Honestly I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca Martial Arts. I enrolled my son for lessons…read moreabout 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.

We had been told for years to try Karate. Unfortunately, we listened to those who had not tried…read morebefore, 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.

I've been attending the adult classes for about a year now. I've been previously training at gyms…read morefor strength and conditioning on and off for a few years. I was looking for something more consistent that both me and my wife can join together that would be a fun activity but also be useful in our daily lives. My goal for myself was to learn proper self defense, gain flexibility, learn moves that not only look cool but were effective, and to learn some history and tradition. And I also did not want a school that would be too intimidating for my wife who gardens for a living and had never had any previous fight training. Our first impressions were we loved the bamboo garden outside and the Dojang was clean, everyone was very respectful, welcoming, and had a very diverse group of students from all skill levels. Our first week of class felt like having a personal trainer, very qualified, strong, friendly and knowledgeable. After a few months, we've already seen a huge boost in our confidence levels. And one year later, we were consistently able to attend the classes, learn so many new techniques and forms, and learned much about the art. Grand Master S.H. Yu's school has elements of many traditional styles, including Taekwondo kicks, Shotokan forms, Hapkido takedowns, boxing techniques, and martial arts stances from many different styles that also help condition and improve balance. The adult classes, however are not geared for competition, this is mostly for self defense and self improvement. We practice safety in our techniques to avoid injury and not set our goals backwards. It's geared toward longevity as a martial arts practitioner. I did notice that these classes continue to improve me and my wife's skills, has a huge benefit both mentally and physically, and is something we both always look forward to attending.

I can't say enough about the profound impact this Taekwondo Dojhang has had on my daughter. She…read morejoined several years ago during a difficult time in her life, when she was enduring some pretty intense bullying. She needed not only a physical outlet for the pain and trauma, but a place where she could rebuild her spirit and regain her confidence. From the very first day, the dojhang became that healing space. I owe so much to Supreme GrandMaster Yu and Master Wilson for their unwavering support and guidance. Their commitment to fostering a positive, affirming environment has helped my daughter grow in ways I never imagined. Thanks to their training and mentorship, she's not only progressed to First Dan Black Belt but has also discovered new strength in herself--mentally, emotionally, and physically. This place is about so much more than mastering techniques; it's about developing the values of respect, resilience, perseverance, and integrity. It's been a place where my daughter has not only gained focus, improved her posture, and built confidence, but also healed and flourished. She's now thriving, both on and off the mat, and I am forever grateful for the safe, supportive community that has been such a huge part of her journey. If you're looking for a place that will nurture both your child's martial arts skills and their inner strength, this Dojhang is truly a treasure.

We just started taking our son who has been having behavioral issues at school and we have seen a…read moremajor attitude shift since we've started coming here. I've done martial arts since I was a kid and it changed my life so I was hoping my son would love it as well and I'm so happy to have found this place! He was so nervous the first day but everyone took such great care of him and immediately seeing him smile and enjoy himself was enough for me but the staff is great as well! Instructor Paul is absolutely amazing with all the kids!! If you have kids and want to get them into a great program this is the place!

We are happy with our experience at Max Martial Art! Master Jeong has made taekwondo enjoyable for…read moreour 4 and 7-year-old kids. As parents, we couldn't be happier with the positive impact this martial arts class has had on our children. It's more than just a physical activity; it's a meaningful experience that helps shape their character, discipline, and confidence. Master Jeong has done an exceptional job in making taekwondo enjoyable for them. We highly recommend Max Martial Art.

The kids love going to martial arts class every week! The staff is friendly and very reasonably…read morepriced!

My kids have been here for about a month now and they love it! Sensei David and Sensei Mike are…read moreawesome!! They work with the kids until they understand the technique they are working on for that week. They show them step by step how to proceed and what position you need to be in at the end of the technique. Sensei Michelle is terrific too. She answered all the questions we had. I encourage all parents to put their kids in some sort of self defense class!! You won't regret it!

Their TKD and camp programs are run really well run and the kids love it. Master Roger and the…read moreleaders build relationships with each student and meets them where they're at. We've been coming here for years and my son loves each program that he does at Chang's - classes, spring break camp and summer camp! We've done several camp programs (probably over a dozen) and this is by far my son's favorite. I appreciate the exercise he gets and picking him up nice and sweaty from a good work out. He loves that he gets to spend all day w the leaders, they make everything fun and truly are the best! And the drop off and pick up process is convenient too - perfect for busy parents!

This place is so amazing. My son comes here and before he started classes he was so sensitive and…read morehe would always get picked on. After a few months of going to Chang's , my son is no longer having issues when I am not around! He can do 200 consecutive back flips! It's amazing!

Our 4 year old started doing martial arts at Stillwater and we really love this center…read more He is in the 4-6 year old class. We are happy with the instructor, program, structure and flexibility with scheduling. Mr Mashburn not only focuses on Karate but he also teaches them discipline, values and good behavior. Highly recommend to parents who are looking to start martial arts for your kids. We tried other martial arts classes in the neighborhood before finding this gem. Definitely unique and better than others in the area.

Still Water is outside our range of travel, but my children trained with Mr. Mashburn at his…read moreprevious studio. He's an amazing instructor, focused on excellence in everything he does and completely committed to his students. He is exactly the kind of role model and positive influence you want in your children's lives!

The masters and students made our experience very special. My son has a few attention challenges…read moreand social anxieties- we found this studio and saw that learning about taekwondo helped provide focus and confidence in my 4yr old. Thanks to the Masters that provide a healthy and fun environment for learning and growing.

Studio is a little out of date and needs some TLC but all the masters & instructors are phenomenal…read more They're patient, kind, and treat every child the same. My kids love being part of the K Martial Arts Family.

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!!