About Us
Online Special Offer
3 Classes for 19.99!
About Our Business
True Balance Karate provides a warm, welcoming, fun atmosphere for both the most reluctant and motivated students. Its owners and instructors share their passion and expertise in the art of Tang Soo Do, helping individuals gain skills to grow physically and personally.
Whether you consider yourself a natural athlete or athletically-challenged, the folks at TBK see your potential, and support you in accomplishing your goals. Physical fitness and self-defense are typical benefits of practicing martial arts. But students also experience the transformational effects of building confidence, focus, respect, cooperation, resilience, and leadership skills that last a lifetime, on and off the mat.
Every student becomes part of the TBK family and part of the greater Tang Soo Do community. We challenge each other, inspire each other, and encourage each other. We learn to be good partners without hurting each other. And every student makes us stronger, whether 3-years-old or 83-years-old!
Join TBK and take part in a martial art spanning more than 2,000 years. Discover your inner martial artist and become a fierce warrior, a determined competitor, and a knowledgeable steward of an ancient tradition that lives on through each of us.
Learn More About Our Owners
Master Susan Helsdon
Master Susan Helsdon, co-owner and head of curriculum development, began her martial arts training in Tang Soo Do in 2000, and was awarded fourth degree master in 2019.
To help differentiate from her husband, students refer to her as Master H, following the tradition of instructors Masters I (Masters Holly and Michael Inoshita of Elmhurst Tang Soo Do).
Master H is a certified instructor with the World Tang Soo Do Association and a certified judge. Along with Tang Soo Do, she also has trained in Shotokan Karate, Kung Fu, and Qi Gong. Her teaching experience comes directly from the classroom: she was previously a certified special education teacher at the primary and intermediate grades and holds two master’s degrees in education.
Educating and inspiring students continues to be her passion, and she regularly applies her classroom experience to the training floor through engaging lessons, thoughtful questions, and positive instruction.
Master Paul Helsdon
Master Paul Helsdon, co-owner and head instructor, began his Tang Soo Do martial arts training in 1997, and was awarded his fourth degree master belt in 2018.
Master Helsdon is a World Tang Soo Do Association certified instructor, as well as a certified judge. He has trained in several other martial arts including Hapkido, Shotokan Karate, Kung Fu, and Filipino Martial Arts, and is proficient in many martial arts weapons including staff, sword, short sticks, knife, and rope.
A life-long learner, he continues to train with masters from all over the world. This unique experience, as well as his positive energy and extensive martial arts knowledge—and enjoyment sharing both—helps him keep students of all ages engaged and interested in a variety of lessons.
Why Choose True Balance Karate?
Positive and encouraging environment for everyone to learn and grow in martial arts and in life.
Here at True Balance Karate we are so much more than punching and kicking. We concentrate on the whole person, building the students confidence and discipline from the inside out. Our students of all ages feel safe, welcomed, and challenged to be better people. From our SEL program, True Character, to our weekly black belt attitude word (like black belt focus), to our fast paced and exciting lesson plans, you will learn from the beginning of class until the end(and sweat too). True Balance Karate offers programs for pre school kids, school age kids, and teens and adults. Fill out a form or give us a call to find the class that fits you best.
Building tomorrows leaders one black belt at a time
"Everything rises and falls on leadership" - John Maxwell
Leaders are not born, they are created. We incorporate leadership lessons and opportunities right from the start. Then by the time our students are in middle school they can confidently lead a room full of adults. We have a firm belief that everyone can be a leader if they are motivated to learn. Schedule a time to meet a True Balance Karate instructor and start your leadership journey today!
Our Martial Arts Team Takes Great Pride In The Reviews We Receive
See What Our Community Members Say About Our Programs
Mike Veselka
My kid has gained so much more confidence in herself since she started here she loves it and can’t wait to keep continuing on to earn her black belt and beyond!!!
Kate Vabalaitis
True Balance has been so great for my son! He’s gaining confidence and really enjoying himself. All of the instructors are so kind and work so well with the students.
Chirag Darji
My son enjoys karate so much that whenever he hears dance music, he breaks out his favorite karate moves, and it’s amazing to see. The way the team at TBK has instilled confidence and power into my son has been very encouraging to watch, as he has decided to enter the leadership program and work towards the first degree black belt. It will be a long road ahead, but in the 18 months we’ve been here, the growth has been tremendous, and can’t wait to see what he does next.