Martial Arts has changed my life. I set a goal, March 29, to lose 100 pounds by Christmas. Not only did I reach that goal before that time frame, I lost 103 pounds. Doing the math, that is 103 pounds in seven months. That's crazy! For most people it takes them about a year to lose 100 pounds. I can only imagine if I avoided all those cheat days, how much faster would I have reach my goal. My energy level is at an all time high. I'm a lot more confident than I ever was. But the most important thing is I'm healthy. When I first started I had high blood pressure and now I don't. Looking back at pictures of myself, I thought I looked normal and fine when I first took them. Today, when I look at them, I'm shocked because I cannot believe I was that fat. After seeing those pictures, I told myself I can never return to being as fat as I was. The only thing I wish for now is that it was hot outside, so I can walk on the beach with my shirt off. I couldn't have lost this weight without help and I want to thank everyone. Some of ya'll might think you didn't really help me but you did. Just by being in class with me, you help me burn calories which in turn help me lose weight to reach my weight loss goal and become a better martial artist. There are several people I want to thank specially. First, I want to thank my uncle, Don, for introducing me to WhirlWin Martial Arts. He heard I was trying to lose weight for a while, to no success. That's when he told me, he has being going to Whirlwin and that he has lost 30 pounds. My first reaction was like, he's over 60 years old and if he can lose weight so can I. So I came in to WhirlWin and gave it a try. I fell in love with Kenpo Karate. Not only is it fun, you are learning to defend yourself. You don't even realize that you are working out. I want to thank Mr. Driscoll, for staying after class and working with me. We had some good times. Last but not least, I want to thank Mr. Marino and Mr. Larkin. They continue to strive for excellence on a daily basis. They care so much about all their students and want to see every single one if them reach their goals, not only in Martial Arts but in life. If it wasn't for them motivating me every week, I would not have lost the weight. I just want to say, I would never forget what you all have done for me and I am forever grateful. Now that I have lost the weight, I have so many opportunities in life. Opportunities I want have never received if I was still fat and overweight. One opportunity that I have now is the Army. I always wanted to join the U.S. Army but now that I lost the weight, I can join the Army and I did just that. Now that I am making the transition from civilian to soldier life, I'm going to take with me everything I learn at WhirlWin and apply to the military because the things you learn at whirlwind has real world application and you can apply it to everything in life. I want anyone who is reading this review and thinking about giving WhirlWin and Martial Arts a try, is to not think about it and do it. You won't get results for the work you didn't put in. If you give a chance and put in the work you'll be happy that you did, like I am. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. You won't regret it. Namaste. read more

Martial Arts has changed my life. I set a goal, March 29, to lose 100 pounds by Christmas. Not only did I reach that goal before that time frame, I lost 103 pounds. Doing the math, that is 103 pounds in seven months. That's crazy! For most people it takes them about a year to lose 100 pounds. I can only imagine if I avoided all those cheat days, how much faster would I have reach my goal. My energy level is at an all time high. I'm a lot more confident than I ever was. But the most important thing is I'm healthy. When I first started I had high blood pressure and now I don't. Looking back at pictures of myself, I thought I looked normal and fine when I first took them. Today, when I look at them, I'm shocked because I cannot believe I was that fat. After seeing those pictures, I told myself I can never return to being as fat as I was. The only thing I wish for now is that it was hot outside, so I can walk on the beach with my shirt off. I couldn't have lost this weight without help and I want to thank several people. First, I want to thank my uncle, Don, for introducing me to WhirlWin Martial Arts. He heard I was trying to lose weight for a while, to no success. That's when he told me, he has being going to Whirlwin and that he has lost 30 pounds. My first reaction was like, he's over 60 years old and if he can lose weight so can I. So I came in to WhirlWin and gave it a try. I fell in love with Kenpo Karate. Not only is it fun, you are learning to defend yourself. You don't even realize that you are working out. I want to thank Mr. Driscoll, for staying after class and working with me. We had some good times. Last but not least, I want to thank Mr. Marino and Mr. Larkin. They continue to strive for excellence on a daily basis. They care so much about all their students and want to see every single one if them reach their goals, not only in Martial Arts but in life. If it wasn't for them motivating me every week, I would not have lost the weight. I just want to say, I would never forget what you all have done for me and I am forever grateful. I want anyone who is reading this review and thinking about giving WhirlWin and Martial Arts a try, is to not think about it and do it. You won't get results for the work you didn't put in. Now that I have the weight, I have some many opportunities in life. Opportunities I want have never received if I was still fat and overweight. If you give a chance and put in the work you'll be happy that you did, like I am. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. You won't regret it. Namaste. -Antwain read more

My name is Antwain. I was looking for ways to lose weight, when my great uncle Don told me I should try Martial Arts. I was kind of skeptical because whenever I would start doing an exercise program, I would give up or quit after two weeks. I even tried Martial arts at the Degerberg Academy, but I didn't like the facilities at the Milwaukee location and I gave up. Then my uncle told me he was doing Kenpo Karate at WhirlWin once a week for eight months now. I couldn't believe it because he is 65 years old. So I said to myself, if he can do, I can too. I went to WhirlWin with him and participated in one of his classes. Within minutes I was sweating and my legs were burning, but it was fun. My goal is to lose 100 pounds and so far I have lost 30 pounds in a little more than 2 months at WhirlWin. The two instructors Mr. Larkin and Mr. Marino are great. They're both experience and knowledgeable black belts who are constantly learning and improving themselves. They're good and kind people who treat everyone who comes through the WhirlWin doors with respect, no matter what you look like or who you are. The class size is perfect for everyone can learn the techniques and if you are doing a technique the wrong way the instructor will see that and help you correct it. The people in the classes are good people and you will develop friendships with them. My overall experience at whirlWin these last two months have been fantastic. The facilities are clean and it has a great atmosphere. I have so much more energy than I had before, not only am I losing weight but I'm also learning how to fight and defend myself, at the same time. To all the people who are overweight thinking they can't do martial arts because they're too big or thinking they need to lose the weight before they can do martial arts, I just want to say you are wrong. I was 302 pounds and now I'm 271 pounds and shrinking. If I can do it, you can too. You just have to give it a try and commit to losing the weight. read more

Jay Larkin of WhirlWin Martial Arts visited the Villa Park Public Library on February of 2015 to present "Done With Bullying," a confidence-building workshop for ages 7 to 12. As a Youth Services Librarian, I found this program to be unique, informative, and engaging for the participants. While the focus of this program was on learning how to stand up to bullies, Mr. Larkin also presented strategies on how to be confident in all social situations as well as some excellent self-esteem building exercises. The kids were asked to engage in some martial art techniques, which they loved and seemed to be very excited about. Additionally, Mr. Larkin approached the group in a friendly way and had a very personable demeanor, which allowed the kids to feel comfortable opening up and talking to the group about ways that bullying has negatively affected their lives. He was able to make an impact on each individual by infusing positivity and self-confidence in their body language, actions, and reactions. The lessons learned in this program will undoubtedly prove to be powerful tools that can help in the everyday lives of the participants. I would highly recommend Jay Larkin as a presenter and we would gladly invite him back to our library in the future. Miss Mindy Youth Services Librarian Villa Park Public Library read more

I decided to enroll my son at WhirlWin because I want him to be disciplined, confident and for self defense. He did not want to do it and he made sure we all knew that. He started to fall behind in school, forgetting his books, and had an 'I don't know how' and 'I can't do it' attitude. He was also arguing with me when it was time to do homework. He was not confident and super shy, his voice was so soft you could barely hear him talk. After a couple of months at WhirlWin his attitude started to changed. He now says 'I can try' and 'I can do it'. Mr. Marino helped a lot with this change. (Thank you!) He had a couple conversations with my son that made him think of what he was doing (or not doing). Told him that earning a new belt required doing a good job not only at WhirlWin but also at home and school. Encouraging him to do his best. My sons grades are improving now, he is more confident, disciplined and has earned his yellow belt... AND now he CANT WAIT for the next class! :) Thank you Mr. Larkin and Mr. Marino for all your help and advice. read more

After sitting on the sideline and watching how much fun Aiden was having, I decided I wanted to be a part of the action. One Saturday morning I strolled in, tentative about the physicality of the class, how I would be percieved and not sure what steps were next. However, several prior conversations with Mr Larkin had me somewhat at ease. I had always wanted to join a martial art but never found the "me" time for it. What I found is that class is a HUGE part of my weekly routine. I look forward to classes each week and my Kenpo family help me de-stress and settle myself for what I have going on each week, which is a lot with college courses, FT Management work in the retail sector & 5 kids. The class was VERY welcoming and in a very short amount of time I felt as I had known those in my class for several years. Aiden and I have definitely spread the word about Mr Larkin and Mr Marino and have had several friends and relatives decide to become a part of the family, AND we will continue to do so! Thanks again Mr.Larkin and Mr.Marino for what you all do daily! read more

WhirlWin Kenpo workshop! Mr. Jay Larkin's Kenpo workshop was excellent. It was realistic, usable and easily taught to a variety of ages and levels. I'll be using it! His teaching technique is very professional, passionate yet approachable. All the students seemed quite comfortable with you. He easily put the smaller children at ease by getting down to their height to work with them and made the instruction easier to grasp. The energy checks kept the class engaged and charged up! The paper snap drill was a great way to train the skill is much like board breaking an excellent instant gratification when you pop through! I'm ready to start shredding phone books! The tapping exercise was fun and was a great way to end the class. ~Michelle 2nd degree Black Belt Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, Kobudo read more

From the minute I walked through the door I knew this was the place for my son. His eyes lit up when he first met Mr. Larkin. He was so friendly and welcoming. My son started out as this shy, anti-social and very quiet little boy. But now he walks around with confidence, he's very well mannered, and he's not the quiet/shy little boy that we use to know. Family and friends have all noticed the big change in him. When signing him up, Mr. Larkin asked us what were our expectations? And we simply said, "we need our son to come out of his shell". Well Mr. Larkin, Mission accomplished. What we couldn't do in years, you did in months. We are Grateful and we Thank you! read more

My daughter has been in karate for about 5 months. The reason why I sign her up was to build her confidence. Karla was extremely shy when we first enrolled her to WhirlWin. I've notice a huge change in her she's opened up. No more quiet voices now she is more confident in her self and speaks up. I have to say she's improved a lot in school as well. Karla looks forward going to her classes. I have to thank both Mr. Larkin and Mr. Marino for being great teachers and welcoming us to this great place. You both are very committed to the kids in helping each one. You guys are awesome keep up the great work. I would definitely recommend WhirlWin to family and friends. read more

My daughter just started with Whirlwin Martial Arts and I have already noticed a change in her attitude & confidence. Mr. Larkin & Mr. Morino genuinely care for their students. Recently my daughter missed a class, it was entirely my mistake. I text Mr. Larkin to let him know and I just mentioned she was very upset & he took it upon himself to call her to explain mistakes happen, the importance of forgiveness and also did some breathing techniques with her over the phone. How awesome is that? I am so grateful to have found these two instructor's they are beautiful people and amazing role models for my daughter. Thank you so much!!!! read more

Mr Larkin I want to thank you and Mr. Marino for all your help with my son Irving y Candelaria jr . He has built more self confidence , he's doing better in school ( honor student ) he's being more active physically and he's learning discipline in class , home and school . My son has been through a lot of of abuse,and emotional stress ever since my long 3 yr custody and divorce battle and he was keeping a lot of emotions inside of him which affected him physical and emotionally and in school. Thank you for again for everything . I'm very happy and will recommend to everyone ... Irving read more

Long story short... Mr. Larkin was my karate teacher when I was a kid 20 years ago. Fast forward 20 years its day 1 at Mr. Larkin's class. My 4 year old son would not stay on the mats without crying and shying away. After a few months now. I'm blown away by the improvements in my son's attention span, confidence and respect for others. He loves it. He just earned his first belt and is very proud of being a part of Mr Larkin's class. He tells all his friends and classmates about it. Mr. Larkin does more than teach Karate. He also teaches a positive mindset, which is just as important. read more

I can definitely say this program and Mr. Larkin have made a significant impact on my son. My son has been more generous and caring towards others and his entire demeanor has changed. He has been very helpful at home and now even with his little sister. He started the program young and wasn't very focused and now if i talk to him or call his attention he will even look me in the eyes. I love his progress and i know it is all due to the Whirlwind program. Thank you Mr. Larkin and staff! read more

Yelp has chosen to hide my review away in the "Not Recommended" section for some reason. I don't know if they think the review is fraudulent or what, but it most assuredly is not. I've been going to WhirlWin for years and intend to keep doing so. It's a great school and I cannot recommend it enough for anyone who is interested in learning martial arts, whether they've studied before or are completely new to the experience. read more

My son loves the classes he has been taking. He is doing a great job and loves going to class. Mr. Larkin is wonderful with the children and knows how to keep them motivated. I travel from the city to Northlake just for this class and its worth the trip. Definitely inspires, motivates and builds their self confidence. Keep up the great work! read more

It's a great place for everyone to develop, self esteem, respect, confidences, my son has been a student for bit over a year and it has been great, for his personality, I will highly recommend it, the instructors are very professional, and they work very hard so everyone achieve their personal goals, read more