“This school has great physical activity options for both adults and seniors. No matter what your background in martial arts (if any), you'll find their approach founded in the best learning principles: comprehensive lesson planning, demonstration, repetition, feedback, patience, encouragement, and fun.”

“Our family has been going to True Balance Karate for a few years and it has been fantastic. The Masters Helsdon take pride in their studio and have created an environment filled with respect, compassion, dedication, and honor. All ages are welcome and the flexible class schedules make it easy to make karate a part of your life. This is a positive learning environment that turns people into leaders. The belt system allows everyone to learn at their own pace, and if you are looking to get into the competitive aspect, there are a couple of tournaments per year which are a good time. Seriously, you should come give it a try. It's a fun place with kind people that want to share their excitement about karate with you.”

“This place is awesome! We found them through the PTO and they are great with kids. The sessions are a great mix of teaching, exercise, motivation, and confidence building. It has done wonders for my daughter.”

“TBK is my second home, and my favorite place to be. I started training here 8 years ago, along with my son. I had a background in martial arts from my youth, having done Tae Kwon Do for 10 years. I love the sense of community, leadership, and life skills that TBK offers. Over the years, my son and I came to class, made friends, and went to regional tournaments, which are part competition, part beautiful ceremony, and part large family reunion. I'm 52 and still going strong, and I'm going to test for my second degree black belt soon. I hope to be part of the TBK family forever.”

The staff are well-versed in helping students of all ages achieve the skill level the student desires. I have been especially impressed during the COVID-19 pandemic to observe them using remote learning tools to actively engage and provide real-time feedback to students training offsite.

Such a welcoming and growth minded community. We appreciate how comfortable our daughter feels here and how the lessons from the team expand beyond just karate.

“I just wanted to mention that both my son; 8 year old, and my daughter 6 year old came to True Balance Karate a little over a year ago, didn't know anything about karate, and the true balance team has been so helpful in introducing them to karate, keeping them motivated by karate and really you know kind of guiding them in the proper direction. They enjoy it, they look forward to it and as parents we really feel like the team here is really molding our children well.”

My kids love TBK! We’ve been going there for about 3 months. They love all the instructors and the classes are not just about karate, but being a decent person (e.g. helping with chores, listening to adults, taking care of others). Of course with the added benefit of getting to kick/punch things and burn off energy. Classes are really beautifully structured, but fluid so new kids can start anytime. Love them!

“My daughter started karate at True Balance Karate in the spring. Within a couple of weeks we noticed she was more respectful, better focused, and more confident. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the instructors and positive family atmosphere here!”

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.

I recently relocated to this area of Chicago and was looking to get back in to the study of martial arts. I had been searching for quite some time for the right studio. I had questions on transferring my previous experience in a different style, curriculum, testing requirements, etc. My questions were more than answered during a phone conference with one of the owners. Later on, my daughter joined TBK and loves every minute of it. They teach more than just karate - character development, discipline, humility, respect, customs, traditions, and history, all in a safe, supportive, non-aggressive family and training atmosphere. COVID-19 has also presented a host of challenges, all of which TBK overcame with originality and in compliance with the ever changing set of rules. Highly recommend!

“Our son started at TBK almost a year ago. He is learning goal setting and leadership skills. The program works at each child’s pace. The life skills the owners and instructors incorporate into each class really provide valuable lessons for my son. We went in trying it out for 3 months. We can not imagine our son anywhere else! Thank you TBK for making us feel like family!”