Attending Sifu Torres'/ Dr. Torres's 6 Healing Sounds workshops is one of the best investments a…read moreperson can make. If you have never attended one, the next time he offers it GO! GO! GO! This workshop introduces you to the postures, breathing, and healing sounds of the body's meridians that correspond to each organ. We learned how this practice can help and alleviate illnesses of the different organs. Sifu/Dr. Torres explained how in Chinese Medicine each organ and sound correlates to the different seasons and and elements of nature. We also discussed the different positive and negative emotions associated with the organs, as well as, the different senses and tastes. He even discussed the different foods that can be eaten to nourish each organ. I always enjoy this workshop. This is my 3rd or 4th time attending, but every time I attend, I always learn something new and I enjoy being able to practice with other participants. If you are looking for a new type of meditation to add to your repertoire, then this is for you. I am hoping that Dr. Torres/Sifu Torres will continue offering this very beneficial workshop.

I am now going on my 10th month of being part of this great school. Sifu Torres and all of my…read morekungfu brothers and sisters have welcomed me, helped me, been super supportive and encouraging. I have become a lot stronger and more agile than I've been in a very looong time; It feels amazing. I have now earned my green/gold sash and am continuing to learn and grow. The classes are still tough and demanding of your body, but I can actually get through them a lot better than when I started. I also attend regular acupuncture sessions which compliment my training. They keep me healthy and strong. I still highly recommend this school to come learn very traditional Northern 7 Star Praying Mantis. I guarantee if you put in the effort you will understand. do it!

Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts is a great place to learn about martial arts and the instructors…read moreare very friendly and adults and kids can learn all sorts of cool martial arts techniques

I highly recommend this place. My son has had a really great experience here. We started out with…read morethe Ninja Turtles program when he was younger. It was excellent, however after a while we decided to look at other places because we don't live nearby. We eventually ended up coming back here because it is the best we have found--it is worth the commute. In addition to getting a great workout and learning martial arts skills, my son is learning discipline, focus, and other incredibly important skills like treating others with respect and being a good teammate. The instructors command respect, but also make the classes fun and really keep the kids engaged. Everyone who works here seems to really enjoy what they do. Just started my younger son too and trying to convince my daughter to join. Haven't tried the adult classes yet, but they look badass:)

Tracy's System of Kenpo Karate…read more 5 Stars for this intense, practical, streetwise, and effective self defense martial art. This traditional discipline is amazing. I have finally found something I am passionate about that does not fizzle out the deeper I get into it. On the contrary, the more time I devote to this art, the more my interest is stimulated. Not only do SDC offer very affordable private lessons and packages, but this includes UNLIMITED group classes Mon-Sat. This is particularly beneficial since you are not just learning a new technique and forgetting it, you are given the resources to practice it daily, if you wish. In my book, practice makes permanent not perfect. At places like this the instructor either makes or breaks the school....in this particular case, he makes it. Tim is extremely patient, well-disciplined, and honest. As a natural leader & teacher, he tailors his teaching style to your needs. He pays significant attention to detail and you quickly learn to do the same, which only perfects your skills in the art. However, be forewarned: This place is not for those with a craven character. We like to hit....hard.

I've been very happy with Self Defense Centers and I have been taking classes there for almost two…read moreyears. It's practical, hands-on self defense training that's based on Kenpo, a type of martial art. I'm not really in it for the martial art part -- I started taking classes there after I got mugged and was terrified of being on the street (or anywhere) alone. I think it's done a lot for my self-esteem because what you learn is *very* practical. You learn how to kick, deflect punches, elbow, etc. As a female I've always been reserved when it's come to using violence but Tim, the trainer, has taught me not to feel so "afraid" to do things, like kick some in the balls, when necessary. :) Tim is really good about making the one-on-one sessions best meet your needs so whatever it is that you're there for you are likely to get a lot out of the classes. I highly recommend this place if you're interested in actual martial arts classes or if you simply want to become more streetwise and develop basic self defense skills.

Designed to trigger survivors. Only sign up if you want a combination of group/exposure therapy in…read moreaddition to self defense. I hesitated to sign up for self defense precisely because I was afraid instructors would imply things could have been different if only I'd had the skills. That message was constant throughout the class, despite the fact it was labelled "trauma informed." The t shirts literally say "One day 'no' will be enough. Until then, there's Impact Chicago." Without getting into personals, self defense skills can be useful, but not in every situation. For me, I thought "trauma informed" would mean classes that are careful to teach skills without requiring people to disclose their past, which can amp up an already charged situation. Instead, you are asked to share your feelings frequently. When I did get triggered, instead of getting a moment alone, I was asked to disclose what was happening to a group of people of mixed genders I'd met hours ago. When I did not return for the second day, the instructor told me this is common for people who find the class too intense the first time due to their history, but then they come back when they know what to expect. If this had been billed as group/exposure therapy combined with self defense, I'd have know a bit more what to expect. I did not. Therefore, the people with PTSD are more likely to be triggered and if they decide to complete the course block off two full weekends instead of one. This may seem small but I believe a course like this should be designed with people who have PTSD as the priority, not the group whose trauma is a barrier yet again.

I remember someone telling me this program would "change my life" and I rolled my eyes. But guess…read morewhat...? This program will change your life. I've taken several different self defense courses and this was the only one I walked away from feeling confident that I could protect myself. It's a unique program that really teaches you how to use your strengths, set boundaries and push past your fears.

Noted as kids under 8 friendly but not really. Reasonable cost but be older or vet your kid firstread more

There are a lot of things you can do for which the saying is true: you get out of it what you put…read moreinto it. What kind of opportunities do we have to get into something that keeps paying off like that for decades? Kiku Matsu Dojo is the kind of place where doing martial arts is way more than a commercial decision. I've seen people change over periods of months, and I'm sure it's changed me. If you're interested, you try it out, and decide if you can see a "new you." The monthly fee is cheap compared to gyms and classes, because you can attend all of the open classes every week, as many as you want. For me, it's a great workout, with social reinforcement. It's also an attitude adjustment: drama at the office just doesn't have the same gravity. Learning fundamental skills that Aikido imparts will pay off in subtle ways on the street: being aware of your space, others in it, and their intentions. There's a spiritual angle also, but I would describe it more as "profoundly pragmatic." All of this is taught, reinforced, practiced in a friendly accommodating positive motivational atmosphere by people with mixed levels of experience. I always leave feeling recharged.

This dojo has been amazing for both of my sons. There are two Sensei's - Gerson and Shaza - that…read moreare professional, caring, disciplined and fun. They know every single person by name, command respect but teach such wonderful meaningful classes to the kids, and have a true passion for their craft. We could not be more satisfied with this Martial Arts dojo. Highly recommend!!

They are incredibly skilled, patient, and passionate about teaching martial arts. Their approach is…read morethe perfect balance of discipline, fun, and motivation. The facility is clean, well-organized, and has a positive, encouraging atmosphere. The instructors do an amazing job of working with students of all ages and skill levels, helping everyone feel confident and capable. My child has gained so much more than just martial arts skills -- they've learned respect, focus, and confidence. What sets Fonseca apart is the sense of community. The instructors genuinely care about each student's progress and celebrate their achievements. My child always looks forward to class and leaves feeling proud and energized.

Not beginner friendly or welcoming at all. I felt like I was intruding. The students also seemed…read morefrustrated with me when they couldn't even explain the movements and nothing I saw from them was impressive (despite training there for years.) When you've played sports your whole life and have been trained a certain way, you're not going to be Samurai Jack day one. Oops. The instructor was all crabby because I corrected him on my pronouns. Too simple minded to realize he was already using they/them as a singular pronoun when describing a proverbial attacker, so it's not like he had to make a huge adjustment in his speech. Probably another bigot who doesn't know the difference between sex and gender identity. He spoke of "Zen" but his energy with me was the opposite. Some people should do more soul work before they elect to service the public. Other than that, I respect Aikido a little more after one class. I like that everyone works together to honor the space by cleaning up after training. I can see how it sharpens the mind. However, I'm finding Muay Thai (somewhere else) more effective and aligned with what I'm looking for. I'll stick with that.

What a wonderful community of practice!…read more Having taken five classes, I can honestly say that each experience at Shinjinkai has gotten better and better. The students are warm, welcoming and deeply committed to their practice. Jason is an encouraging, thoughtful, patient sensei. I really like that classes are drop-in and that parking is free and convenient. Whether you're brand new to Aikido like me or advanced, you'll love being a part of this community.

I absolutely love my yoga instructor! Cris She is kind, patient, and very professional. She always…read moremakes me feel comfortable and relaxed during class. After every session, I feel refreshed and full of positive energy. Highly recommend her!

I have been going to see Cris at Form Follows Fitness for at least 2 years now, and it was the best…read morechoice I ever made. She made me enjoy working out with her routines which are very rarely the same. Her positive attitude made me feel like I was in a supportive space. I am stronger than I ever have been due to what I call her 'ninja moves', which is meant as a compliment. I say this because she'll have you do an exercise with a weight, at first it seems simple and easy and you will think you could do this exercise all day with more weight, but you continue with this simple exercise, and you realize your muscle is burning. Ow! Without a doubt, she possesses knowledge on all the highly efficient techniques for targeting each muscle group! Her studio is bright and always clean with all of the equipment you will need to get a great workout.

Been going for about a month which is the longest I have been able to take a fitness course. Their…read morevariety in fitness classes and the positive atmosphere keeps me pushing forward. Forteza Fitness is a supportive group who pushes you to do your best and work with whatever you can do. Taking any kind of class can be overwhelming especially when you have difficulties with the exercise. Everyone from the teachers to other students are so patient and work with my abilities and support each other as we go through the classes. I have struggled with classes because of trying to train my muscles to work a certain way or having the stamina, but the support at Forteza keeps pushing me and helping to make me stronger/heathier.

Strength and fun in a no-frills/no-fuss atmosphere…read more This is a fitness studio with two core training sets: an extensive coursework/community of historic European martial arts (swords! swords ! swords!) and a more fitness-focused schedule of classes geared around Spartan races. The space is set up mostly for the martial arts, so that it feels like a set for period movie about Queen Elizabeth. It's a very comfortable space for bookworms to come work out. The fitness classes are very fun. They tend to be small, with lots of personal, gentle attention. Trainers get to know the regulars and the regulars get to know each other, which makes each workout friendly and welcoming. And I got a great deal on personal training. The workouts themselves are usually a bit more focused on strength and flexibility over cardio/endurance. The one drawback (for those who use the space more for fitness) is that it really is more of studio than a gym. There's no showers and no treadmills. Somehow I'm far more motivated to work out here than I was at other places I tried, where I'd just end up donating my gym membership month after month. At Forteza I feel like I'm getting a personal training . . .in a class setting . . three times a week. Like it's gym class again but for fun people with nice teachers. It's a gym class that's redeemed itself. They've fixed gym class. It's glorious.

I feel fortunate that Margaret Sensei recently opened a JKA dojo very close to downtown Chicago,…read morewith class schedules that accommodate those coming from work. She carries on the rigorous instruction that I saw while training at JKA dojos in Virginia and Connecticut before I moved to Chicago. Margaret Sensei is very thoughtful when articulating opportunities to improve one's techniques and execution. She offers clear and practical guidance tailored to one's skill level and capabilities.

Outstanding instructor with great teaching skills and an extensive background in multiple martial…read morearts.