The best training and instructors. Grandmaster McGee is the most knowledgeable person to with.read more

This is going to be a little long, hopefully you'll find the background relevant…read more I've been disabled for 20 years. Severe chronic back pain from a car crash. I've gone through the pain management program at MarionJoy three times to no avail. Some of their docs really tried to help, others not so much. I've been to most if not all of the major pain specialists in the Chicago area, as well as several out of state, including Mayo Clinic. Tried every non-invasive procedure I could find (I wasn't a candidate for most surgical options): acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, various shots, etc. On a good day (once every month or two) I could go grocery shopping, but would be exhausted afterwards. Needed a cane for the past decade if I was going to walk more than 15-30 minutes. Walked like an 80-year-old most of the time. Everything took effort. Then I started at UMA for Qigong with Grand Master McGee. I've still got a ways to go, but have made vast improvements. I can go shopping most any time now, errands aren't usually a big deal, and I can usually cook once a day. Able to be more social, can sit and talk with company without too much discomfort, where it used to be completely exhausting. Haven't used the cane since. In short, I'm feeling human again. Grand Master McGee as well as the other students are a big part of that. Self-defence hasn't been a priority for me, but I'm learning quite a bit in addition to getting me healthy. I'm able to do most of what the rest of the class does, which I honestly didn't think I'd ever be capable of. Grand Master McGee really knows his craft.

this place is great! I am a fellow student from the kids class. We learn very important life skills…read moreand Martial arts. I defiantly recommend this place for children and adults! Something else is that you can have a free week trial to test it out

Both of my boys, ages 4 and 6, just completed their free 2 weeks of class and we are very excited…read moreto sign our 6 year old up! Adam has a great group on kids in his Monday class and his patience with them is remarkable. He expects success from these kids and encourages them to be the best they can be! In all of the sports and activities we have done with our kids, this has got to be the most motivating and rewarding class yet! My kids walked out of there feeling a sense of pride, confidence, and accomplishment. I am looking forward to joining the Victory family!

The instructors are committed, knowledgeable, and all around wonderful with the kids! The whole…read moreAMAA community is supportive of each other and have become like a second family. They have awesome social activities for the kids outside of class time, as well. Since being here, our kids have improved in strength, confidence, and self-discipline in the best way. We are grateful for AMAA!

I can not recommend American Martial Arts Academy enough. It was just what my son needed at a…read morecrucial time. He started in 5th grade when as a very quiet, introverted kid, he was getting picked on at school. When he first started Taekwondo it was more because we encouraged him to go, as the years went on, he took the journey to his black belt on himself. He dedicated himself to learning the disciplines to be successful in life. He gained confidence, strength, wisdom, and determination. At AMAA, they teach principles that go past the sport of Taekwondo and into home and school life. The principles helped my son become more autonomous and to face difficulties with a greater confidence. I am very proud of his character and very thankful to AMAA for the part they played in his life. He is just about to receive his second degree Black belt and inspired his two younger brothers and little sister to also take on the journey to a black belt.

I've known Ramy and trained with him off and on for 10 years…read more Phoenix Sports Empire flew out to my town on their own dime to volunteer an outdoor self defense seminar when BIPOC and Jewish folks from our community were being threatened by White Nationalists. Ramy took time with each lesson, and each attendee and wasn't just amazing in his practical approach to self defense, he worked with each person in the class and heard their stories of how they had been targeted, listening and providing matter of fact advice. What was crucial was at the same time as the practical self defense, the owner was incredibly emotionally present and able to somehow empower the folks who had previously been attacked or targeted, simply by being empathetic. This is a coach and staff who truly care about their students mental health and safety.

This is an awesome gym with an awesome group of people who go there! Everyone is supportive and…read morewelcoming.

I've been going there for more than 4 years, and have practiced other martial arts before. the cool…read morething about Hapkido is that it covers multiple disciplines, kicking (Taekwondo), boxing, Judo throws, wrist/arm locks and so on. Lots of self defense moves, good cardio, and nice etiquette during practice. If you are looking for a great way to exercise, learn martial arts and self defense techniques, this is the place for you. On the other hand, if you want to train to be an MMA fighter, than I would look somewhere else.

I only attended one introductory class at Chang's Hapkido in Lombard, around 1993, when I was…read moreliving in Lombard. I was very impressed by Master Chang, who was teaching at the Lombard school at that time - his kindness and obvious concern for his students. They put me through one of the most intense workouts I've ever had, and I wanted to return, because I could tell it was a good martial arts school. Unfortunately, the apartment I was living in at the time was too expensive, so I had to move, which nixed my plans. I still hope to return to Chang's Hapkido in the future.

I cannot say enough positive things about YK! Grand Master Yoon and Madter Brian are amazing and…read moretruly care about each and every student. They not only teach the technical skills of Taekwondo, but also instill important values such as discipline, focus, and respect. My child has learned so much about the Korean culture and customs, which has really broadened their horizons and helped them become a well-rounded individual. YK has a positive and inclusive atmosphere, where everyone feels welcome and supported. I have seen such a transformation in my child's confidence and character since starting at this YK. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a martial arts school that goes above and beyond in teaching not just Taekwondo, but also important life lessons.

YK Martial Arts has been fantastic for my girls and their confidence. They look forward to going to…read moreclass and ask when they can go back again.

My friends and I signed for a beginners women's self defense class. It runs for 8 weeks on…read moreThursday's. They did move locations in January and some of the gps platforms have not updated their address yet. Make sure to grab their address from their welcome email. Two women teach the class and they are very informative. They also have multiple Bobs where you perform the moves on. The instructors help you walk through each movement. We learned a lot on Day 1 and I'm excited for what's to come.

Looking for a place to learn self defense, WARRIORS EDGE IS…read moreTHE PLACE. It's a martial art suited for anyone. Aiki Ninjutsu teaches its students to use the momentum of the attacker to one's advantage. I joined Warrior's Edge to learn self defense and also to provide a cardio workout. Starting out as a white belt can seem overwhelming training with higher belt levels, but not at Warrior's Edge. It's a great bunch of people that are eager to help you progress. Any doubts, sign up for a free class and you'll be hooked.

This is easily the best Muay Thai gym in the Chicago land suburbs. I go here for both jits and…read morestriking. Coaches for both are excellent, training partners are great, and overall the culture here breeds great fighters.

coach sonny is the best and super welcoming and helpful. he really loves teaching and helps improve…read moremy skills in muay thai. I just love the big family community that the gym has