I have been a student of North Shore Dojo since 1980, with time away due to other life events. In…read morethese 40 plus years I have transitioned from a young adult to a senior. As my body and ability has changed Sensei Kohn and his other teachers have taken ability into consideration to maximize my current ability. Sensei Kohn has also taken into consideration for his children/teen students the same approach. He has also shown an excellent ability with children, teens and adults with disabilities. He takes a firm and caring approach to bring the most out of these students with physical and mental challenges. In the end each student can maximize their ability in Shotokan karate with strong support and training of Sensei Kohn and the other teachers at North Shore Dojo

My daughter began coming here at age 5, and I just started karate at the age of 39; I'm addicted…read more Classes are taught by highly decorated Shihan Jeff Kohn (who goes by Sensei to everyone) and other Senseis (of 3rd degree black belt) and the training is an excellent workout for mind and body. Sensei Kohn has coached national teams and won myriad awards over the past 30+ years and also specializes in training those with physical and mental disabilities. He started Karate Can-Do Foundation to help children of all abilities reach their goals. If you're looking for more than park district level training, this dojo goes above and beyond in quality. So many success stories have gone through North Shore Dojo since 1979. I can't wait for my next class to work on my own success story!

This is the best multi disciplinary martial arts program I've seen. My son is learning…read moreself-defense, self confidence and great discipline that extends to work and home. He loves the classes and the sensei. He actually is excited to go to class! All the instructors are great and work with the kids individually to address specific weaknesses instead of a standard curriculum that overlooks strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I love this program. We will continue here. I couldnt recommend it more. Thank you, Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios.

Z ultimate is the best I have seen…read more Sensei Steve and his instructors are really great I can't say how much Z has impressed us. The way our son carries himself with friends his confidence and how his instincts automatically take over from his training. Plus we feel it has helped him with other sports. Sensei Steve teaches real-life defense (no board breaking ) They teach you how to defend vs multiple situations. They don't push Belts testing for revenue. But they also teach you the importance of trying to avoid situations, our son is only 8 but I feel what he has learned will stay with him for his life. All the students in the class are respectful and help each other

This place has been an amazing experience for my 4 year old, Jevon. We've seen an huge impact in…read morehis discipline and focus, and he is always excited to go to class and see Master Yoon. The positive structure and encouragement make this program truly special.

NSMA has been an amazing place for my shy 4 year old. He walked in with a whisper and after just a…read morefew short months there is a 'loud' i have never heard come out of him. He is the most confident version of himself when he enters class. I am in awe at how Master Yoon controls class and guides each child. He helps them achieve their goals individually in a class setting. He teaches discipline in at the right ways for this age group and you can see how it continues as they get older. Testing for a new belt was such an incredible sight, there is so much pride he brings out and the whole thing was ran in such a smooth respectfully way. 100% recommend this place, they offer a trial class so you can check it out first.

I had a private lesson with Dr. Leung Ting, Grandmaster of the "WingTsun™ System. Dr. Leung Ting…read morewas a student of IP Man, he helped me see and understand details that will serve me with all the drills and forms. The School has many skill sifu's and high-level instructors. I like that I can take their Tai Chi classes, the two arts go well together. They give the first class for free and have a deal for the first month. It was helpful to know if the school was right for me. It has been a year, and I highly recommend them. No contracts, good people with skills, and a great teaching method.

Great place to learn self defense. Awesome instructors and a friendly environment for kids and…read moreadults.

Our daughter has been attending classes at KH Kim Taekwondo, and it's been a wonderful experience…read more The instructors do a great job balancing discipline with encouragement, helping kids build confidence, focus, and respect, not just martial arts skills. Classes are well-structured, engaging, and genuinely fun for kids. You can tell the instructors care about the students and create a supportive, positive environment. If you're looking for a martial arts program in the Northbrook area that focuses on both skills and character development, this is a great choice. Highly recommend.

We've had a great experience at KH Kim Taekwondo Northbrook. The instructors are wonderful with…read moreyoung kids -- patient, positive, and great at balancing structure with fun. We've seen such a boost in our 4-year-old's confidence and focus, and she truly enjoys going. The staff is friendly, the environment is welcoming, and the program is very well run. Highly recommend for families.

I began taking lessons at this school on October 1, 2009. By July 1, 2010 I had lost 50 lbs. By…read moreAugust 1, 2010, I had lost 55 since starting. My six year old son also takes there. I am very proud and impressed at his growth - in strength, balance and confidence. This in less than a year. As a child and teenager (I am 34 now), I took Kempo/Kung Fu from a fantastic instructor in Plano, TX for many years. During that time, I also studied Taekwondo at another school, and took classes in various other martial arts. When my son turned five and told me he wanted to take Karate, and wanted me to take with him, I knew I had to find a school that taught Kempo. The problem was, the closest one I could find was way out in Paletine, and didn't really leave me impressed (I watched, but didn't take any classes there). I called my old instructor and friend Mr. Portnoy and told him the only schools close to me that met my qualifications were both USSD schools. His response was honest, and not totally positive. He said that although many of the techniques, etc... would be similar, my family's experience at USSD would be quite different to what I had experienced with him, and I may not like it. He explained USSD is known for an academy-like atmosphere and that they are set up like franchises (he actually referred to USSD as "McDojo". He knew I didn't like the cookie-cutter feel of the Taekwondo school I went to - and he warned me about the high costs. He was right, except I like the school I am at. In fact, I'm very happy. Yes, USSD is operated like an academy, and the schools are franchised. Both aspects are something that have added to mine and my son's success. He was right about the cost. The fact is, I feel that I am getting my money's worth. In One yelp review, Jim P. from Niles posts a 3-page essay about one of the local USSD schools (Skokie) which at one point states that USSD couldn't be good due to the rotation of instructors. That's ironic because I have always found great value from learning from different people - regardless of rank or style. My first instructor, Mr. Portnoy, from Plano, TX, is a very respected, highly ranked Grand Master of a different style. I think very highly of the advice he always gave me and consider him a great friend. He said repeatedly that learning from a variety of people was key to his growth and success in martial arts. Mr. Portnoy always pointed out that different people have different perspectives, and have honed different skills. That is the most positive aspect of the style of learning at USSD. You take what works best for you, and work on what you can. The difference to what Mr. Portnoy's school does to gain those perspectives for his students was that he brings in outside guest instructors for periods of time. At USSD, the knowledge base comes from within the USSD system. That works because the system is enormous. That contributes to the cost, which is also worth it to my son and to me. USSD also does without the "cookie-cutter" feeling that permeates many other systems. I receive a thorough explanation of what you are learning and why, which I found lacking in many other styles and schools (most notably my experience with Taekwondo). Most importantly, advancement is not based upon a time line, and not forced. It occurs only when the skill level attained. As it should be. I feel very strongly about the positive experiences I've had, just as I feel about knowing there are similar experiences awaiting anyone who brings a positive attitude to USSD. It's fun, and not easy. Nothing this good for you could ever be. It IS very rewarding.

Enjoyed a workout at this local Y. Staff was friendly. Locker rooms were available. It did not…read moredisappoint! Thank you!

I am only rating the gym, locker room and customer service…read more 1. Customer service: from day one I have received great service. A warm welcome at the door every time, and always willing to help. I even forgot a hair tie once and a lady in the art room cut me some stretchy material and I made a pony tail holder. That was awesome. 2. Gym: they have a awesome lifting area. I do HITT workouts and there is plenty of room. Only problem I have is: no slam balls, and drinking fountain is no where to be found downstairs (bring water). 3. Locker room: clean, provide blow dryers. Only problem is showers. Takes a while for water to get hot, stalls too small with only a curtain that doesn't really cover you and you run into it when taking a shower which grosses me out. All in all I am happy, and would recommend you checking this gym out.

I was a black belt in karate with 12 plus years of experience until I met Jeff. I've been training…read morewith Jeff for over five years now, and I feel as if the five years of kickboxing training is more real world and effective than 12+ years of my karate journey. I would highly recommend training with Jeff, not just to get in shape, but to learn effective real world techniques that aren't taught at karate and tae kwon do Studios. Don't waste your time anywhere else, do it the right way with Chicago kickbox.

Jeff's the definition of an awesome trainer! He not only is very passionate about kickboxing,…read moreboxing, martial arts, etc. but he makes sure to take the time to EXPLAIN about the movements your body is doing during the exercises he puts you through, which not a lot of trainers take the time to do so. He broke down workouts step by step and made sure I did them correctly. He was always all about form vs. function! His sessions are always fun and I get a good workout in. The boxing portion of my workout is my absolute favorite! He's also very knowledgeable about supplements and has given me A TON of advice about weight loss (my own personal goal), what to take and what not to take, what works and what doesn't work, etc. He also knows what he's talking about when it comes to food and macro breakdowns. Overall, I would recommend Jeff to anyone who wants to actually meet their fitness goals as well as LEARN a thing or two about supplements and muscle activation.

The kids love going to martial arts class every week! The staff is friendly and very reasonably…read morepriced!

My kids have been here for about a month now and they love it! Sensei David and Sensei Mike are…read moreawesome!! They work with the kids until they understand the technique they are working on for that week. They show them step by step how to proceed and what position you need to be in at the end of the technique. Sensei Michelle is terrific too. She answered all the questions we had. I encourage all parents to put their kids in some sort of self defense class!! You won't regret it!