When I was a kid, I trained in Tae Kwon Do for a while and achieved a blue belt. Unfortunately life…read moregot in the way and I had to stop training. Eventually I got busy with college, career, marriage, parenting, etc. Fast forward many, many years... I'm an old man now. During the pandemic, I had plenty of time to reminisce about the past and re-live some of those things like playing board games and reading fiction. I also watched way too many martial arts movies, not to mention the Cobra Kai series. I was a big fan of Jean-Claude Van Damme movies as a kid. I got the itch to start training again, despite having knee pains and being well past my prime. I found PS Academy because I'm in this area often and happened to notice a Martial Arts sign in this plaza. I thought that was strange because I was only aware of automotive services here. I went home and looked it up on Google Maps, then reached out. I eventually signed up, but self-doubts kicked in soon after. I thought to myself that this is for kids and that this is just a mid-life crisis. I still remember my first class. I felt so out of place being a white belt among a class full of senior belts, and just about everyone was much younger than me. Thankfully no one has made me feel like an outcast, but I still sometimes feel like the "Stingray" character in Cobra Kai. In any case, I like that it's a no-frills training area, and the quality of instruction is great. In nearly every class I get a little feedback to incrementally improve. And despite my age I've been able to throw some kicks (not very high, mind you) and break some boards. Board-breaking is intoxicating. The program they have here is great for kids. If you'd like your kids to learn discipline and focus and develop as good people, PS Academy is worth a look. If you're an adult and looking to get in shape, learn some self-defense, or simply want to feel young again, PS Academy also has a place for you.

I had always wanted to take martial arts/self defense as a kid, and 26 years later... never did it…read more I signed up, and I'm glad I did. So far it's only been one class, but I will update my review as things progress. So, I've met Grandmaster Hyong and Hyong Sah Beum Nim, and they are both incredibly nice, as is the instructor, Mr. Louise. When you sign up, they have you fill out a form stating what your physical and mental/other goals are - I want to get in better shape, but also gain some confidence about my abilities and myself in general. They have an adults only class, 16 and up, all belt ranges, and I was one of 6 or so new people last week that were white belts. While it felt intimidating to be an adult white belt with some teenage colored belts, they were kind, thoughtful, and energetic (showing me how to properly put on my dobok, or uniform, and being super supportive). I was surprised that a good number of the people I saw were female, and that made me feel way more comfortable - I wasn't the only girl by any stretch of the imagination. They did separate us newbies at times, and when it was everyone, they tried to stress that it wasn't a race and to take things at our own pace. I'm also able to be in the white belt class (all ages), so I'm excited for that as well. I also like that belt advancement is self-paced, so there's not a lot of pressure but still support for those interested and capable of progressing at a faster pace. They also offer courses for self-defense, but require that you have advanced beyond white belt to take it. I also liked that they have classes for 3 - 6 year-olds, they were absolutely adorable! The kids are learning structure and discipline (like making sure their shoes are always neatly put away), and I was impressed - I would definitely bring my kids here if I was a parent. In terms of parking - the lot is a little weird, but you can park in any open spaces after 5 pm without a problem.

We first joined ACE Taekwondo in Yorkville back in February 2021, when my daughter--then in the…read moremidst of a full-blown Naruto obsession--begged to become a "ninja". To be honest, I was hesitant at first. My daughter had tried T-ball previously and lost interest quickly, and I worried Taekwondo would be another short-lived hobby. The commitment felt long, and while the cost was reasonable for area martial arts classes, it felt like a risk if she didn't stick with it. On top of that, we were still deep in the pandemic: my daughter wore a mask to every class, and I waited outside in the car. But she loved it. Despite all the challenges, she kept showing up to class, excited and engaged. As Covid restrictions lifted, I started coming inside to watch occasionally, but mostly kept to myself--I'm not much of a "people person." Still, as the months turned into years and my daughter worked her way toward her black belt, I realized this wasn't a passing phase. Her dedication inspired me. Eventually, I started bringing my toddler to the Toddler classes and got to know Master, Instructor White, and the other instructors. When my daughter earned her deputy belt and began preparing for her black belt test, I decided to join her on the mat. I signed up for Taekwondo and, being an overachiever, added Hapkido too! A year later, my daughter and I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to South Korea with ACE for an international tournament and cultural trip. It was amazing to share this experience--and our training journey--together. If we stay on track, my daughter will earn her 2nd Dan (2nd degree black belt) on the same day I receive my 1st black belt. I can't think of a better milestone to share as a family. Now, my 4-year-old is also a Tiny Tiger at ACE. The instructors are wonderful, and the kids we've met through ACE are some of the kindest, most respectful kids I've ever known. They truly embody the tenets of Taekwondo, and ACE is helping shape future leaders in our community. I am so proud to be part of the ACE family. If you're looking for a place where your child--and your whole family--can grow in confidence, discipline, and community, I highly recommend checking out ACE Taekwondo!

I've been attending ACE (Formerly BH) for about 10 years now. I can confidently say that learning…read moremartial arts has made a significant impact on my life for the better. Learning discipline and techniques from the skilled staff has helped me grow as a person as well with being able to compete in tournaments. The people I've met have become like a second family to me, couldn't recommend this school more.

My son started his path towards a black belt more than two years ago. Our experience with Master…read moreLee has always been at the highest level of satisfaction, and my son adores the way he helped him through each step of the belt process. Master Lee is terrific with all ages and levels of experience & growth. His classes are well rounded in that he rotates around developing form, calisthenics, general athleticism, all while concentrating on the tenets of respect, confidence and focus. We couldn't be happier that we chose Master Lee and his dojang for our son's black belt pursuit. Our many thanks and gratitude to Master Lee for helping our son achieve something amazing. It's an achievement for life that cannot be taken away. Cheers.

Chang Lee's Taekwondo Club has been nothing short than our son's second home. Our son started off…read moreat the age of 4 and we wondered if he would pick up on the discipline and patience that is demanded by the wonderful instructors. While the classes can be strict, the instructors find a way to make it enjoyable which in turn motivates many including our son to keep striving to be better each passing day. Alexander is always excited to come into class especially on days when they do sparring or when it is belt testing time. Grandmaster Lee accolades are very impressive and his main instructor (Ben) along with the leaders are all professional and caring of everyone's success. Alexander has definitely become a better listener, more confident, and respectful since he has joined the program.

If you don't want your kids to learn martial arts this is definitely the store front to take them…read more Instructors are late. On certain days they won't even open the doors! I gave it four years, talked to the lead instructor and still no change. I would give it minus stars if I could. Shame on pathways. Really good at taking your money. They let the students run the class. No discipline. Don't waist your time or money.

Amazing staff from an established Tae Kwon-Do studio that's been around for decades. The focus in…read morethis dojo is on learning respect, responsibility and discipline beyond just getting a new belt color. Highly recommend !

This school is run by Master Greg Washington and it has been such a blessing to my family. My son…read morestarted when he was 5 here and Master Washington helped turn around some pretty bad behavior traits. He started listening more and was way more respectful after having things reinforced at the school. Beyond just the behavior bonuses the training is top notch in TaeKwonDo, with my son winning both State and National Championships in 2013 in sparring and placing 3rd in both tournaments in forms. This year (2014) he took 2nd in Sparring at State, and 3rd in forms, with Nationals coming up in July. Another aspect is that he has made so many friends, that go beyond just the school. He regularly goes to his TKD friends houses for playdates, probably more so then the kids from his school. It is a no contract school which means you can pay month to month without being locked in. I think this is super important as a parent because why get locked into a contract if your kids do not like it after a month or so? Everything is very family oriented and Master Washington makes a personal connection with the kids in class, following up with how they are doing in school and other parts of their lives. Master Washington has a first class free policy so the kids can give it a try so you have nothing to lose for coming in and giving it a try!

Can't say enough good things about Master Greg and his Martial Arts Academy. I brought my…read moregranddaughter here and could not be happier with her progress. Master Greg is great with all the kids. He takes his time and works with them on an individual need basis.Prices are very reasonable with no contract. I would recommend to anyone

Grassroots is a clean and great Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym led by a very professional and humble…read moreinstructor, Professor Jordan. Professor Jordan has fostered a tight knit and dedicated group that focuses on the fundamentals and the lifestyle benefits of the art. It's always a good time coming to Grassroots. Thank you, Professor Jordan!

Did tkd here for many years, Master Jeon and Instructor Misael always taught so amazing!read more

I love JJI. Sense Barnett knows very well what he is doing. He is extremely experienced and is…read morea fantastic teacher for not only martial arts but life as well. I have been training with him as my Sense for just five months and my progress is rapid and rich. If you are interested in learning Judo in addition to much Jiu-Jitsu this is the place to go. The only thing that might detract a visitor is the fact that the dojo is bare bones. It is a white room with mats. There are a couple of showers in the back. But don't be fooled by the superficial, the dojo need not be more than what it is. The mats are clean. The students are kind, good at heart, and hard working. The teaching is superb. The judo here is as good as it gets.

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.