Torriente and Janet taught a phenomenal self defense class for several agents from our real estate office. They made self defense accessible for everyone, despite age, fitness level, and experience. I highly recommend taking a class here to learn how to leverage your body and strength to protect and empower yourself. Will definitely be going back again!

Mind Body Defense is a wonderful, fun, and inclusive place. The classes (in non-pandemic times) are small enough so that you are guaranteed some personal attention, but big enough so you feel you are part of a community. They excel at instructing beginners, so if youve never exercised in your life but want to try something fun, this is the place - but they have the experience to teach seasoned people all the same. They are very conscientious about making sure each and every person feels comfortable. Torriente has a lifetimes knowledge of martial arts and self defense skills and literally has a perfect answer to every question (Ive trained in several martial arts gyms and this isnt always the case). During the pandemic they have found creative ways to keep lovers of kickboxing and self-defense engaged with shorter one-on-one sessions, virtual options and outdoor classes. They are always working hard to support and encourage their clients. Last but not least, kickboxing is FUN!!

My sorority had a virtual self-defense class and I learned SO much and the instructors energy was absolutely amazing!!!! I feel so prepared now, thank you!

Great environment to be in and both instructors were extremely knowledgeable. I look forward to coming back!

Friendly to all levels. This isnt cardio kickboxing. Youll get a workout, sure, but youll also learn real kickboxing and techniques from other arts that fit your style.

Torriente and Janet are truly wonderful people and incredible instructors!! My girlfriend and I had talked for years about doing a self-defense class but never found one that was fitting for the both of us. We found Total Body Defense private Self Defense class which was such an incredible find!Torriente and Janet tailor their classes to the student, and not the student to the class. He is quick from the beginning to make it clear that if you dont feel comfortable or confident in a certain hold, strike, or defense, then there is no need to drill that one to death, because if you dont feel comfortable doing it in practice, then you wont be doing it when time comes to act. Torriente and Janet are incredibly knowledgeable and they are able to teach many different methods that effect the same outcome. If a student is unable to do one thing, they will focus on another that accomplishes the same goal. Overall This is huge for building confidence needed to defend yourself.No matter how weak or uncoordinated you think you are, Torriente will make your inner strength and ability extremely clear to you through this class. They will work with you longer than your class session and in a completely friendly and non-judgmental way that really creates a comfortable environment for learning. By the end of the class you will learn so much and have a skill set that truly makes you feel able to defend yourself, physically and mentally.

I had such a blast my first class. I came in open minded and not really knowing what to expect and left feeling very inspired and empowered. What a fun atmosphere.Its not every day that you get to laugh and punch something in the same day, let alone in the same hour. What a good time.Torriente and Janet are gems who display genuine care for their students and impeccable skill.

I have tried multiple workout classes, but never found one I actually loved until I went to Mind Body Defense. The instructors are very patient and tailor the classes to the individual students that are present that day, rather than just running through the same workout for each session. I can really see how much I have improved from each class.

I had just moved to Chicago and a month later found Mind Body Defense. I’ve been going regularly ever since and love it even more with each class. Torriente creates a safe, empowering environment that is very hard to manifest and encourages mistakes that turn into great learning opportunities. There could be 10 different skill levels in a class and he still is able to give personalized attention and guidance for each person. This is a gym that puts you outside of your comfort zone but makes you feel comfortable while doing it. I recommend this to ANYONE no matter who you are!

After attending one drop-in kickboxing class last fall, I immediately bought a class pass and have been a regular ever since. Torriente and Janet (and all the rest of the community) are excellent teachers; I feel stronger and more in tune with my body than I have in years. Between the instructors and the students, Mind Body Defense has been a wonderfully supportive and respectful community - both in and out of class.Also, I have a mean left hook and roundhouse kick now. Its amazing.Since transitioning to virtual classes during the stay-at-home order, the 1-on-1 attention we receive in regular classes has remained the same. I dont know how Torriente can tell what I am doing with my feet when they arent even in my camera frame, but he can, and he will give you the same excellent guidance as he does in person.Since my first day the classes have been fun, rewarding, and engaging, and I am so excited to continue working with Mind Body Defense.

Torriente gives great attention to each person so that they each get the appropriate experience. Really love that each class isnt jam packed so no one gets lost in the shuffle of things. Great sense of community within the class and its a feel good experience. His class makes you feel that you can improve and nothing will be impossible for long.

If youve been wanting to get into kickboxing then Mind Body Defense is a great place to start. Each class is catered to the individuals skill level.Whether youre a beginner or advanced, you learn from and with each other. What sets this place from others is the fun, safe, and supportive environment youre in. Everyone that attends wants to help bring the best out of you. Its like a family of its own! Torriente is patient, understanding, and really works with you.

Normally, there is no way that I would be interested in kickboxing or self-defense. Tried it a couple of times and started really enjoying myself. Honestly, its Torriente who makes it worth the work. Hes a great, patient teacher, and knows how to get the best out of people. Now taking private boxing lessons.

This is by far the best kickboxing experience I have had! The instructor is very positive and light hearted while pushing you at the same time he individualizes for where each person is in the class. The environment is also very welcoming, supportive and diverse. You walk out feeling stronger every time!

I have taken many martial arts classes, and this is the only one that tailors the class to me, and teaches skills that are applicable to my athletic ability and skill set. The instructor also doesnt have you blindly do different combos bit explains why they work and when to use them. I highly recommend trying it out, no matter what your level of martial arts is.

Great place to learn kickboxing, get to know new friends in the community, and most of all, feel energized and happy! I’ve been here for four classes now, and the experience has been way beyond expectation. I didn’t have any experience in kickboxing (or honestly any form of exercise) and has always been the most awkward and self-conscious person in the gym, so I just thought this place would merely be a part of my New Years resolution —No, it turned out to be so much more than that. Torriente is a very experienced (and skillful) teacher, so you will be leaving each class with not only the moves and techniques, but also some understanding of the system of self-defense and the ability to apply it into real life (just in case you needed it). Anyway, cannot recommend it more!

I had an absolutely fabulous time going to a kickboxing class. Torriente and Janet are incredible instructors. I have always wanted to try kickboxing but hadnt ever done it. I went to a Saturday AM class which consisted of four students including myself. The rest of the students were adult males who had been to classes previously and the environment was very very supportive. They cheered me on and helped me along the way instead of acting superior. The class setting was not intimidating whatsoever like you sometimes feel in other class settings. This place is awesome no matter your skill level. They will answer any questions you have and support you the whole way. Torriente and Janet are also hilarious so be ready for jokes to be cracked and sweat to be dripping. If you have ever been interested in trying kickboxing, I 15/10 recommend starting your journey here.

Torriente is a great martial artist and a better teacher! He truly understands how to get the most out of each student, and how to run a workout efficiently. I started as a complete beginner and never felt out of place or overwhelmed, even while training alongside people with more experience. After a few months worth of lessons I felt far more confident in my ability to defend myself.

The classes here offer a great workout while making you forget that you are working out. The instructor works with individuals at their skill level so beginners (even people who have never thrown a punch before and I know this because I was that person) never feel left out of class like most fitness classes. The people who come to class are great and community minded. They offer encouragement throughout class. The workout also makes you feel powerful and strong.The self-defense classes and workshops are practical and helpful. Every person new to the city or who has ever worried about being assaulted should definitely check these out!

A great place to grow in your fitness goals. Torriente brings a personalized touch to each class, regardless of how big or small. Been going here for over a year now and have seen so many improvements 💪🏽

Great environment in which to learn kickboxing, and learn how to do it well, while having fun and getting a workout. Everyone here is very welcoming and positive and in each class there will be beginners and higher level students so it isnt intimidating. Torriente is great at making the moves accessible and teaching at a pace that will keep you challenged but not overwhelmed. I started in June and I will probably never stop.

Torriente is a great teacher! I love one on one classes with him! He makes you work hard and makes sure you’re doing all the moves correctly! Would totally recommend

Torriente is a fantastic instructor and theres a strong sense of community in his classes. He encourages everyone to ask questions and really takes the time to explain the reason behind every drill. Its hard to leave his classes without sweat on your body and a smile on your face.

This review is LONG overdue. I was a ClassPass user for a while, and loved going to Mind Body Defense classes with Torriente Toliver. I have not been back in a while, due to my crazy schedule, but 100% recommend these kickboxing classes. I love the classes because they feel serious, in a way that a boxing workout class does not. Dont get me wrong--these are a workout. Torriente just makes sure that youre getting a workout AND understanding the art of Kickboxing. Youre gaining a skill, not just breaking a sweat.

Wonderful teacher and experience. The kick-boxing class is fun, intense, and really for every level of experience. I will go back and would recommend it to anyone.

Torriente was a great instructor. He was able to tailor the class to each students skill level and we all left more knowledgeable and confident in self defense techniques. Would take again.

AMAZING! Torriente Toliver is a great instructor that keeps you motivated and moving while also teaching you the proper techniques. It is a very personal and intimate atmosphere where you truly feel like he is working directly to help you. Classes are good sizes and each class is different. I favorite thing about Mind Body Defense is that he works with you as you grow. Classes start challenging and he modifies each individual work out depending on their level. Highly Recommend!

I stumbled upon this opportunity to get into Kickboxing through a Groupon and I am so glad I did! Let me start off by saying I am a complete newbie for kickboxing - No prior classes and super green to what I was walking into. Mind Body Defense offers fantastic classes and really breaks down the movements for you! Classes are smaller which I appreciate as you can learn from others and still get 1:1 attention. You aren’t just in a gym hitting a bag following the motions. You are always practicing 1:1 with someone with mits to get a true understanding of the movements and where to aim. I always learn something new in every class and always leave sweaty from a great workout and with a smile because it makes me feel empowered! Thanks for getting me hooked Mind Body Defense!

Torriente was a very knowledgeable self defense instructor, whos obviously passionate about martial arts and it shows though! I liked the fact that he had us practice different moves with different partners. I felt I got a workout in the class, as well as learned some important moves that while I hope I never have to use, make me feel more powerful & safe, in case of an emergency.

Torriente is fantastic! I was nervous starting a new class, but he makes you feel very welcome and at ease. Hes a patient teacher, and helps you feel like the best version of you you can be. I highly suggest this class!!!! You feel great afterwards :)

Torriente is an excellent self defense instructor. He works with you individually to determine the style or mix of styles best for you without being tied to a particular method

This is not a cookie cutter self defense class. The instructor is patient, fun and sociable, but still means business and uses the entire class period for student development. No time wasting filler, but you get good workouts, useful information, uplifting feedback and a sense of team comradary with your classmates. What I like most about the instructor is he doesnt try to drill techniques in me that clearly dont work well for me. He teaches a variety of similar techniques per lesson and helps you reinforce the ones that work for you. Last, he developed his class to teach you the most in the shortest amount of time. You dont have to stay for 10 years to learn how to defend yourself. A few sessions and you have very strong basics learned. BUT if you want to stay committed to yourself and his class, you never stop growing. I highly recommend his class.

Ive attended group classes at other places--gyms, yoga studios, etc--and usually end up only going once because I felt so uncomfortable. I had been looking for new ways to get in shape that would be different, fun, and hold me accountable, so I [nervously] signed up for 10 classes here after reading reviews from people who sounded just as nervous at first. Ive only been to 2 classes so far, but Mind Body Defense is so different and so worth it! The classes are small (first class there were 4 of us, second class there were 2), so its really more like personal training than a typical group class. Torriente is really great about explaining and showing correct form, making sure you understand, and pushing you just enough to get there. Ive never felt any shame of telling him I need a break/breather/stretch. I was also nervous at first seeing much more advanced students, but theyre very helpful, not at all judgmental, and Torriente does a great job splitting the group up so each person can work on their individual needs/skills. Im currently going once a week to keep myself accountable, but hoping to eventually move up to going 2-3 a week!

Been taking classes from Torriente for over 2 years. He brings out the best in every one and I’m stronger faster and mor confident in my ability to deal with escalating situations.

I love going to Mind Body Defense. I found it through Class Pass, which I use because I spend half my time in Denver. Now that I know something like MBD exists, Im so frustrated because I cannot find the same experience in Denver! The workouts are customized to you, and progressive across classes. Torriente builds on what you have learned previously, and what I love is that you are also working against other people, not a punching bag. Its a great workout, but you also fall in love with the sport and want to become a better boxer.

I work for Reside Living, a property management company in Chicago, and we had the pleasure of bringing in a group of residents to one of Torriente’s self-defense workshops at Mind Body Defense. This workshop went above and beyond any similar event that I’ve been to. Torriente gave all of us (all women) context for what we should look for before any situation gets out of hand – starting with establishing our boundaries and what to do if someone gets in our space, even if it is a harmless situation. No one ever thinks to go that far into teaching self-defense. I don’t think any of us had ever thought about what our boundaries are in that way, and it was a great question to answer. He truly cares about each and every student and has an outlined agenda, but if the students that day have particular questions he will take the time to answer those questions, no matter how much time it takes. The workshops are all about the students, and it’s obvious that this is Torriente’s passion. It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it. We will definitely be back.

I, 56, did not work out at all in the last two decades, started kickboxing 6 month ago with Mind Body Defense. I never thought about doing material arts but find a great full body workout every time I am in class.In an relaxing, no pushing environment Torriente always tailors all exercises to the level each student needs.He is just what the doctor recommends.Ja sure, there are side effects. I experienced: loss of back pain in the morning, more flexibility, stronger muscles, weight loss, longer endurance and I can kick and box I never thought possible.I know I am still a beginner and there is much more to learn.What I try to tell you?Please do not be selfish and come to the classes. Give me the opportunity to take all of Torrientes attention.

Classes are awesome, you can notice your improvement and progress in couple of weeks, instructor is excellent, he works with you side by side with all student as well as collaborative workout.

Amazing instructor, great classes and really accessable for all skill levels!

Amazing!!! Best place ever, the instructor really works with you. I will keep coming back!!!! Great place!!!