I have been going to class here for a few months now and it has been a life changing experience…read more It's everything I was looking for in getting back into martial arts. I feel stronger and healthier than I did when I played Rugby in high school. Sifu Kennedy is a natural teacher who adapts to each student individually. I am so happy I signed up to learn and train Kung Fu with this great school!

I have been training at Chicago Tao under Sifu Kennedy for 6 years, not only has it benefitted my…read morelife in ways I could not have imagined (I began to live a healthier life in all aspects, diet, excessive, spirituality), but the camaraderie developed by sifu and his school has given me a support system of people willing to help me an my family achieve our goals.

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.

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.

Somewhat recently, I was asked what I have gained from practicing Ving Tsun with Matt Johnson over…read morethe last 10 years. I could state the obvious- self defense techniques, fitness, confidence, etc. But, upon further reflection I came up with so much more than that. Originally, I started learning and practicing Ving Tsun for self defense purposes. That is still my primary goal. But, I did not realize there was so much more to it than that. Of course, first, you have to learn how to throw a punch and block. But, what I learned after obtaining some of the skill was surprising to me. It's not as much about "How" to throw a punch as it is about "When." Or, rather, when not to, which is most of the time. Knowing the skill of kung fu, actually, puts you in a much stronger position that enables you to NOT use the physical attributes of it. You don't, actually, get into "fights" where you have to use blocks and strikes. You walk different. You look different. On a primal level you put out "signals" that you are not a victim and the "predators" sense that and stay away. Kung fu has, also, made me more compassionate. When I'm practicing regularly, I find I have more patience and tolerance in frustrating situations. I think this is because my tools are sharp and I feel a responsibility to not unleash them unnecessarily. I'm very fortunate to have found a school that fosters this positive kind of mindset. My original purpose of learning to defend myself remains. But, the additional perks were unexpected and are even more valuable than what I thought I was going to gain from this school. If you're even just a smidge curious about this, I encourage you to come and check out the school for yourself. You have nothing to lose and more to gain than you realize.

Excellent school with a great environment. Great teacher and traditional martial arts training in…read morethe Ving Tsun style of Kung Fu with roots in Hong Kong at the Ving Tsun Athletic Association.

This is a great place to learn Hapkido. Hapkido is a korean martial art that uses fun stuff like…read morekicks, strikes, and joint locks to immobilize your opponet. Hapkido is easier to pick up and use than some other martial arts and they aren't above teaching you some quick and dirty ways to ruin someone's day (which I will leave to your imagination). Master Kevin is the main guy and he is really down-to-earth and patient with total rookies like myself. The hours are great - they have classes seven days a week and evenings. The first class is free and if they see someone new they'll teach some quick, easy-to-learn self-defense stuff along with the regular class. Even if you don't sign up, you will have a new trick or two up your sleeve in case you ever need it. Try it out!

Truly awesome martial arts!!! This is Hapkido as intended without crazy aerials designed to woo…read morecrowds of S. Koreans or writers from Black Belt Magazine... a good indication that a Hapkido school is actually teaching something else. Here the emphasis is placed on learning the techniques correctly intertwined with basic street knowledge and a good dose of common sense which is refreshing. Master Kevin has been teaching Hapkido since he was in his teens, holds his BS in Education, has years of experience bouncing Chicago nightclubs and performing security/bodyguard work for major names in the Hip Hop world, and is now the premier instructor for the Jung Ki Kwan Hapkido in the Midwest. This is a man who understands fighting, self-defense, and the psychology of what happens in a confrontation and is able to teach why the techniques work based on his experiences rather than just teaching material without ever having tested its practicality. Now that I have been training here for the last 6 months, I can't imagine studying Hapkido under anyone else. Also available are classes in Kuhapdo which is a Korean sword style as well as women-only classes in Self-Defense and the new female instructed FitCut class that focuses heavily on core strength through the use of the sword, cardio, and coordinated movement. As Mark noted, Hapkido is a Korean martial art and is commonly translated as "the way of coordinated energy/power". It is also frequently described using words like "dynamic" and "eclectic" because it combines so many different types of response that are all based on redirecting your opponent's energy and returning it in a circular motion, typically along with a final strike or series of strikes intended to end the fight. In addition to basic strikes and low kicks, you learn joint locks, pressure points, throws, and some weapons at more advanced levels. Finally, Hapkido is not a Korean version of the Japanese Aikido whose techniques typically end short before leaving the realm of defensive measures. Simply put, Hapkido is street fighting which also helps distinguish it from competitive arts like Karate, Tae Kwan Do, Kickboxing, Judo, or BJJ. I have nothing but respect for other arts but competitive martial arts generally consider our final strikes "dirty" or "illegal" because they focus on how to score points in a match. In my eyes, if you're in a real fight, I'll skip over anything designed for competitive back-and-forth point scoring and do whatever I need to in order to walk away in 1 piece. Realistically, that may simply mean running but if my back is against a wall, this is a martial art that just may save my neck. This is a great school. Pricing is fair and Master Kevin will never try to get you to sign a lengthy contract. To my knowledge, he doesn't even have contracts other than asking that you let him know 30 days before leaving. Also worth noting, the entire syllabus is available on DVD in English being performed by the current Grandmaster in Korea (http://jkkmedia.com) and is a great way to supplement the material you get in class and reinforce your understanding so that you can train at a more accelerated pace. Check out the International Hapkido USA website (http://jungkifamily.com) for class times and any additional information.

I have been attending Systema classes at Aikikai for over a year on-and-off…read more Kevin taught me the key principle that sustains Systema: non-destruction. I came to this Dojo with a strong Judo background having trained for over three years at a very competitive dojo that features top notch national and international athletes. I had two major injuries there and I came to realize that that kind of training was everything but realistic and also can seriously harm your own body. I'm now aware that it's not only possible but also legitimately desirable to develop exceptional combat skill without damaging your own body and/or psyche. Kevin teaches you first how to understand and "read" your own body and how to control your breathing. Once you have achieved this knowledge you can move on and develop the exceptional Systema combat skills that are based on spontaneity, instinct, precision and cost- effectiveness. Also, this is a friendly and welcoming environment for new students.

We did a bachelorette party "sword" workshop and Aikido intro with Dwight's group and absolutely…read moreloved every minute of it! The instruction group was so engaging, friendly and knowledgeable. The perfect intro and sword work for a group of beginners looking to have fun for a special event. The Dojo is beautifully designed and the perfect setting. Very impressed!

My son is 16 years old and he recently received a Black Belt for Tae Kwon Do under the instruction…read moreof Master Aguirre. Not only has my son excelled at an invaluable sport, but it's given him more confidence in himself and it's been a great character builder. The classes also include a excellent exercise routine. Master Aguirre not only cares about your physical performance, he cares about your well being as well. He's very patient and knowledgeable.

This school is great for anyone seeking self-discipline, confidence, physical fitness and…read moreself-defense skills under a caring and watchful Master, Master Aguirre. You get to learn awesome techniques starting at the white belt level and build up your flexibility and strength along side higher belts. The style is a mix of Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing and Muay Thai elbow and knee combinations (close-range combat). Even though you must learn traditional techniques, the Master's various technique approaches prepare you for self-defense in the streets, with respect and confidence at the top of the chart. The kids' classes are full of happy faces and proud parents in the audience area. A great plus is there are no Belt Promotion Test fees -- other schools can also increase fees as you move up.

For sure. You can find all kind of Japanese arts here. I…read morePractice Karate do in here and our dojo (Sugiyama Dojo) has a tremendous history and reputation. The Aikido class with Sensei Toyoya is the best in the city. Check out the website for updated classes and schedules. Please note the Center is now located in 2940 N Lincoln Ave Unit 2 Chicago, IL 60657 United States

I took my first class at JKA about 4 months ago and have been hooked ever since! I had taken…read morekarate, aikido and jiu-jitsu about 10 yrs ago and wanted to get back into a martial art again. The only thing I knew about JKA was that it was Traditional Shotokan Karate (and I didn't even know what that meant.). I just knew I wanted to study a traditional form of karate and I was hoping to find a dojo oin the north side. I have so many positives to talk about that I don't think this page has enough room. First, the Sensei, Sensai Michael Arab, is fantastic!! (Senpai Lopez is as well!). The class is a mixed level and his skills at teaching reaches everyone in the room. He takes his time to challenge, encourage, push, watch from afar as you work and teach and explain traditional Shotokan movement and movement concepts. I smile in each class watching this true master of the art form teach multiple level classes, approach each student for personal growth and encouragement. I feel truly blessed that I have found his dojo, this traditional form of shotokan karate, this teacher and the fellow students because I am learning so much from a serious teacher. Secondly, the other students in the class have also been warm, welcoming, friendly, and encouraging. They have each taken a moment to introduce themselves and help me when I'm confused or not completely aware of what I was doing. Thirdly, the JKA is inside the Japanese Cultural Center on the second floor and the dojo is steeped in tradition without being intimidating if you have never been in a traditional dojo setting or if you are a beginner. The dojo is clean and comfortable in this setting. It is located 1/2 block west of the Belmont el and super easy to get to. My only complaint - I want to now take class every day and they don't offer classes every day.