This past week was teacher appreciation week. Everyone is quick to appreciate the teachers that…read moreour children have in their classroom, as tutors and for electives. We often over look the teachers that teach our kids in the most subtle and profound ways. I wanted to take a moment to recognize two of these teachers in my children's lives. Three of my four children have been attending Jin Martial Arts for almost a year. Master Brett and Master Jeff never fail to amaze me with how they teach, guide and run their school. Both Master Brett and Master Jeff have unwavering patience with children of all ages. I have had the pleasure of watching the Tiny Tornadoes class while my 6 year old was in it and their ability to keep 4 -6 year olds focused and showing respect is impressive. Master Brett has a remarkable way of speaking to kids, especially this younger age group. He speaks to them on their level while not speaking down to them and puts some of life's most valuable lessons in words that they can process and understand. Master Jeff is equally patient and kind. As the kids move up in classes, the expectations change while always remaining age appropriate. Students' personal growth is the focus. The growth I have seen in my children since starting classes at Jin Martial Arts has been tremendous. It goes without saying that they have grown physically, my 11 year old daughter can do push-ups. As a parent, the growth that may not be as obvious; confidence, respect, taking responsibility for their actions, treatment of siblings, just to name a few; is invaluable. Master Brett and Master Jeff truly care for their students and want to see them succeed, the theme being to improve yourself and try your best. They have created an environment that parents can feel welcome in and that we are all there to support each other and the students; they have created a village. It is hard to find words to describe the positivity and kindness that Master Brett and Master Jeff have created. Positivity and kindness feel like a cliche that doesn't fully explain the teaching style and community that is Jin Martial Arts. It is so much more than that. Master Brett and Master Jeff are true leaders and teach above all else by example of how they conduct themselves. They are teaching more than martial arts; they are teaching how to be better. They give our future hope. Watching them interact with our youth is refreshing and humbling. To Master Brett and Master Jeff, thank you. Thank you for all you do for our kids. It matters. -Emily Ciarletto (Landon, Valerie and Everett's mom)

Great class format for my little kids. They teach respect, patience, discipline and are very…read moreknowledgeable.

I love my experience at Eagle Academy Of Martial Arts. I really enjoy learning new things at Eagle…read moreAcademy and meeting new people, instructors, and teaching new people joining us here at Eagle. I think that this is a very great experience for people wanting to have fun, learn new things, and enjoy! I have been at Eagle Academy for over 6 years and this experience so far just makes me want to push harder and learn more. -Finian Arellano

My boys have been training at Eagle Academy of Martial Arts for almost six years, and the time they…read morehave spent there has been truly invaluable. We began our journey at the Warrenville location with Master J and, over time, expanded our training to the Aurora location with Master Tracey and Ms. Bridget. Every instructor has played an important role in helping my boys grow, both on and off the mat. All three of my boys are members of Team Eagle, the demo team where they receive specialized training in staff and forms. They are also part of the Certified Instructor Training (CIT) program, which has helped them develop confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills as they prepare to mentor the next generation of students. Eagle Academy has given my boys so much more than martial arts. It has strengthened them physically, mentally, and emotionally while teaching them discipline, perseverance, respect, and integrity. Most importantly, the people at Eagle Academy have become our family. We are incredibly grateful for the love, guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support they have shown our boys over the years. We truly cannot imagine our lives without Eagle Academy.

My son has been coming to True Balance Karate (TBK) for a little over two years now. At first, I…read morethought that It would be an option for my son to learn a new skill set. TBK has been more more than just teaching my son karate. The owners of TBK are amazing in their craft and their genuine care and interest in all their students progress by teaching them karate, values, helping out their parents at home, and giving back to the community. In one example, my son was having an off day. Master Helsdon approached my son and genuinely wanted to know what was wrong. He quickly gave him confidence and a pep talk and my son went back on out the mat and finished his training strong. I believe other organizations may not have done so. I have also noticed, the instructors do this with other students. In short, TKB staff care about all their students progression through their training. TBK staff motivate their students to be the best they can be. I would truly give TBK more stars, the 5 stars doesn't reflect how much TBK's staff, the owner's expertise and how all their students have learned from having TBK in the community. The community as a whole has benefited from TBK. The owners and the staff do local outreach to schools and the community as a whole. I have time and again been impressed with the staff and their skill set. I have time and again been thankful for TBK to be a part of our community. I have recommended them to family, friends and will continue to do so. My son has improved in his discipline, self confidence and his help around our house. This is an amazing organization that is a community asset.

My daughter started at TBK last month and the entire experience has been top notch! The staff are…read morenot only well-versed in the skill sets but they also know how to capture and maintain the attention of the students.

We love bringing our child here. My child started coming here when he was 4-years old. We were…read moreworried that he might be too young but there are kids his age there too. Master Kim and Kang are really good with the children. The kids learn discipline and confidence. Would recommend!

Master Kim and Master Kang are amazing with my 4-year-old daughter! They are so patient and…read moreencouraging, and they teach much more than Taekwondo--respect, patience, sharing, and confidence. She was welcomed from day one and is thriving. You can tell the Masters love the children, they never forgot my daughters name once. The positive, family-friendly atmosphere makes all the difference. Highly recommend!

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!

Professor Jefferson and coach Daniel are some of the best instructor in the area and are very…read morewelcoming to all. Great training and fun and friendly atmosphere plus clean facility.

I don't have any other experience to know what's better or not - but So far they're doing all I can…read moreexpect and very happy with keeping my ten year old engaged and interested after several weeks. Facility is definitely clean and it's clear they've invested into making it work.

Great school. Master Eskew is easy to speak with and very friendly. Master Polanski somehow manages…read moreto entertain me as a parent and a spectator. Children are well taken care of by both excellent teachers. They also bring Ms. Gates to assist and she has been very helpful in my daughter's progress. They have all around genuinely kind personalities with a passion to teach children Tae Kwon Do and all of the great benefits that come with it. There are no extra charges aside from testing (when you're ready to be tested only) and equipment. I highly recommend trying out the school at the very least!

I have nothing but great things to say about WCTKD. My son has been attending classes there for…read morenearly 3 years. He went from a timid, quiet kid to a confident and strong individual. Masters are dedicated to their craft and share their strong core values and positive attitude with their students. Through tae kwon do, Masters train both your body and mind and place great emphasis on developing moral character. Classes run very smoothly with multiple teachers so every student can get individual attention if needed. You can tell that each class is planned out in advance and organized to a T. The school itself is immaculate and conveniently located. I wholeheartedly recommend WCTKD. We love our home away from home and YOU will, too.

My family has had an excellent experience at Maxma! We have been greeted and made to feel part of…read morethe family. My Autistic son Nello (6yo) and daughter Giuliana (9yo) had the opportunity to experience Tae Kwon Do in an individual and group setting before we had to make any type of commitment. I sooo appreciated this option because while Giuliana dove right in and loved it, Nello needed more time before he was ready. The staff was so understanding and helpful in guiding us in that decision. In addition, they have also done Girl Scout events and the kids Birthday party too! Thank you Maxma for everything! I look forward to continuing my childrens' Tae Kwon Do journey together!

My 5-year-old has been with Max Martial Arts for a little over 7 months now and loves it. Master…read moreBaek and his team do a fantastic job with the Little Tiger program. They teach the kids discipline, goal setting, and leadership skills. It's just amazing to see the kids move through their belts, build confidence, and become both mentally and physically stronger. I bring my 2.5-year-old with me to watch his brother's class and now he's counting in Korean too and is ready to sign up (you have to be at least 4). Highly recommend Max Martial Arts!