Mike is a fantastic instructor and owner. Very knowledgeable In the art of self defense. I have…read morelearned so much from him and his teachings. I can't believe how much I have learned in a short amount of time. This is place is extremely clean and the staff is wonderful.

Very nice establishment, young and vibrant. Detailed instructions, they pay attention to small…read morethings that are crucial in the techniques. Large and very inviting interior, plenty of parking too. Definitely check them out.

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.

One of the best places in the state top quality instruction learning from the best of the bestread more

My four-year-old son is having a wonderful experience here. The instructor is really great with all…read moreages of kids. I am really happy that we found this school. Highly recommend.

Kiyaaaaa!!!!!!! The Karate Kid has nothing on my kid!…read more My 6 year old just recently started taking classes from Yong-In Yu's Martial Arts. We were told about local places through rec centers, but I wanted a place that was an actual dojo, not some gym. How are you supposed to take something seriously if it's in a gymnasium? The dojo gives my son an understanding that this is something real, not just the latest Ninjago episode. When I originally checked out the dojo, we signed up for the trial where you get the uniform and three classes. That way, you can see if this is going to be a fit for your kid or not. The location can't be beat, and there's a Starbucks right next door. Anyone who knows me that I'm a Starbucks addict. And being able to walk over here during class and just relax is an incredible bonus. When else am I supposed to catch up on work. (OK... the latest issue of People magazine. But who's telling?) I didn't know much about Master Yu initially, but he really has impressed me. My kid has some sensory issues, and so I was concerned if this was going to be a fit. Sometimes he just can't handle loud noises and can feel crowded. Master Yu listened, figured out what worked and before I knew it, my Vman was falling in line and LOVING it. Yes, Sir! Yes, Ma'am! Vman is learning respect for his teachers, how to think and focus on what he's doing and work with the others in his class, too. Now, he is six, so I'm not kidding myself. He still goofs around, just like ALL the other kids his age. But I can see that they are all very excited to get to class and get started. One thing that made it hard to sign up was you have to sign a one-year contract. Ouch. If you don't know that this is a long-term thing, you can sign up for monthly classes but they are more expensive. Also, if you sign up for a year, you can only go to two classes a week. If I get a gym membership I can come whenever I want. However, if you sign up for two years, you can go as often as you want. I'm not saying I'm going to go all gung-ho on my kid, (you know, those psycho parents who are like... you WILL like Tae Kwon Do. You WILL like it. You WILL succeed) but knowing that if my kid wants to go to extra classes in the week we can would be a great option. That said, Master Yu is a serious Tae Kwon Do master -- not just some dude who likes martial arts and thought he would open a dojo. In fact, I'm not sure how he ended up in the NorthShore. Here's some of his RSV.... graduated from Yong-In University with a master degree in Tae Kwon Do (didn't know master degrees existed for martial arts); 6th Degree Black Belt; 5 time National Korean National Champion. Yong-In is a terrific place for your kid to learn a sport, get more control and absolutely love it along the way. I highly recommend checking it out... just peek in like I did to see a class if you're wondering.

Yu's Yong-In Martial Arts is a great place for the entire family. Master Yu is an excellent…read moreinstructor and teaches Tae Kwon Do - Step by Step. Yu's Yong-In Martial Arts offeres classes for everyone- young and old- beginner to advanced. Yu's Yong-In Martial Arts also provides visiting Master's from Korea(Student's from Yong-In University teaching aboard), which is a great cultural exchange. In addition, the visiting Master's bring great positive energy and want to share their knowledge of Tae Kwon Do - which is a benefit to everyone! In addition, Master Yu is there everyday and over see's all instruction. Come to the school and try it out and see for yourself, you will not be disappointed!

I was only in the Grayslake area for a couple of days...but I had to get a roll in…read more Ohana was wonderful. They were very welcoming, despite the fact I was not able to call ahead prior. The coach was excellent - he provided great instruction and...just to really drive the point home the instructor even rolled with me and demonstrated the techniques he taught in class by applying them to (on?) me! That was a great way to see/experience the lesson in action. All-in-all everyone was super nice, no one tried to smash me down because from a different place, but everyone still gave me a good roll and I had a great experience!! If you're in the Grayslake, Il area I highly recommend Ohana Martial Arts!!

I've been here for a little over a 2 years now. One of the biggest things which pointed me to…read moreOhana was the Instructor. Chris Lund is really laid back and there are no formalities here, which make it really easy to ask him for help with techniques or questions about how to do moves. Actually you can walk up to anyone for help and they'll be more than happy to do so. The quality of instruction you receive here is amazing. I am a science teacher at a local High School and even I have to admit the instruction/organization of the classes at Ohana are the best. The classes don't feel like a canned lesson and Chris likes to point out the finer details that I feel other places didn't spend time covering. Also while you're practicing, Chris will spend time with most everyone pointing out these details or answering questions. Another great thing is that you also spend time drilling what you've learned in class which reinforces what you've learned. I also really like that the adult class sizes stay small around 20-30 students from white to brown and mostly blue and purple belts who are all very friendly and humble. Check your ego at the door is the sign you'll see as soon as you walk in. Both the instructor and students pride themselves on their hospitality, and the camaraderie can be seen as you first walk in. If you are a beginner to the sport or an experienced grappler this is the place to take your game to the next level. Also, Ohana hosts a great seminar 2x a year with BJ Penn's BJJ coach Renato Verissimo. "Ohana" is not just a catchy name but more so a true representation of their philosophy and teaching. There is no need to feel pressured or intimated; your first class is free! I've been training at the school for over 2 years and still can't wait to attend class each week. BJJ itself is an outstanding martial art for self-defense, physical fitness, and overall wellness/confidence. The school also offers an excellent curriculum for kids. I urge anyone that is curious or considering BJJ to stop into the school to watch a class or jump in to try it for themselves.

This is the best Tae Kwon Do school in the aria. Our kids had been part of this Tae Kwon Do family…read moresince they were 4. We tried other schools in the aria and were very hesitant to try until we met Master Kim. Master Kim has a very friendly and welcoming attitude. He is easy going but also strict enough so kids will listen and respect him. He has experienced, knowledge and great work ethics to teach anybody from tiny (3-4 year old) tigers to teenagers and adults. His staff is also very experienced and traines right there is school. The program put kids through different activities and exercise, teaches them respect, self control and believing in themselves. Learning some Korean vocabulary is also a benefit.

We LOVE iTiger!!! Our daughter came to a birthday party there 3 years ago & she enjoyed it (Master…read moreKim) so much we signed up for classes that week! Master Kim is excellent at engaging the kids. He has age appropriate expectations of his participants and has created the perfect blend of discipline and fun! Our daughter has been with him 3 years now & will be hosting her birthday party this week for the third time! K. Witte

An Aikido dojo dedicated to traditional training of Aikido. The dojo, instructors, and students are…read morededicated to core principles of the martial art, while systematically training for the modern day. The instructors are very welcoming and understand each individual students abilities. Students will be challenged to become better not only in the martial art, but also in everyday life. Instructors are very patient and a number of instructors have extensive training and teaching in the martial art for over 20 years. The community is well organized, welcoming, and well established with students ranging from age three (3) to sixty-five plus (65+). The dojo also participates in events held within numerous US states and countries (Poland, Russia, Croatia, India, and Trinidad). This is a great dojo to train in traditional Aikido, be part of a great community, and travel.

From the owner: Aikido instructionread more