Since 2015 til now, i have very good experience and improved martial art skill with all my…read moreinstructors ! They're very nicely and patient with me given a lot of hard work to correct my problem. All sensei very deep and professional! This place it a Top 10 Dojo Illinois of chicago!

Our family loves this place…read more My kids have been taking the children's aikido class there since mid-summer and it's amazing. My little one started out as a very timid 4yr old - the teachers worked with her at her own pace and now she is confident and comfortable in class and couldn't be prouder that she recently moved up to an orange belt. My older daughter has taken to the class and the routine with ease. The sensei's (sp??) are all fantastic with the kids. Really, it's amazing. They start by teaching the kids how to roll and how to stretch - very comfortable tasks to break into something new. The class always ends with a fun game of some sort and then the kids get to take a second with Sensei in a circle after class and have a quick group chat about how school is coming along or about who had a hard spelling test that week. It's hard to describe what it is exactly that makes the place so welcoming and such a perfect environment for the kids. I just know that I couldn't ask for better.

I checked out all of the schools in the area before I decided to finally sign up with Bodhi…read moreCollaborative, and I couldn't be happier. First and foremost, the instructors Juan and Tristan are exactly what I was looking for. Simply put, they're fantastic! They're incredibly knowledgeable, structured, and approachable. So much so, I feel like my jiu jitsu is getting better than I had anticipated because these guys will actually roll with you even if you're a white belt and a true beginner...something that I hear you don't get in most schools. There are also beginner classes that are taught by Vince, Angel, and sometimes Fernando. These guys are also awesome. There is no rolling in the beginner classes(which is the most fun), however, I have learned the most technique in these classes because they're taught properly. I can't say enough good things about the beginner classes. I feel like I can ask them anything and they always take the time to help. This gym also has a great atmosphere. Being a new guy I can see the great relationships that have been developed throughout the years prior to me joining. Everyone is really laid back and accepting. I'm starting to realize that it could be very easy to dismiss white belts in jiu jitsu, but at Bodhi they seem to be embraced. All of my new teammates are so helpful. There are no bullies here, which I hear can also be a problem in some schools. One of the main reasons why I also joined Bodhi is because I wanted to learn Gi and No Gi jiu jitsu, which are both very cool in their own way. Some schools do not offer both, just one or the other. I've been wanting to learn jiu jitsu since I saw skinny little Royce Gracie choke out dudes bigger and stronger than him in the early 90's. It took me a while, but I finally decided to do it. I couldn't be any happier with my decision. I'm here to stay until Juan and Tristan put that black belt around my waist someday. It's gonna take a while because I really suck, but I am addicted! Look nowhere else if you're considering jiu jitsu. It's high level and fun at the same time at this school. What more can you ask for?

Instructors here are highly skilled, accommodating and attentive. Those that wish to learn the…read moregentle art of jiu-jitsu in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere, this is the place to be. I highly recommend!

Sensei Dhawan is a exemplary instructor, coach, and champion of traditional Japanese Karate. I have…read moreknown him for over a decade now and have witnessed his passion for instruction of Shotokan Karate both in the dojo as well as national tournaments. I have seen numerous youth learn, grow, and develop into Gold Medal Winners as a result of Sensei's unwavering dedication. This is a most excellent school to learn traditional Shotokan Karate and seek one's own perfection of character.

am so disappointed that I am here to write a negative review. My spouse and I were so excited to…read morestart our new journey here at JKA WF Chicago Karate institute. Dhawan the owner at the downtown aurora dono, seems not too professional or motivated to welcome others in. My spouse had called about a month ago looking to start Karate, he is a amateur fighter, and just wanted to broadin his horizon in the art of fighting. My spouse was so optimistic to start Karate here, he had reached out via phone to be told to stop on in, and that we did. We wanted to right then and there make payment and set up when we would start coming into the dojo. Mr. Dhawan didn't seem so enthusiastic about having us start just yet and told us to wait two weeks when they come back from a tournament in Texas, which the date to start us in his dojo would be April 7th. We had called that day didn't receive a call back, my spouse then call today, again no answer. Since my spouse was excited to start our new journey drove in person to see the owner, there were a few parents waiting in the front room and session was at a end, there is NO SIGN that state DO NOT ENTER UNLESS etc..so my spouse walked in with payment in hand to see when we could start training..in response my partner was greeted with coldness anger and bitterness..in front of CHILDREN at that. no respect or honor. My man had to be the bigger person and walk away. He had $900 in hand for us to start there, looks like we will be going to Phantom kickboxing in Plainfield. Axel Arellano is a real multiple world champion professional fighter with honor and a code of discipline but he's also very soft and welcoming when it comes new people and hes the best in the area and we are happy to be there instead. Thank you for showing your true colors Dhawan.

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.

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.

I've been a regular member here for 13 years. The training you get here is top notch as we learn…read morefrom people who have been doing Aikido for 20, 30, 40 years! Not only is will you learn self-defense, but you'll be part of a community. Practice is challenging as it can take a while to figure out how to move in a way that is safe for both you and your training partner. What you learn here is also applicable to the world of daily life in things such as how you approach work and your relationship with others. There are many classes you can go to, 2 or 3 a day. Rank tests are every 4 months and we celebrate with beer and pizza after. There are three seminars during the year, taught by highly regarded instructors, coming as far as Japan. It's a great place to train and you will make good friends here as well!

A wonderful space to practice with thoughtful instruction and a dedicated, supportive community.read more

This is a great facility, professional and courteous. Their instructors are truly world class. They…read moremake the martial arts experience convenient, safe and affordable. It's not a "McDojo" by any means. Liz is such a sweet heart. I felt welcomed the first day I walked into Budokan.

I've been thinking about taking Tai Chi for a long time but never got around to searching for one…read moreclose to home. Finally, after one afternoon nursing a sore and stressed body, I decided to do the search. I was very impressed with Liz, the owner. She's a very nice lady. I decided to try Budokan Martial Arts. I've been going there 3 times a week for 2 months now and I'm very happy with the experience. Sifu Jason is excellent, explains the steps very well and he makes learning Tai Chi fun and interesting. My S.O. joins once a week. The Qigong meditation once a month is relaxing and helps me focus. I highly recommend this place.

This a review for the Morton Grove location…read more Our 4 year old son had an absolute fantastic time with sensei Patel in the 4-7 year old beginner class. He looked forward to each class, and was always eager to tell us what he did in class. Sensei Patel did a fantastic job of balancing the class for all ages, not sidelining anyone, and instilling an eagerness in the students to learn more. Occasionally sensei Patel had to reign in, and redirect the energy a bit, however in a class geared towards rambunctious younger learners that is to be expected. For the following session we had him progress to a beginner/continuer 4-7 year old class. We wanted to keep him at the same or somewhat higher level of expectation as in sensei Patel's class. He was by far the youngest student in the class, and the older students were obviously much further down the road with their karate skills. The class ended up catering more towards the older students (6 and 7 year olds). What is needed to engage and motivate a 4-5 year old and a 6-7 year old student is quite different. Also, there are limits to what can be reasonably expected from a 4 year old student. With that said, the instructor was very skilled in martial arts, and for older students I can see him being suitable.

Our boys have been training with ISKC since they were four years old. Almost 6 years later and one…read moreof them with a Sho Dan, we are still going strong! This place is more than a karate dojo to us, it is our extended family. We are very thankful that we found ISKC through our park district. From the excellent programs (for both young and old), to the top notch Senseis, nothing is short of the best. This organization is teaching my boys not only great karate (both competition and real life application), but also teaches them to be healthy, disciplined and confident about themselves. All these skills are directly helping them succeed in their school life as well and making them into well rounded individuals. My boys have also made great friends through this club that they will keep for a very long while! If you are looking for a karate club, par excellence, ISKC is definitely Chicagoland's top karate club! Highly recommended!