Honestly I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca Martial Arts. I enrolled my son for lessons about a year ago when he was 6 years old. The transformation I have seen in him through his development in karate is nothing short of incredible. He's moved quickly through the program and has now moved into the intermediate level class. All of the instructors are phenomenal with the kids. The classes remain fun and age appropriate while still maintaining the discipline and respect that are the hallmarks of karate. My son participated in his very first "Dojo Duel" last spring and loved it. Dojo Duels are a fun introduction to competitive karate, allowing students to learn about competition in a very fun way. All the participants are recognized and receive medals, but they still recognize the top competitors in every age group as well. You can really go as far as you want with Fonseca. If you want to learn & compete at an international/Olympic level you can, as many Fonseca students compete on the world stage. John Fonseca himself is a legend in the sport and you will find him working in all the dojo locations and providing the students with his expertise. We love Sensei Dave at the Wilmette Dojo, he clearly cares about his students and really invests his time in their development. My son often arrives early or stays after class (by choice) because he is so eager to learn from him. He also has taken private lessons (again by his own request) so he can perform at his best in competition. He will be participating in another Dojo Duel this fall and then his first major competition, the Fonseca Cup. This place is the real deal, you will not regret sending your child. read more

Fonseca Martial Arts - Wilmette - Fonseca Dojo Duels - Self-defense Classes Near Me - Wilmette, Illinois

We had been told for years to try Karate. Unfortunately, we listened to those who had not tried before, thinking that it would bring out aggressive tendencies in our kids and that they'd be practicing in each other all the time. We wish we had not listened to these people. Fonseca has been such a wonderful oasis for my kids. Let's begin with the heart and soul of the program: the amazing Sensei's. These men and women are such wonderful role models. They are always supportive, energized, and keep the class moving. They focus on the importance of character foremost rather than the outcome. My kids happily go at least 2 times a week - which is a miracle in itself. They are in a class where there is a wide range of ages and skill levels but no one ever feel intimidated or embarrassed. They get a very intense workout, while having fun, making new friends, gaining coordination and confidence. If you've ever thought of having your kiddos try Karate, don't wait! Sign them up. You will not regret it. read more

What can I say, I signed my son up when he was 4. Hoping he'd learn to follow direction from someone other than me, make some new friends, gain knowledge of a new discipline and have fun. He has learned all of the above and much more in just over a year and a half. He discovered that he loves karate and chooses to attend at least 3 classes most weeks. The sensei's are all passionate about their sport and that shines through in every class they teach. He's learning first hand what hard work, discipline and commitment can bring. He continues to learn life lessons that he takes with him each and every day and will for the rest of his life. I can't imagine our life without Fonseca in it!! And love watching him grow week in week out in his happy place. read more

Amazing team, keeps the kids engaged and learning at every level. Sensei Dave is the best. Our two kids look forward to every session. Their background and qualifications are beyond impressive, and they still make it relatable for kids at all levels and celebrate every accomplishment. The check in process is easy and there is a great seating arrangement for parents to watch. read more

I began taking adult classes at the Wilmette dojo in January 2016, over a year after my daughter started as a Little Dragon. The manager, Dave is very helpful and approachable. Each sensei relates well to children as well as adults. Since there are several reviews of parents of young kids available, I wanted to highlight my experience as an adult learner. After falling into the mom trap of putting everyone else's needs first, I was out of shape and bored with other forms of "working out". Being impressed with everyone at Fonseca, I decided to give it a try and began attending adult classes twice a week. What an exhilarating challenge! Initially I was thankful to get through a class, I was so out of shape. After 3-4 months, it became a little bit easier and as I started adding a third class around 6 months, my progress accelerated, my endurance improved and I became so excited to learn more and more. What I love about the adult class is the camaraderie that develops between the classmates at varying levels and a mature sensei who is very inspiring. He gets that adults need the warm up, stretching and a cool down. He gets that old injuries flare up and individualized modifications are needed. But, beyond that, he pushes us to work hard and push limits as we improve. I wanted to improve my physical fitness but didn't start off appreciating how much of a mental challenge karate would be!!! Being mindful of everything that goes into good technique or memorizing katas, improving balance, speed and coordination are all benefits of karate. Classes vary in emphasis, making it much more interesting than the monotony of other workouts. Finally, having the external goal of striving for a black belt and the belts that come before that, mean tangible benchmarks of success and progress! I feel proud when I've had a good test and earned a new belt; a feeling hard to come by apart from work achievements or the successes of our children! Now I share this passion with my daughter, but it is something I do for myself. She inspires me and I hope that someday, she will tell me that I also inspired her~ read more

We had wanted to find something that could teach our 4 yr old some skills that we felt would help him navigate through his life. This dojo is simply perfect. I smile as I watch our son work on his listening skills and use his strength and make accomplishments and see his confidence as he progresses and gets better. His face as he came home with his yellow belt was worth all the money in the world. He earned it and he felt pride. He is proud of his strength and I am proud of what he is learning. There is a fine line between having kids follow you as a teacher and their respect for you. They nail it here. The kids follow eagerly looking to please, have a wonderful time and walk away with so many skills. I'm so happy we found this class. read more

Great Dojo - our son has been going for a year and half and enjoys the class. Hes learned so much - not just karate skills but also dojo kun. I would recommend this for anyone who is looking for a martial arts program for their child or themselves. Sensei Dave and Eduardo are great instructors. read more

We have a son and a daughter both taking classes at Fonseca. The instructors are very knowledgeable and patient with all the kids. They get individualized support and encouragement and are being taught respect and discipline. We couldn't be happier to be a part of the Fonseca Wilmette family. read more

My son had been going to Fonseca for 2+ years and loves it. The senseis are very knowledgeable both about karate and how to work with children. They expect a lot and challenge the kids to chin the bar but always go the extra mile to help kids who may need more instruction. They have no concerns about correcting poor behavior but more often go above and beyond to call out excellent behavior. The kids as I've seen truly appreciate this approach. David and Javier at Wilmette are great and we truly appreciate their work and the way they run the dojo. read more

Excellent service, wonderful instructors, fair price. I would recommend this place to anyone wanting to get into Martial arts, or even just get a good workout. read more

Our 6 year old son loves Fonseca. It is a calm and healthy environment for him to build confidence and physical coordination.

David and Eduardo are the best! Our 5 year old son has been enrolled for 2 years now. He has learned so much about martial arts. He looks forward to his classes every time. Both sensei's are very experienced in martial arts and are such fun and engaging instructors. A truly great experience. read more

My 8 year old daughter has been training at Fonseca in Wilmette for 2 months and she felt welcome in the dojo from her very first class. The Senseis make each class challenging and fun, somehow finding time to support and encourage every student no matter their level. She is growing stronger and more confident every week! read more

We are extremely happy with Fonseca. All the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and patient. Whether participating in the kids class or the adult classes every student gets individualized support and encouragement. We are extremely happy to be part of the Fonseca Wilmette community. read more

Our daughter has been attending this dojo since last august and we are VERY impressed. She took t/th classes in Brazilian martial arts summer and Fall. but also started a weekly self defense class in the fall (so eventually three nights a week became too much, given the demands of high school). now she is only doing the self-defense class, which is terrific. Very small, very focused and very useful. The class balances street smarts info with a lot of practice of defensive moves. We could not be happier...our daughter's only wish is that she could be going three nights a week! read more