This is an excellent school for someone who is looking to learn martial arts for the purpose of…read moreself defense and develop a stronger mind-body relationship. The main instructor is skilled in both the physical and teaching aspects of the martial arts which brings a level depth to the training that can be difficult to find in other places. The training covers striking, grappling, and weapons applications with emphasis on learning the mechanics body movement, positioning, and timing in addition to the basic movements of a given technique. I started training here in 2009 and I cannot recommend this school highly enough to people who are committed to learning and continuously improving their martial arts skills in a very respectful environment. Small classes with dedicated students with a practical focus over sport or competition application.

We love Pica Pau! My 5 year old son has been in the young kids program and is really loving it. He…read morewas nervous to try something new and "tough", but the instructor has been consistently supportive, kind, and patient. I can already see his confidence blooming! Tam let us try out a few classes to make sure he liked it before committing financially, and has flexible pricing. Overall everyone has been very understanding and transparent. If you're on the fence, take this as a sign to just try it!

I have been a member of Pica Pau for 10 months now because I became interested in their striking…read moreclasses (a mix of boxing and Muay Thai). I'm 39 and have never been athletic in my entire life and was just over 300lbs back when I joined. I joined after my first class, even though they were more than generous in offering me more time to check the place out. I joined because it was immediately clear that the mantra-mission statement of "Train Hard, Be Kind" is fostered in and is alive in every single person at this gym and I wanted very much to be a part of it. Nowhere is this spirit more alive than in Aaron and Tam - the captains of this ship - and all the instructors across Pica Pau's deep and diverse weekly schedule. In the striking classes you will find no better coach than Ulysses and no better group of training partners. There is space for everyone of every skill level here. Everyone has the same expectation - train hard, be kind. BJJ is a challenge I am continuing to work at, but what has never been a challenge is feeling like I didn't belong. I've never seen a single person hesitate to help anyone who needs it. I have never seen, or even heard gossip of, the kinds of toxicity that multiple YouTube videos will tell you exists across the vast expanse of jiu jitsu gyms. The expectation and mission of "Train Hard, Be Kind" could not describe the culture better and it's infused in everything about Pica Pau. This place will rise to meet all the effort and drive you are willing to bring to it. It's an amazing ride being a part of Pica Pau. 5 out of 5 stars, no notes, would train at again.

My son is 16 years old and he recently received a Black Belt for Tae Kwon Do under the instruction…read moreof Master Aguirre. Not only has my son excelled at an invaluable sport, but it's given him more confidence in himself and it's been a great character builder. The classes also include a excellent exercise routine. Master Aguirre not only cares about your physical performance, he cares about your well being as well. He's very patient and knowledgeable.

This school is great for anyone seeking self-discipline, confidence, physical fitness and…read moreself-defense skills under a caring and watchful Master, Master Aguirre. You get to learn awesome techniques starting at the white belt level and build up your flexibility and strength along side higher belts. The style is a mix of Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing and Muay Thai elbow and knee combinations (close-range combat). Even though you must learn traditional techniques, the Master's various technique approaches prepare you for self-defense in the streets, with respect and confidence at the top of the chart. The kids' classes are full of happy faces and proud parents in the audience area. A great plus is there are no Belt Promotion Test fees -- other schools can also increase fees as you move up.

I have been here for 7+ years and I can't even the describe how this place has changed me into a…read morebetter athlete, fighter, and person. It is a great place to train to learn self defense for kids and adults. The instructors a great and Master Bob Schirmer has so much knowledge to give. He has instructed many fighter from all over the world and continues to do that today with new upcoming fighters at the youth level. It is a great place and I will always recommend this place to all my friends and their kids.

My son started his path towards a black belt more than two years ago. Our experience with Master…read moreLee has always been at the highest level of satisfaction, and my son adores the way he helped him through each step of the belt process. Master Lee is terrific with all ages and levels of experience & growth. His classes are well rounded in that he rotates around developing form, calisthenics, general athleticism, all while concentrating on the tenets of respect, confidence and focus. We couldn't be happier that we chose Master Lee and his dojang for our son's black belt pursuit. Our many thanks and gratitude to Master Lee for helping our son achieve something amazing. It's an achievement for life that cannot be taken away. Cheers.

Chang Lee's Taekwondo Club has been nothing short than our son's second home. Our son started off…read moreat the age of 4 and we wondered if he would pick up on the discipline and patience that is demanded by the wonderful instructors. While the classes can be strict, the instructors find a way to make it enjoyable which in turn motivates many including our son to keep striving to be better each passing day. Alexander is always excited to come into class especially on days when they do sparring or when it is belt testing time. Grandmaster Lee accolades are very impressive and his main instructor (Ben) along with the leaders are all professional and caring of everyone's success. Alexander has definitely become a better listener, more confident, and respectful since he has joined the program.

My children went to Strive Martial Arts for quite a while and learned a lot from the instructors…read more However as they got older they found other activities they enjoyed and we stopped going. This is when the issues started. Our last class was in April or May 2025. We were billed in July and I emailed that I'd like a refund since we haven't been in a couple months. I said our schedule was busy and when school started we might return. Our account was placed on hold and I was refunded. We did not return when school started but I was billed again. I emailed asking for a refund and to close the account that we would not be returning. This one took several attempts to get resolved but I was eventually refunded but told the account would be placed on hold. I stated that I wanted it closed so we wouldn't run into this situation again. February 2026 comes and I'm billed again. This time I inform my credit card company and they sent me a credit and stopped future payments from Strive Martial Arts. It's obvious they didn't close my account even though I've asked multiple times. I started receiving phone calls from ABC Fitness to update my credit card information at this time. I ignored these calls because fuck this place. Yesterday June 3rd 2026 I receive a letter saying my account is being sent to collections that I owe payments from March, April and May 2026. My kids haven't been to a class in over a year. I've been trying to resolve this with zero success. Whoever is considering joining Strive Martial Arts should find somewhere else to go. Thanks for reading my long rant. Edit* I spoke with Master Bill from Strive Martial Arts and he informed me that my account is now closed and it was not sent to collections. He apologized for the inconvenience and billing issues I've been dealing with. He's switched billing companies. I appreciate that he called me to resolve this. I did tell him that my children liked the instructors, especially Mike. The instructors challenged the students and were very supportive and encouraging to everyone. I've changed my rating to 3 stars because of the instructors and my issue has been resolved. I noticed my location says I'm from California. This isn't true. I live locally near Glen Ellyn.

There are many martial arts schools today. Some focus on perfecting forms, others on competitive…read moresparring, but very few offer training that prepares students for real life situations while also instilling true martial arts discipline. Strive Martial Arts is not simply a school, it is a path. A path open to all ages, where training evolves with the student and instruction adapts to the individual. Under the guidance of Master Bill Thompson, Taekwondo is revealed not merely as a collection of techniques, but as a discipline for life. Each movement carries intention. Each lesson asks for presence. Training is designed to develop awareness, restraint, and responsibility alongside strength and skill. Techniques are explored not only for their precision, but for their relevance beyond the dojo where judgment, self-control, and courage matter most. Every class and every test becomes a mirror, offering lessons in perseverance, humility, and resilience. Progress is measured not only by belts earned, but by the growth of character and clarity of purpose. In time, the question changes. It is no longer about how high you kick, how fast you react, or how perfect your form becomes. What matters is what you carry with you into daily life, the discipline to act wisely, the confidence to stand firm, and the integrity to choose the right path.

I first learned of Warrior Institute when my now 7 year old was only 4. We had checked out several…read moremartial arts programs in the area and Warrior Institute was EASILY the most impressive to my family. The staff was very professional yet relatable & the facility was clean and orderly. My son has also had a birthday party here AND they offer "parents night out" which basically consists of them caring for the children for a set amount of hours outside of normal class hours. They play games, (nerf wars are a big hit), feed them & keep them safe! I love it. If I could change anything it would probably only be a better parking situation. It can get congested sometimes but things always work out.

The best Martial arts studio in the city in my opinion. My son joined a few years ago and has…read moreenjoyed the lessons and the instructor. Bravo to Oren!

Master Mr. Richard Temmerman aka MR.T loved Growing up with Me. Temmerman as my instructor. He…read moredidn't just amazingly teach the art of martial arts and Taekwondo, he taught discipline, self control, respect, self respect, awareness. always remember fresh pressed GI. Also nails trimmed and clean or you're sitting out. I'll never forget county fairs tournaments, also shows at shopping malls. Tournaments in different states. Was an amazing experience and self discipline he was a great instructor, mentor, and became someone I looked up to and still do... little chuckie love ya MR. T ps you haven't aged I got more gray then you lol...

It has been a long time since I have been to Midtown Martial Arts, but I will never forget it…read more Master Richard Temmerman was a father figure to me when I had none. He taught me discipline, respect, and compassion. He also taught me how to defend myself. I have had to use my training before for self defense.. and to this day, I am extremely thankful to Midtown Martial Arts and Master Temmerman. The classes here were hard when I took them years ago. On day one, I couldn't do a push-up. By the time I got my black belt, I was doing pretty decent push-ups on my knuckles. I was able to break a wooden board in half with my bare foot. I was able to do so much! I learned for the first time that I was more than just a chubby redheaded kid. I was strong. I could do anything I set my mind to. I have since moved across the country and gotten married and started my own life. But I will never forget Master Temmerman, his lovely wife, and stepsons who were all so very friendly and helped me through my journey. Seeing that Midtown Martial Arts had no reviews on Yelp made me sad. I don't think I will be returning to Elburn anytime soon, but I will always have great memories of this Tae Kwon Do studio.