My two boys have been going to AKYI for about a year. They were previously at Hyun's Hapkido and…read moreTaekwondo in Chicago then they had a very brief stint at H Kim's Taekwondo in Northbrook. I can say AKYI is far and away the best taekwondo school they have attended. Master Ray has a great rapport with the students, gives a lot of useful individual attention to each student, and both of my boys have progressed nicely, even in the age of coronavirus (they had zoom lessons for a while and are now back with socially distanced in-person lessons). My kids look forward to their lessons and I can see them continuing well after their black belts. My only gripe is they perform black belt testing only once per year. I get not having them very often since black belt testing is an all day thing. But in our case our younger son just earned his deputy black belt. The black belt test is three months away and it's unlikely he'll be ready in time for it, so he'll likely go fifteen months before testing for his black belt even though he'll likely be ready in seven or so. I'd prefer if they tested twice per year, at least for the first degree black belts for this reason. But all things considered, that's a minor gripe. I'd gladly recommend AKYI to anyone who wants to learn taekwondo, especially those who want to take it seriously.

I found the training here to be top notch. The Owner / Instructor is passionate about teaching his…read moreart, and genuinely is interested in his students and their training. His Breadth of experience is rarely found, this is definately not a run of the mill strip mall Karate studio. If you are really interested in learing to protect yourself, learning a really practical martial arts style, and getting a great workout than this is the place. I have already recommended it to friends and family.

My son is going there for Martial art classes twice a week. I have been seeing him changing his…read morehabits slowly. He is so happy after each lesson. Thanks so much all the masters, instructors, assistances, front desk lady and whoever run behind the businesses. This is a wonderful place to build up discipline and strength.

I've been taking my son here for a few years now and I can say the school is decent and the…read moreteachers are fine however they change their schedules every 2-3 months making coordinating other activities around this a frustrating nightmare.

Great place - time to practice form for upcoming belt test in October 3rd degree boundread more

I passed by several times, always reluctant to go in or learn more about this Taekwondo studio. Now…read morethat I've been attending classes for about a year, my only regret is that I didn't have the courage to check them out sooner. The instructors and students are a wonderful group of people. Beyond just teaching martial arts, they've helped me feel more confident and happy, welcoming me into their supportive community. I started with Saturday kickboxing--which was a lot of fun! --but I soon realized I wanted to go more often than once a week. I'm now working toward higher belts and attending two classes a week, which are about 45 minutes in length. The instructors are fantastic and incredibly welcoming. Having seen them work with both kids and adults, I'm impressed by the patience and respect they show everyone. Whether you are four or forty-something, I highly suggest stopping in for a class. I feel more physically fit, my mental health has improved, and I've also found a great group of people to spend my evenings with.

It is a great honor to train under the guidance and patience (and occasional good-natured laughter)…read moreof Grandmaster Tae, the Masters and Assistant Masters at W Kim Tae Kwon Do in Lake Zurich, the Black Belts with whom we train, and my fellow students. I did not join W Kim TKD in LZ as a member in search of "a workout", though through my first eight weeks of training I've certainly discovered and felt muscles I did not know I had. To train with any instructor at W Kim TKD LZ is to feel at some point being truly "pushed", in ways I'd imagine nearly anyone seeking "a workout" would desire. I write this even having trained for and completed five marathons. I am new in my journey toward studying any martial art, currently a High White Belt in Tae Kwon Do. New as I am, even in my upper-40's, and for as much as I stumble along the way, I have no desire to stop training. I chose to pursue study of Tae Kwon Do out of the desire to inspire my 8 year-old son to finish what he started in his own training. About a year ago, when, as a Green Belt in his training, my son grew resistant to the increasing challenges presented to him, I chose to commit to my son that I would personally join him in his training en route to earning a Black Belt.. once he had advanced past Green Belt himself. True to the spirit of this school, my son persevered, and eventually earned his Purple Belt in a Belt Promotion that put his skills and training to the test. And so began our journey together. It is through the spirit of focus, concentration, and tenacity dwelling at the heart of all that happens in every lesson within the school at W Kim TKD Lake Zurich that my son and I have each found a unique but potent way to connect with each other, in participating individually in an experience that undeniably moves each of us beyond our perceived limits. We train in separate rooms, but we know the other is working hard, each in our own pursuit of becoming a better person. The mutual feeling of success after each lesson for each of us is undeniable, and makes for some very enjoyable conversation and celebration together on the ride home.. and for many hours to follow. More importantly, though, the shared experiences we have together at this school have deepened our mutual connection as father and son. These are truly priceless memories that are being formed. If all that I just wrote here still leaves anyone unconvinced, you can freely get a sense of what to expect at W Kim TKD in Lake Zurich simply by looking through the windows of its main training studio, toward its southernmost walls. Take in the Student Creed, the Tenets and Oaths of Taekwondo, and the Children Home Rules. Then, decide for yourself whether what you see written there would be of value to you and/or your children. I know that for me, and for what is plainly viewable as a true, vibrant community amongst the students and teachers, what I saw on that wall was worth pursuing. As both a father and as a midage adult working to improve upon my own internal resolve, I do not regret doing so. I am certain many other students would say the same. - Steve

I have been a student of the Kims at their Palatine locations for about 25 years. My wife and two…read morekids also went for a while. Although I admit, I have not gone for a while. On a shopping trip to Trader Joe's in Lake Zurich, I had forgotten they opened a second location in the same strip mall. So, at around noon on a Saturday, I dropped in. Hoping to run into Master Tae Hyung Kim, I learned he had already left for the day. But, I met the lead instructor and observed for a while. I remember when they had one location in downtown Palatine that was great, but very "lived in". This new location is really nice. It's well lit, the gym is large, the instructors have microphones they wear so they can easily be heard. And, since many of their students are kids, they have a great seating area where parents can watch the classes. I'm really sorry that I missed Tae, but I did leave my number for him. For a couple of years I've said I would go back again. I need to get back in shape. One day, I will be back.

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.

This is an excellent full-service martial arts school. Very kid and family friendly. And a great…read morevalue for your money: real martial arts training at Park District prices. When I was first looking for a martial arts school for my daughter, I didn't consider the Academy, thinking that this was just a Park District program, something that would be teaching basic self-defense and such and not much more. But the place was recommended by a friend who did a lot of research and we decided to give it a try. Now, few years later, I too train here with my 2 kids.

The kids program is great! My 7 year old has been going for almost 2 years and it has done wonders…read morefor her mental health and confidence. Master Ken is solid

Parents be AWARE... I am filled complaint about a…read morebait-and-switch tactic done by this company with BBB.  I took my kids for a trial lesson in August, and the owner, Kwang H, gave me a paper to sign, noting that it was to save my kid's spot in case I decided to join. He specifically told me I didn't have to pay anything. I specifically told him I was not ready to join yet. Fast forward to November 06/24, I got a call saying I signed a contract and owed them money. I am speechless at this company's lack of transparency, blunt trickery, and cunning toward parents trying to survive day in and day out. I feel deeply misled by this situation. My children visited one day for the trial lesson only. I did not agree with any payment or submit payment information.