these reviews, please ignore those false reviews that have been written by an obviously mentally disturbed individual, who is signing their reviews using different names. This person does not now, nor has ever represented Tai-Zen.

The instructors at Tai-Zen strongly believe that all decent people should have the right to self-defense, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation.

If you are interested in learning self-defense, you will find that a Tai-Zen dojo will help you gain the skill to do so in a non-competitive, professional and friendly atmosphere. The time spent in training will certainly not be wasted.


(10 of 13 People found this review helpful)

Response to review by Jim R

Jun 23 2023 by Joe T (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

The review submitted on Jun 07 2023 by Jim R is completely false. Tai-Zen welcomes people from all walks of life but there have not been any homosexuals or transgender students at the Selden or Belmore schools.

Please take note of the following line from the review by Jim R:

"but rumor has it that when same-sex marriage was legalized, both Grandmaster Teague and Hanshi Romeo wore rainbow colored gis and proclaimed, “Love is love. ”

The phrase "but rumor has it" should give an indication that Jim R's claims are fabricated.


(2 of 17 People found this review helpful)

The Best in Self-Defense and Inclusivity

Jun 21 2023 by Joe (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

In this great system, you will learn the value of self-defense. Tai-zen teaches you how to handle yourself in all situations, from minor annoyances to life-threatening situations. You develop confidence and discipline that you’ll find nowhere else, since this is training that applies to real life, not some “tournament. ” I’m also not afraid to come to this school as who I really am and express myself. Tai-Zen strives to create an open, inclusive, and equal environment in which every student has the opportunity to flourish. You will not be judged on your skin color, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, or any other reason.

Grandmaster Tague is a genius and Hanshi Romeo is as good an instructor as you will find anywhere. Both these great men are not afraid to express their feelings and make all people feel welcome, including the LGBTQ Community. I have never felt unwelcome because of my sexuality. I can’t thank them enough.


(12 of 13 People found this review helpful)

Tai-Zen is simply the finest school on Long Island.

Jun 20 2023 by DaveP (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I’ve been attending Tai-Zen in Bellmore for 20 plus years.

learn self defense, consequences of your actions, be a more self confident person, Come down and sign up, or watch a class. You’ll be welcomed by attentive instructors and students.


(15 of 15 People found this review helpful)

The absolute best self-defense school. Lucky to have found it.

Jun 20 2023 by W.S. (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I would wholeheartedly recommend Tai- Zen Academy of Self-Defense to anyone looking to learn practical defense techniques in a friendly, professional environment with excellent and knowledgeable teachers. The instructors there are talented, expert and experienced.

You want to learn how to defend yourself? This is the spot. It is mentally engaging and no bullshit.

Hanshi Romeo does a excellent job of running the Bellmore school, he is a great instructor and all-around great person. Grand Master Tague is a genius and has shared so much wisdom. I have learned invaluable insights into the mechanics and psychology of self-defense. Classes are focused on techniques that would work in real life settings and situations. I am fortunate to be associated with Tai-Zen. Confidence is priceless.


(2 of 29 People found this review helpful)

Tai-Zen Welcomes All

Jun 17 2023 by Dave P. (Former Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

Tai-Zen is the best means of real world self-defense. I agree with all the positive reviews and the couple of negative reviews should be ignored, as they were probably written by people with a personal animus against the instructors. I admit I had tears in my eyes reading the review of Jim R. below. I studied in Tai-Zen from circa 1992-2002 and it was hard being a homosexual. Kyoshi Romeo (now Hanshi), helped me to come to terms with it and come out.

Hanshi Romeo and I spent many hours discussing the plight of LGBTQ persons. He encouraged me to be proud of my homosexuality! The other instructors and students were warm and welcoming to me! I learned so much about defending myself from homophobic bullies while forming close relationships with the men. We all laugh together as well as cry, being unafraid to show our emotions. Grandmaster Tague taught about the “context of power. ” If you see a man wearing a black leather jacket, smoking and having tattoos, he must be tough (according to society). If you see a man eating an ice cream cone and reading a comic book, he must be a wimp (according to society). The truth is that size, looks etc, has nothing to do with being a “real man” and defending yourself.

I urge all members of the LGBTQ Community to join Tai-Zen and be welcomed as you learn to defend yourself! There were many homosexuals there when I studied, and were all welcomed by Hanshi Romeo. He and Grandmaster Tague celebrate diversity ! I wish more lesbians would join. There are now at least two female Black Belts! Although I moved to California and can no longer go there, I miss it. Do yourself a favor and join today!

Everyone who studies there is rightfully proud. Proud of their accomplishments, and proud of being welcoming to ALL. Tai-Zen Pride includes Gay Pride!


(13 of 13 People found this review helpful)

Best place to learn Martial Arts

Jun 15 2023 by Alex S (Former Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I was a student here for over 20 years!! Only reason I stopped attending was a move to Florida. This school is run by top martial arts instructors with decades of experience. They teach you how to react in real life situations. Great place for children and adults to learn how to defend yourself. They also build your confidence in certain situations and show you the methods to use to defend yourself.


(9 of 9 People found this review helpful)

Tai-Zen Self-Defense, A Brotherhood on Long Island

Jun 15 2023 by Mike G (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I have been a student of Hanshi Romeo for the last 35 years. I cannot

express how grateful I am for the gift the study of Tai-Zen has given me.

Aside from the confidence and the ability to defend myself in many different

types of confrontations, I have developed deep bonds and friendships with quite

a few of my fellow students over the years.

What more could one ask for from a self-defense school? Tai-Zen has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.


(10 of 10 People found this review helpful)

Best in Self-defense

Jun 15 2023 by C. Debello (Former Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

Tai-Zen is a great place to learn how to protect yourself. The instructors are great!! Students are encouraged to progress at their own rate. Instruction is centered on dealing with real-life situations people may encounter. Highly recommend for children and adults.


(10 of 10 People found this review helpful)

Tai-Zen prepares you for battle and life

Jun 15 2023 by Dean G (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I have been a student of Tai-Zen for well over 30 years. During that time I have taken long hiatus' due to work, injuries, etc. I have always been welcomed back with open arms. Master, Tague, Hanshi Romeo and the entire Tai-Zen family care about their students and make you feel like you belong.

The confidence I have gained from this art literally changed my life. I can say from first hand knowledge that the systems and mindset taught at this school prepare you for any battle that may come your way.

I highly recommend stopping in and taking an introductory class.


(9 of 9 People found this review helpful)

I recommend Tai-Zen.

Jun 15 2023 by Chris (Active Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

I strongly recommend Tai-Zen. The study changed my life. At the school, I learn from the best when it comes to self-defense and my training has helped me in the real world. I have a genuinely deep respect for the instructors. I know that the instructors and the other students at Tai-Zen truly care about me as a person. Beyond the self-defense training which has been so valuable to me, I have also gained much from a mental standpoint. Tai-Zen has helped me be a better person and allowed me to deepen my confidence in myself. Tai-Zen is a one of a kind school for anyone that seeks to learn self-defense and make wonderful friends along the way. Thank you Hanshi Romeo, you are the best.


(9 of 9 People found this review helpful)

Real Self-defense for all levels

Jun 15 2023 by JL (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

A great place to learn effective self-defense. Great atmosphere and people to work with. Instructors are very knowledgeable and highly experienced.


(2 of 30 People found this review helpful)

Best Dojo for LGBTQ Students

Jun 07 2023 by Jim R. (Former Student with 3 - 5 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

This dojo teaches practical self-defense that can help you in real life situations. Other dojos are mostly about martial arts as a sport or for exercise. Tai-Zen teaches pure self-defense based on mechanics of movement. Most importantly, both Grandmaster Teague (Selden dojo) and Hanshi Romeo (Bellmore dojo) are allies of the LGBTQ Community! This is important because LGBT people are nine times more likely than non-LGBT people to be victims of violent hate crimes. (See https://williamsinstitute. law. ucla. edu/press/lgbt-hate-crimes-press-release). With so much rampant homophobia, it’s wonderful to see Grandmaster Teague and Hanshi Romeo enjoying teaching homosexuals and transgender persons how to defend against the violence spurred on by bigotry and hatred. It is important for me to feel respected, and LGBTQ persons will get such at Tai-Zen! I urge all homosexuals and transgender people to go Selden or Bellmore and train! Tell Grandmaster Teague or Hanshi Romeo your preferred pronouns! I haven’t trained in some time because worked required me to move out of NY, but rumor has it that when same-sex marriage was legalized, both Grandmaster Teague and Hanshi Romeo wore rainbow colored gis and proclaimed, “Love is love. ”

I GIVE TAI-ZEN THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION.


(30 of 32 People found this review helpful)

Excellent school offering real world self-defense

Feb 08 2022 by Pete (Former Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

This school is excellent, has great instructors and delves very deeply into the study of self-defense on both a physical and legal level. It has been around for 60+ years for a reason. Unfortunately I had to relocate for employment purposes, but I can tell you that what I learned at this school helped me to defend myself on more than one occasion. The training is extremely thorough and can be quite difficult until you have acquired the skill, at which point it becomes easy for you, and most importantly, effective.

The two negative reviews surprised me, and are probably written by someone that couldn't make the rank they felt they deserved, so they felt the need to bash the school. Whether they actually had the skill and ability to wear the rank that they think they deserved, is suspect.

During training, analogies may be used to help explain certain points, and I suppose some people get caught on the analogies, and can't see past them. Regarding the instructors leaving, that isn't true, as I spoke with someone that I used to train with, and they assured me that it isn't so.

Ignore the naysayer(s?). If you're looking to learn how to defend yourself, this school is a gem. If I were still living on Long Island, there is nowhere else I would want to train. I highly recommend this school if you are seeking self-defense instruction.


(5 of 47 People found this review helpful)

A Cult Not A Dojo —Beware

Feb 02 2022 by Bob (Former Student with 3 - 5 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Poor
Other aspects:
Poor
Recommended:
No!

This dojo and the one in Belmore are run by two old men, Howard Teague (in his 80s) andLenny Romeo (in his 70s). You may not question what they teach and are expected to adopt all their opinions on topics not related to the martial arts. Promotions are given out based on who Howie and Lenny like. One guy was promoted from 3rd degree Black Belt to 9th degree bypassing 4th through 8th degree. If you question them you get expelled.


(6 of 40 People found this review helpful)

I heard all the students left after promotions were given. People who had to work there for years or passed over

Jul 27 2021 by unsatisfied customer (Former Student with 1 - 3 Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Average
Other aspects:
Average
Recommended:
No!

I heard all the students left after promotions were given. People who had to work there for years or passed over. I heard all the instructors left except for one or two.


(28 of 30 People found this review helpful)

A Gem on Long Island

Apr 12 2016 by G. Richardson (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Excellent
Recommended:
Yes

This school teaches no non-sense effective self-defense. It is not sport orientated, but rather geared specifically for real life self-defense situations. It is one of, if not the oldest school on Long Island. Every instructor has over 20 years of experience, and offers personal instruction, within a group setting, to each student. I highly recommend this school to anyone that is looking for self-defense training.


(28 of 29 People found this review helpful)

An excellent system for learning self defense.

Mar 20 2016 by D. John (Active Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)

Quality of Instruction:
Excellent
Other aspects:
Very Good
Recommended:
Yes

I am always fascinated by how much there is to learn at this school. You are allowed to transition to more advanced abilities at your own rate, guided by truly experienced instructors. This system of self defense is direct to the point and has been proven to me through my own personal experience to be most effective over many other "styles".

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