This is a great place to learn Hapkido. Hapkido is a korean martial art that uses fun stuff like…read morekicks, strikes, and joint locks to immobilize your opponet. Hapkido is easier to pick up and use than some other martial arts and they aren't above teaching you some quick and dirty ways to ruin someone's day (which I will leave to your imagination). Master Kevin is the main guy and he is really down-to-earth and patient with total rookies like myself. The hours are great - they have classes seven days a week and evenings. The first class is free and if they see someone new they'll teach some quick, easy-to-learn self-defense stuff along with the regular class. Even if you don't sign up, you will have a new trick or two up your sleeve in case you ever need it. Try it out!

Truly awesome martial arts!!! This is Hapkido as intended without crazy aerials designed to woo…read morecrowds of S. Koreans or writers from Black Belt Magazine... a good indication that a Hapkido school is actually teaching something else. Here the emphasis is placed on learning the techniques correctly intertwined with basic street knowledge and a good dose of common sense which is refreshing. Master Kevin has been teaching Hapkido since he was in his teens, holds his BS in Education, has years of experience bouncing Chicago nightclubs and performing security/bodyguard work for major names in the Hip Hop world, and is now the premier instructor for the Jung Ki Kwan Hapkido in the Midwest. This is a man who understands fighting, self-defense, and the psychology of what happens in a confrontation and is able to teach why the techniques work based on his experiences rather than just teaching material without ever having tested its practicality. Now that I have been training here for the last 6 months, I can't imagine studying Hapkido under anyone else. Also available are classes in Kuhapdo which is a Korean sword style as well as women-only classes in Self-Defense and the new female instructed FitCut class that focuses heavily on core strength through the use of the sword, cardio, and coordinated movement. As Mark noted, Hapkido is a Korean martial art and is commonly translated as "the way of coordinated energy/power". It is also frequently described using words like "dynamic" and "eclectic" because it combines so many different types of response that are all based on redirecting your opponent's energy and returning it in a circular motion, typically along with a final strike or series of strikes intended to end the fight. In addition to basic strikes and low kicks, you learn joint locks, pressure points, throws, and some weapons at more advanced levels. Finally, Hapkido is not a Korean version of the Japanese Aikido whose techniques typically end short before leaving the realm of defensive measures. Simply put, Hapkido is street fighting which also helps distinguish it from competitive arts like Karate, Tae Kwan Do, Kickboxing, Judo, or BJJ. I have nothing but respect for other arts but competitive martial arts generally consider our final strikes "dirty" or "illegal" because they focus on how to score points in a match. In my eyes, if you're in a real fight, I'll skip over anything designed for competitive back-and-forth point scoring and do whatever I need to in order to walk away in 1 piece. Realistically, that may simply mean running but if my back is against a wall, this is a martial art that just may save my neck. This is a great school. Pricing is fair and Master Kevin will never try to get you to sign a lengthy contract. To my knowledge, he doesn't even have contracts other than asking that you let him know 30 days before leaving. Also worth noting, the entire syllabus is available on DVD in English being performed by the current Grandmaster in Korea (http://jkkmedia.com) and is a great way to supplement the material you get in class and reinforce your understanding so that you can train at a more accelerated pace. Check out the International Hapkido USA website (http://jungkifamily.com) for class times and any additional information.

Phenomenal people and instruction. Sensei Maje is a library of knowledge and is patient. It is a…read moregreat place!

Maje is hands down one of the best martial arts instructors regardless of discipline in the city…read more As a Jiujitsu guy in my late 30's I found Maje's style of teaching very helpful. You would think someone w his credentials (Multiple Olympics....and still an active competitor) would be unapproachable and intimidating. I couldn't have been more wrong. If you want your kids to do something other than play video games this summer get them into the kids classes. My 6 year old daughter thinks he is cool too. You are reading this because your are interested.....walk in the door and check them out.

Top notch instructors. Amazed at the traditional karate training. Observed the younger children…read moretraining and the patience shown to all students. A perfect mix of kata, kihon and kobuto. The tournament is a great way to boast confidence and self esteem, while demonstrating skills. I enjoy the classes and recommend the best training. Oss.

Noted as kids under 8 friendly but not really. Reasonable cost but be older or vet your kid firstread more

Kiku Matsu is a great place to learn aikido, my daughter Sloan loves it here. She's obsessed. She…read moreloves the sensei's and students. She's been doing aikido for almost year now and she never wants to quit. I recommend this place very much. (This is totally not Sloan writing this)

I have been attending Systema classes at Aikikai for over a year on-and-off…read more Kevin taught me the key principle that sustains Systema: non-destruction. I came to this Dojo with a strong Judo background having trained for over three years at a very competitive dojo that features top notch national and international athletes. I had two major injuries there and I came to realize that that kind of training was everything but realistic and also can seriously harm your own body. I'm now aware that it's not only possible but also legitimately desirable to develop exceptional combat skill without damaging your own body and/or psyche. Kevin teaches you first how to understand and "read" your own body and how to control your breathing. Once you have achieved this knowledge you can move on and develop the exceptional Systema combat skills that are based on spontaneity, instinct, precision and cost- effectiveness. Also, this is a friendly and welcoming environment for new students.

We did a bachelorette party "sword" workshop and Aikido intro with Dwight's group and absolutely…read moreloved every minute of it! The instruction group was so engaging, friendly and knowledgeable. The perfect intro and sword work for a group of beginners looking to have fun for a special event. The Dojo is beautifully designed and the perfect setting. Very impressed!

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.

Great dojo with a supportive community if you're looking to learn the martial art of Aikido and…read morerelated Japanese traditions. Teachers are experienced, knowledgeable, and fun. They will work with you if you need accommodations due to previous/current injuries. The style taught here is a real workout compared to other Aikido dojos I've trained at, with much emphasis on proper form, safety, and body conditioning.

For sure. You can find all kind of Japanese arts here. I…read morePractice Karate do in here and our dojo (Sugiyama Dojo) has a tremendous history and reputation. The Aikido class with Sensei Toyoya is the best in the city. Check out the website for updated classes and schedules. Please note the Center is now located in 2940 N Lincoln Ave Unit 2 Chicago, IL 60657 United States

I took my first class at JKA about 4 months ago and have been hooked ever since! I had taken…read morekarate, aikido and jiu-jitsu about 10 yrs ago and wanted to get back into a martial art again. The only thing I knew about JKA was that it was Traditional Shotokan Karate (and I didn't even know what that meant.). I just knew I wanted to study a traditional form of karate and I was hoping to find a dojo oin the north side. I have so many positives to talk about that I don't think this page has enough room. First, the Sensei, Sensai Michael Arab, is fantastic!! (Senpai Lopez is as well!). The class is a mixed level and his skills at teaching reaches everyone in the room. He takes his time to challenge, encourage, push, watch from afar as you work and teach and explain traditional Shotokan movement and movement concepts. I smile in each class watching this true master of the art form teach multiple level classes, approach each student for personal growth and encouragement. I feel truly blessed that I have found his dojo, this traditional form of shotokan karate, this teacher and the fellow students because I am learning so much from a serious teacher. Secondly, the other students in the class have also been warm, welcoming, friendly, and encouraging. They have each taken a moment to introduce themselves and help me when I'm confused or not completely aware of what I was doing. Thirdly, the JKA is inside the Japanese Cultural Center on the second floor and the dojo is steeped in tradition without being intimidating if you have never been in a traditional dojo setting or if you are a beginner. The dojo is clean and comfortable in this setting. It is located 1/2 block west of the Belmont el and super easy to get to. My only complaint - I want to now take class every day and they don't offer classes every day.