The Cleveland Academy of Self-Defense is the premier location in Cleveland, Ohio to learn Hapkido and Taekwondo. The Cleveland Academy of Self-Defense has been serving the Greater Cleveland area since 1968. If you want to learn the highly effective Self-Dense art of Hapkido or the dynamic martial art and sport of Taekwondo, the Cleveland Academy of Self-Defense is your place. The Cleveland Academy of Self-Defense offers very dynamic and flexible programs in Hapkido and Taekwondo for men, women, children and teens. We also offer programs that cover Women's Self-Defense and Children's Self-Defense. We have an option to fit almost everyone's need.  

The Cleveland Academy of Self-Defense was founded in 1968 by Grandmaster Ray Szuch. Grandmaster Szuch has an extensive background in the Martial Arts. Grandmaster Szuch holds a 7th Degree Blackbelt in both Hapkido and Taekwondo, as well as 4th Degrees in Japanese Jiujitsu and Aikido. Grandmaster Szuch has also trained in Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Kung Fu, Isshin Ryu and Judo. Grandmaster Szuch has trained numerous National and World Champions in Point Sparring Karate, Forms Competition, Kickboxing and Olympic Taekwondo.

Grandmaster Szuch runs the Cleveland Academy of Self-Dense with his senior Blackbelt, Master Johnny Maldonado. Master Maldonado has been training with Grandmaster Szuch in Taekwondo and Hapkido since 1998. Master Maldonado Currently holds the rank of 4th Degree Blackbelt in both Hapkido and Taekwondo. Master Maldonado is the Senior instructor at the Cleveland Academy of Self-Defense. He is also head instructor of the Adult Program as well as oversees all the Hapkido training done at the Cleveland Academy.

Grandmaster Szuch and Master Maldonado are assisted by 2nd Degree Blackbelt Yazira Rodriguez. Miss Rodriguez is the Assistant Instructor to the Adult Program. She also heads the Women's Self-Defense Program. She also shares coaching responsibilities with Master Maldonado in the Sport Karate Program.

For more information please call 440-540-4808, email us at blackbelt@clevelandacademy.org.