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.

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.

Wright's Traditional Kung Fu and Kickboxing is THE place for all of your workout needs…read more Below I will try to explain why I think that, and more importantly why you should exercise properly - with a dedicated, patient and experienced teacher- 'Shifu' Timothy Wright. When modern society was invented it also changed the basic model for stress, and its usefulness. 40,000 years ago, the "fight or flight" response which is an innate part of every human being, and resides within our autonomic nervous system - was used to escape dangerous situations. For example by fleeing from a lion, we would escape it - thereby effectively solving the stressor. In today's world we can take flight from let's say a social issue, by avoiding something or someone. This will lessen our level of anxiety and its physical symptoms - but it will not solve the problem, in fact it may make it worse. Today's society is just too complicated and inter-tangled with rules which make the release of stress and its closure hard if not impossible. Stress, and its proper release, is just one of many reasons why you should exercise, and do it properly. Master Tim (Apache) Wright's classes will make you a better human being, and even more importantly your evolutionary propensities shall be resolved. If you're not convinced yet, you should definitely keep on reading. Since our lives are busier then ever - we deal with more stress today than ever before. Because of today's society's specific rules of conduct which we must follow in order to be considered "normal", we are unable to properly release the pent up tension. This hectic modern sedentary lifestyle is one of the causes of this distress, as are biopsychosocial reasons. Chronic stressors are associated with measurable hormonal and cardiac changes, as are genetic (inherited) predisposition, biological malfunctioning, environmental stressors, conditioning and social learning, and even the excepted medical model are all partially to blame. Since stress is the prevalent trigger of most non-genetic related psyche issues, psychological disorders run amok among our society. It almost seems like there is really no "normal" people left in the world today. We add fuel to the fire with improper diet and lack of exercise. Therein lays your answer. Exercise is definitely relaxing and extremely healthy. It increases the body's supply of endorphins, or opioid peptides, chemicals that mimic the effects of opium-based drugs such as morphine--they elevate mood and reduce pain. They also affect memory, learning, blood pressure, appetite, and sexual activity. In reality, proper exercise does even more than that. It increases your stamina, strength, reflexes, improves memory and concentration. Your heart gets stronger, and beats more rhythmically, bed cholesterol disappears, and you become more self-aware and confident. Proper exercise can even help with addictions, such as tobacco or alcohol, as it is physically impossible to use them while concurrently doing Martial Arts and or Kickboxing training. As with everything in life - you get out of it, precisely what you put into it. I am not going to lie to you however; it takes countless hours of practice, and extremely hard work. As a result it strengthens your personality, as well as your physical prowess. You have to make a commitment and stick to it, no matter the obstacles. Finally, adaptation is organism's reaction to CHANGE in the Environment. I emphasized word change, because I feel that is the core of the issue. That very ability is extremely important to our evolution and survival. Our bodies alert us to both bad and good change. They give us distress in time of duress, and pleasure in tranquility. Without the ability to adapt to changes in the surrounding environment, none of our most basic everyday activities would be possible. May I suggest than - that you adapt, and contact Master 'Apache' (Timothy Wright) at Wright"s Kung Fu. He is a true champion, and he will help you adapt to our amazing, ever changing world, while altering you in ways you cannot possibly even fathom. And that is why I think, Master Tim and Wright's Traditional Kung Fu can help you on your road to success. Who am I? My name is Victor and I am a student of Master Tim "Apache" Wright.

Hands didn't the best at what he does! He takes time to really get to know the children in class…read morehelps them patiently to perfect the skill set. I've lost tons of weight by going to the kickboxing class. Sifu Tim knows his stuff!!! No doubt!

This a great place to learn serious martial arts skills. The…read moreinstructors have set curriculum to teach students step by step and senior belts are helping junior belts to learn new skills. Highly recomnended.

I was a practitioner for about 15 years until the age of 18 and had to leave for college. I worked…read moreup to my second degree black belt and it took 15 years, so you can assume this school believes in the philosophies a martial arts school should: discipline, hard work and perseverance. I am currently 21 years old and I owe Hapkido my life as it taught me self discipline at such a young age and led me to carry those same philosophies throughout high school up into the present. I love Hapkido because of the culture this school produces. The culture of confidence, not arrogance. The culture of movement and life, not stillness. The culture of love, not hate. Grand Master Chang and Master Austria have given me life beyond my years. I highly recommend this school to anyone who cares about caring for themselves or their family. It focuses on self defense techniques that could literally save your life someday. This school is a place where kids can grow up and become leaders rather than followers. It is a place where you push yourself to be a better you. I can't stress how greatly appreciative I am of this wonderful school and all the amazing mentors I had. Do yourself a favor and sign up as soon as possible!

Deep knowledge with practical transmission...hands on street functional fighting skills taught in…read morean entirely affable environment. Allan put up with me for almost two hours today lol and constantly listened to my feedback relative to my - hopefully temporary - inability to assimilate concepts into near application...then reframed rerouted redirected the information until I kind of got it. Have done wing chun with a number of people...none better than him.

I had never studied martial arts before and I started at WTK a little over a month ago, both with…read moreWing Tsun and Atillo Balintawak Eskrima. The atmosphere is very welcoming. I was a little apprehensive as it is obviously a small, close knit group, but both the instructors and students have included me warmly (and I've seen that be true for students who have started after me too). From the first session, I learned techniques that are usable, and I have left every session with a clear sense of what I needed to practice. The curriculum for both arts is very organized. The instructors have a very aware of each student's ability and what s/he needs to work on next. I've also been impressed by how each student gets individual attention during each class. With the two week free trial, I would highly encourage anyone to give WTK a shot.

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.

My entire family has studied Hapkido with Master Ky for 5+ years. He is an excellent teacher and…read moreteaches with enthusiasm, integrity and respect. He does an excellent job of helping you understand the mechanics of Hapkido and self-defense strategies.

Truly this is a school for people of all ages. Seniors get your spry on! All ages, kids, teens, and…read moreadults learning their power to stay safe from falls and protect themselves and others.

Really enjoy coming here. Sensei Hollis and all the instructors really want you to improve your…read morejudo. I've learned so much in a short time span and am eager to keep learning.

I trained at the JJI for decades. Hollis Barnett is among the best judo teachers I have ever met,…read moretruly a master's master. He trained my mother into her 70s. I've now moved across the country, and still train at a local dojo. But JJI will always be my home. Hollis is an adept teacher with both beginners and advanced students. If you are looking for a good school - look no further.