My son has been going there since he was 3.5 years old. He first went to a Tae Kwon Do class with…read morehis cousins in San Diego and had so much fun we looked for classes here. We visited 3 other places before finding ATA and stayed. The first three places weren't very kid friendly and the instruction was more geared towards teenagers and up. The ATA program is definitely designed better for kids and they teach confidence and respect.

I came in as a groupon student - 16 classes, uniform, and belt test for $30…read more However, as a groupon student, you are not taught form, and you take a downgraded belt test which means you do not advance to the next belt. Instruction is poor. I have studied tae kwon do in three different martial arts schools. This place is in every way inferior. A mixed combat arts class at the local gym has more discipline and technique than the classes offered here. Or maybe that's how the instructor was with me, as the solitary female student in an adult class, and a groupon student at that. Further, not one of my classes ever started on time (7:45 p.m. class started at 8:25 p.m.). Instructor would frequently take breaks to chat with colleagues, play with his phone, or do his own thing. As a female student, and a white belt at that, I was severely injured by the black belt instructor and owner of this tae kwon do school. The instructor hit me hard enough to leave black and blue marks all over my hands, arms, legs, thighs, neck and back. I cannot even bend my right knee any more, and my doctor has ordered radiology tests and specialist appointments. I asked to wear padding before any contact activity, and was told it was unnecessary. I brought my own protective gear from home and insisted on using it during the entire class. Still, the instructor hit me with enough force that now, almost two weeks later, I still cannot walk without pain or stand up straight. The cost of the doctor's appointments alone negate any value obtained from the groupon. This is a martial arts school to avoid at all costs. If you like tae kwon do, try W. Kim Tae Kwon Do (Lake Zurich or Palatine) or Ki Martial Arts (Mundelein). The instruction is of higher quality, and female students are not discouraged from attending.

Brazilian Black Belt Academy has been one of the best decisions we've made for our kids. From day…read moreone, the atmosphere has been welcoming, supportive, and truly family-oriented. Filipe is an outstanding instructor--patient, incredibly knowledgeable, and amazing with kids. He keeps classes structured, engaging, and fun while still teaching discipline, focus, and respect. My children are not only learning real self-defense skills, but I've also seen their confidence and self-esteem grow tremendously. They stay active, build resilience, and actually look forward to every class. If you're looking for a place where your child will gain confidence, discipline, and lifelong skills in a positive environment, I cannot recommend Brazilian Black Belt Academy enough.

I've had the privilege of being one of the founding members of the school, and it's been incredible…read moreto watch it grow under the leadership of Professor Felipe Costa. He's not only a world-class competitor but also a passionate and thoughtful teacher who truly cares about passing on the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What sets this school apart is its well-structured class format and inclusive environment. Felipe offers a dedicated fundamentals class for adults that focuses on self-defense and foundational jiu-jitsu techniques--perfect for beginners. The all-levels class is ideal for those with experience and offers deeper technical instruction. Classes begin with a brief stretch, followed by a movement-based warm-up tied to that day's technique. Felipe often breaks down a sequence into an entry, core technique, and counters or reactions, which we drill before moving into positional sparring and full live rounds. Safety is always emphasized, and Felipe fosters an atmosphere where exploration and learning take priority over ego or "winning." The facility is clean, the mats are top quality, and the culture is incredibly welcoming. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your game, I highly recommend this school.

Our kids have had a wonderful experience here. They do a great job keeping the kids engaged while…read moreteaching them patience, respect and body control. The birthday party package is also top notch. The kids are moving and having fun plus cake cutting with a sword! highly recommend!

We had our daughters 6th birthday party at Agbon Martial Arts. They did a wonderful job, helping…read moresetup all the decorations, engaging all her friends to participate, and taking photos to share for everyone. Watching the kids faces to break a board was a highlight. Best birthday party. Master Mary Ann delivers great communication so it's very clear what to expect the day of the party. We can't thank Agbon Martial Arts enough for this wonderful party and what they provide each week in class for our daughter. Thank you!

It's been an incredible journey watching my daughters train and grow over the past five years at…read moreChicago Karate Champions. Through multiple tournaments, they've earned gold, silver, and bronze medals, but more importantly, they've gained discipline, resilience, and a true love for the sport. They truly appreciate the amazing training, the fun activities after each game, and the lifelong lessons they've learned along the way. Their hard work is even showing in their PE activities at school! A big thank you to the coaches and the entire team for creating such a supportive and inspiring environment! Looking forward to many more years of learning and success.

Sensei has been so amazing with helping me stay healthy and stay fit…read more He is also very fun when we are playing games. He's exercise are very hard but help me a lot with sports like basketball.

This dojo has been amazing for both of my sons. There are two Sensei's - Gerson and Shaza - that…read moreare professional, caring, disciplined and fun. They know every single person by name, command respect but teach such wonderful meaningful classes to the kids, and have a true passion for their craft. We could not be more satisfied with this Martial Arts dojo. Highly recommend!!

They are incredibly skilled, patient, and passionate about teaching martial arts. Their approach is…read morethe perfect balance of discipline, fun, and motivation. The facility is clean, well-organized, and has a positive, encouraging atmosphere. The instructors do an amazing job of working with students of all ages and skill levels, helping everyone feel confident and capable. My child has gained so much more than just martial arts skills -- they've learned respect, focus, and confidence. What sets Fonseca apart is the sense of community. The instructors genuinely care about each student's progress and celebrate their achievements. My child always looks forward to class and leaves feeling proud and energized.

I've trained with Matsumoto, who is a sixth degree black belt. He is a former Champion from Japan…read morewith exceptional skills----but excellent with children-as well as adults. I have moved and now train in Tae Kwon Do -- which is good for my age. This form of martial arts will bring you strength and discipline.

My son has been training here for over 3 years. Training at the Matsumoto's Dojo has significantly…read morebenefited my son's confidence, fitness, focus, and athletic ability. The traditional style of training found at this Dojo will improve the mind body connection, mental (toughness) and physical (strength, cardio, flexibility, and coordination) conditioning. Probably the best program for kids around.

We looooovvvveeee this Taekwondo academy! My son has been going here for a little over one year…read morenow. Master Kim and Master Yuk are great with the kids. There are people of all different levels and they truly care about teaching the right techniques. A lot of Tae Kwon Do places might try to push for more belt tests to make money, but I know that they really try to prepare the students to excel and move up on belt levels only as necessary. My son loves going and he looks forward to his lessons. I highly recommend checking it out if you're not sure. I think they have some introductory lessons at a discounted price. Talk to the owner, master Kim, who has trained with the best in Korea and here in the states too!

This is a taekwondo school (located in Northbrook with light traffic most of time) I don't feel…read morehesitant to recommend to others :). Firstly the Korean master, who received years of strict training in Korea, takes his class seriously and right technique and spirit of Taekwondo is always his aim. It's also not a crowded Dojang with reasonable numbers of kids in each class (typically about 5 kids). So each kid can get enough attention. One thing that Master Kim earned credit for himself among the parents is that he never intends to commercialize his class. Instead his belief is "It's the quality that makes difference", and he never mind teaching a little more and a little longer. Before my daughter joined this school I did some research about other taekwondo schools in Lincolnshire, Northbrook and Deerfield. I am happy that I made right choice!

This place is great! If you want your child to feel welcomed and also grow in character and…read moreconfidence. It's a family run business, and filled with heart. I truly enjoyed seeing my son run with excitement to class and see Master Shim greeting him with a big smile at the entry. Every class is different and the kids learn a lot and get their energy out. Master Psi typically teaches and has a great way of leading class, creating a positive and encouraging environment for all the kids of different age groups. Master Psi is impressive, and instills respect, integrity, and discipline. He is kind, patient, and truly great with kids and can run an entire class effectively bu himself. As I would observe him in practice, many parents would do the same and speak so highly of him, and also mention the positive influence this place has had on their kids - many growing in confidence and discipline. Truly a great place. My son was 5 when he started, the youngest of the bunch, and did 3 months of classes. We moved this summer, and he still misses the class and all his friends there! Truly a great program for all age groups. Thank you again Master Shim and Master Psi for your dedication, patience, and kindness.

If you want to join this Martial Arts class, you will notice Master Shim will force you to pay for…read moreatleast 3 months. There is no monthly option. Actually he will convince you to pay for a year. And there is a SOLID reason behind it! UNLESS you have a super athletic body and have been doing gymnastics for years, YOU WILL INCUR AN INJURY IN THIS CLASS!! And then Master Shim WILL NOT REFUND YOUR MONEY but will try to CONVINCE you to continue the class even after incurring an injury. I incurred a leg injury while doing this class since there is no prep. training and you will be thrown into class which can be mild or severe depending on the "mood" of the trainer, who is the son of Master Shim. My knee injury was so severe in Shim's class, I had to be treated by Bone & Knee institute and furthermore had to consult with a medical doctor who put me into a rehab and strictly prohibited me to continue Shim's training. I was affected for a whole month with my work and travel plans adversely affected. So I approached Master Shim with a doctor note and showed my injury and asked politely for a partial refund, ONLY for unused time since he received 3months advance ( remember Master Shim always charges you for 3 months and even try to convince you for 1 yr advance payment). First he gave me a lot of BS, saying that I should be a "man" and continue this class even I was in Rehab for a month. I left that day but approached him a few days later and told him that I will never be able to continue this class, so please refund my unused time only (which was 2/3rd). Master Shim told me to come after a month since he was "tight" on money to provide me any refund. So I waited one month and went back to him again. Master Shim started to act upset with me and said that he talked to his son, who is the actual owner of this Martial Arts operation (Which is a lie, Master Shim is the real owner), and that his son has advised Master Shim to only refund me $100 (instead of $350). I was quite shocked but knowing that something is better than nothing at that point, asked him to refund only $100. He again asked me to come back again (4th time) and made an appointment with me at 5pm the next day. When I went at 5pm the next day, he was nowhere to be found. I left disappointed but came back around 6:30pm (5th time) and he was still nowhere to be found. I asked his son where he was, and Master Shim was apparently hiding in the backroom instead of in his front office, as he always is. By this time I was convinced that Master Shim is a CROOK. But I waited patiently outside his office as he said he will write me a check. After a couple of minutes, he brought out an empty checkbook showing me he ran out of checks and that I should come again tomorrow. I have had enough with this sleazeball named Master SHIM by this time. I simply told him firmly that I will contact an attorney and take him to court for running an operation which causes injuries to people. I also informed him that I will contact Attorney General's office and Better Business Bureau about his dishonest business practices. But that time his son came outside and was witnessing the conversation who inculcated some sense to his dad to just refund the money instead of jerking a customer around. Master Shim still refused to provide a refund, which he had promised!! At that point his son pulled out his cell phone and offered me a refund of only $100, when they actually owed me around $350. The moral of the story here is that Master Shim runs a business which is causing major injuries to people and there is a reason why they ask for 3 months or years worth of advance upfront. Unless you are an athlete or a gymnastics person or know Martial arts already, you WILL INCUR AN INJURY HERE. And guess What? You will receive a goodbye from this operation if you ask for any refund. Actually they will encourage to bring your injured self back again, and continue to get injured because there is no money back. JOIN THIS SHIM'S TRAINING AT YOUR OWN RISK!!