Attending Sifu Torres'/ Dr. Torres's 6 Healing Sounds workshops is one of the best investments a…read moreperson can make. If you have never attended one, the next time he offers it GO! GO! GO! This workshop introduces you to the postures, breathing, and healing sounds of the body's meridians that correspond to each organ. We learned how this practice can help and alleviate illnesses of the different organs. Sifu/Dr. Torres explained how in Chinese Medicine each organ and sound correlates to the different seasons and and elements of nature. We also discussed the different positive and negative emotions associated with the organs, as well as, the different senses and tastes. He even discussed the different foods that can be eaten to nourish each organ. I always enjoy this workshop. This is my 3rd or 4th time attending, but every time I attend, I always learn something new and I enjoy being able to practice with other participants. If you are looking for a new type of meditation to add to your repertoire, then this is for you. I am hoping that Dr. Torres/Sifu Torres will continue offering this very beneficial workshop.

I feel very unhappy, frustrated, and angry with Sifu and his business practices. For our first…read morescheduled private lesson (April 26th at 8:00 am); He never showed up, nor communicated via any medium (telephonic, text, e-mail) that he would be a total and complete no-show. What makes it even more disappointing is the time and energy spent (And lost) traversing to navigate, find, and pay for parking to his studio. But the time that I invested into researching a Martial Arts instructor, and amongst the overgrowth of dojo / guru / studio options - choosing this one. Up until our scheduled meeting today, communication was respectably okay. He promptly responded to my initial email requesting more information about his studio (over 2 weeks ago). This naturally led to a phone call between the two of us in the interim where my questions were answered about pricing, schedule, etc. Afterwards, we exchanged 2 or 3 emails back and forth to confirm the type of arrangement (private lessons) that would best suit me. He agreed, and I was onboard. I felt comfortable enough agreeing to 2 introductory lessons. So we finally came to an agreement on a start time and date (today, Thursday April 26th). He informed me to arrive a few minutes before the lesson time to fill out a waiver, and other forms. Bringing it back to today - I arrived promptly at 7:55 a.m outside the office building where his studio is located. I rang and buzzed the suite 2 times. Voicemail prompt each time. I continued standing there buzzing the suite when a gentleman who works in the building was kind enough to ask if I needed to come inside (Thank you whomever you were). Once inside, I located and knocked twice on Suite 216 intermittently between 8:00 am and 8:06 am. In an effort to really extend my benefit of the doubt to its limits, I stood outside his suite waiting for him (or anyone) to showup. The entire time refreshing my e-mail inbox, checking my phone for messages. Zilch. Nothing. Even before deciding to finally leave exit the building, I re-checked my phone just to make sure. Nothing. Beyond unacceptable. I don't care if your car is encased in amber-like crusted Wrigleyville vomit, or if an Akula class attack submarine emerged from your bathtub drainpipe - There is no excuse imaginable to NOT show up. Absolutely none. Especially if you are meeting a client for the first time. You show up. You communicate. You don't make excuses. Even in the event of an unforeseen change that prevents any meeting from happening, like an emergency, or something beyond your control (like amber vomit) - you pick up the phone, and in any manner of your choosing inform the client that you will be late and or can not make it. Tactfully, respectfully. Sifu, like so many business providers and paraprofessionals don't seem to understand that customers are NOT commodities. Customers feelings and experiences matter; even before the service is rendered. You have one opportunity to make an impression. And once that impression is set, it will almost never change. The marketplace has minimal tolerance for these transgressions, and ultimately will summate and catch up to paraprofessionals like Sifu, and eliminate them from the business landscape.

Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts is a great place to learn about martial arts and the instructors…read moreare very friendly and adults and kids can learn all sorts of cool martial arts techniques

I highly recommend this place. My son has had a really great experience here. We started out with…read morethe Ninja Turtles program when he was younger. It was excellent, however after a while we decided to look at other places because we don't live nearby. We eventually ended up coming back here because it is the best we have found--it is worth the commute. In addition to getting a great workout and learning martial arts skills, my son is learning discipline, focus, and other incredibly important skills like treating others with respect and being a good teammate. The instructors command respect, but also make the classes fun and really keep the kids engaged. Everyone who works here seems to really enjoy what they do. Just started my younger son too and trying to convince my daughter to join. Haven't tried the adult classes yet, but they look badass:)

Tracy's System of Kenpo Karate…read more 5 Stars for this intense, practical, streetwise, and effective self defense martial art. This traditional discipline is amazing. I have finally found something I am passionate about that does not fizzle out the deeper I get into it. On the contrary, the more time I devote to this art, the more my interest is stimulated. Not only do SDC offer very affordable private lessons and packages, but this includes UNLIMITED group classes Mon-Sat. This is particularly beneficial since you are not just learning a new technique and forgetting it, you are given the resources to practice it daily, if you wish. In my book, practice makes permanent not perfect. At places like this the instructor either makes or breaks the school....in this particular case, he makes it. Tim is extremely patient, well-disciplined, and honest. As a natural leader & teacher, he tailors his teaching style to your needs. He pays significant attention to detail and you quickly learn to do the same, which only perfects your skills in the art. However, be forewarned: This place is not for those with a craven character. We like to hit....hard.

I've been very happy with Self Defense Centers and I have been taking classes there for almost two…read moreyears. It's practical, hands-on self defense training that's based on Kenpo, a type of martial art. I'm not really in it for the martial art part -- I started taking classes there after I got mugged and was terrified of being on the street (or anywhere) alone. I think it's done a lot for my self-esteem because what you learn is *very* practical. You learn how to kick, deflect punches, elbow, etc. As a female I've always been reserved when it's come to using violence but Tim, the trainer, has taught me not to feel so "afraid" to do things, like kick some in the balls, when necessary. :) Tim is really good about making the one-on-one sessions best meet your needs so whatever it is that you're there for you are likely to get a lot out of the classes. I highly recommend this place if you're interested in actual martial arts classes or if you simply want to become more streetwise and develop basic self defense skills.

I remember someone telling me this program would "change my life" and I rolled my eyes. But guess…read morewhat...? This program will change your life. I've taken several different self defense courses and this was the only one I walked away from feeling confident that I could protect myself. It's a unique program that really teaches you how to use your strengths, set boundaries and push past your fears.

I started taking the IMPACT classes in March of 2009 upon the recommendation of a close friend…read moreinvolved with the organization. Two years later, I've taken every class they've offered and my life will never be the same. I had no idea when I showed up at my first class that I would learn not only about how to physically defend myself, but also that I'm worth defending and I have everything within me already to do it. I highly recommend these classes to all women and girls. They do offer teen classes, so keep an eye on the website for what ages that is appropriate for.

My daughters (5 & 7) started private karate classes with Sensei Lopez this summer. I must say that…read morewe have felt very comfortable with their Covid-19 safety precautions. When we arrive our temperature gets taken and we sanitize our hands prior to entering the dojo. Sensei Lopez disinfects everything before and after class. The class itself is great. My kids look forward to karate. Sensei Lopez makes the class fun. Even my very shy 5 year old participates. Please support this local small business. I know it's hard during a pandemic but if you or your child has interest in karate, I highly recommend taking private lessons with Sensei Lopez.

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!!

Not beginner friendly or welcoming at all. I felt like I was intruding. The students also seemed…read morefrustrated with me when they couldn't even explain the movements and nothing I saw from them was impressive (despite training there for years.) When you've played sports your whole life and have been trained a certain way, you're not going to be Samurai Jack day one. Oops. The instructor was all crabby because I corrected him on my pronouns. Too simple minded to realize he was already using they/them as a singular pronoun when describing a proverbial attacker, so it's not like he had to make a huge adjustment in his speech. Probably another bigot who doesn't know the difference between sex and gender identity. He spoke of "Zen" but his energy with me was the opposite. Some people should do more soul work before they elect to service the public. Other than that, I respect Aikido a little more after one class. I like that everyone works together to honor the space by cleaning up after training. I can see how it sharpens the mind. However, I'm finding Muay Thai (somewhere else) more effective and aligned with what I'm looking for. I'll stick with that.

What a wonderful community of practice!…read more Having taken five classes, I can honestly say that each experience at Shinjinkai has gotten better and better. The students are warm, welcoming and deeply committed to their practice. Jason is an encouraging, thoughtful, patient sensei. I really like that classes are drop-in and that parking is free and convenient. Whether you're brand new to Aikido like me or advanced, you'll love being a part of this community.

I absolutely love my yoga instructor! Cris She is kind, patient, and very professional. She always…read moremakes me feel comfortable and relaxed during class. After every session, I feel refreshed and full of positive energy. Highly recommend her!

I have been going to see Cris at Form Follows Fitness for at least 2 years now, and it was the best…read morechoice I ever made. She made me enjoy working out with her routines which are very rarely the same. Her positive attitude made me feel like I was in a supportive space. I am stronger than I ever have been due to what I call her 'ninja moves', which is meant as a compliment. I say this because she'll have you do an exercise with a weight, at first it seems simple and easy and you will think you could do this exercise all day with more weight, but you continue with this simple exercise, and you realize your muscle is burning. Ow! Without a doubt, she possesses knowledge on all the highly efficient techniques for targeting each muscle group! Her studio is bright and always clean with all of the equipment you will need to get a great workout.

Been going for about a month which is the longest I have been able to take a fitness course. Their…read morevariety in fitness classes and the positive atmosphere keeps me pushing forward. Forteza Fitness is a supportive group who pushes you to do your best and work with whatever you can do. Taking any kind of class can be overwhelming especially when you have difficulties with the exercise. Everyone from the teachers to other students are so patient and work with my abilities and support each other as we go through the classes. I have struggled with classes because of trying to train my muscles to work a certain way or having the stamina, but the support at Forteza keeps pushing me and helping to make me stronger/heathier.

Strength and fun in a no-frills/no-fuss atmosphere…read more This is a fitness studio with two core training sets: an extensive coursework/community of historic European martial arts (swords! swords ! swords!) and a more fitness-focused schedule of classes geared around Spartan races. The space is set up mostly for the martial arts, so that it feels like a set for period movie about Queen Elizabeth. It's a very comfortable space for bookworms to come work out. The fitness classes are very fun. They tend to be small, with lots of personal, gentle attention. Trainers get to know the regulars and the regulars get to know each other, which makes each workout friendly and welcoming. And I got a great deal on personal training. The workouts themselves are usually a bit more focused on strength and flexibility over cardio/endurance. The one drawback (for those who use the space more for fitness) is that it really is more of studio than a gym. There's no showers and no treadmills. Somehow I'm far more motivated to work out here than I was at other places I tried, where I'd just end up donating my gym membership month after month. At Forteza I feel like I'm getting a personal training . . .in a class setting . . three times a week. Like it's gym class again but for fun people with nice teachers. It's a gym class that's redeemed itself. They've fixed gym class. It's glorious.

I feel fortunate that Margaret Sensei recently opened a JKA dojo very close to downtown Chicago,…read morewith class schedules that accommodate those coming from work. She carries on the rigorous instruction that I saw while training at JKA dojos in Virginia and Connecticut before I moved to Chicago. Margaret Sensei is very thoughtful when articulating opportunities to improve one's techniques and execution. She offers clear and practical guidance tailored to one's skill level and capabilities.

As a former student of Margaret Sensei, I can fully attest to her skill, both as a practitioner and…read morea teacher. I had trained under her from white belt (9th kya) to brown belt (1st kyu) during college. Able to back up what she says with action (in modeling correct movement and technique), she helped instill a solid foundation of technique and practical exercises that continues to inform my practice today. Also thanks to her for her dojo recommendations that has led me to my current dojo.

I love this climbing gym! There's a surprisingly large parking lot here (despite being in the…read moremiddle of the city), and there's even some bike parking where cyclists can securely lock their bikes. Coming from a different gym, we had to get certified for belaying. Fortunately, through their membership system, we were able to take an extremely informative class, then take the belay test at our convenience at our next climbing session. These walls are probably the tallest I've seen in my cimbing time! Even my more experienced friends say they often get exhausted around 3/4 of the way through a route. Certainly a welcome challenge for top roping. With a membership (or day pass), you also have access to the full gym and bouldering upstairs. Members also have access to a host of yoga classes at different times. The locker room is super convenient with built in locks that you need to input a numeric combination. There are plenty of bathrooms and clean showers. Definitely worth checking out!

ALWAYS a great time at First Ascent Avondale! To celebrate my brother's birthday, he and a friend…read morebouldered and my friend and I auto belayed. We all had a great time! My friend and I are excited to take a belaying class at First Ascent so we can tackle even more climbs!