Everyone at the school is friendly and helpful. We like that the older students help with class. It gives the kids good examples of what they can do. The school is very flexible with lots of class times throughout the week. They are also doing their part to keep kids safe and still requiring masks. This is one of the only outside activities we’ve felt comfortable doing during Covid.

This is a wonderful group of caring dedicated instructors. They can appropriately instruct 3 year olds to 103 year olds.

I used to do Tang soo do in Pennsylvania, but after I moved here I started at TBK. All I can say is that it is an amazing place with such a welcoming atmosphere. Thank you TBK!

We have been members of this studio for years, and during this weird year want to make sure that we acknowledge and renew our support for TBK. We have two children that attend, each with different needs and goals, and both have thrived under their care. It is obvious that they truly care about each child and their family; you are not just another number! Highly recommend!

I have recently achieved my black belt, and I want to say that over the years, true balance karate has been very welcoming, and teaches exceptionally well. 100% recommend!

My kids have been a part of True Balance Karate for a few years now. It’s a great place for young kids to learn about the martial arts and how to be responsible young adults. The instructors are excellent role models as well as knowledgeable teachers. And throughout this Covid pandemic they have continued to keep my children engaged and motivated. They follow all the guidelines for sessions at their studio as well as offering zoom sessions for classes. It’s important to feel comfortable for any activities our children do nowadays, and we definitely feel comfortable with our kids doing sessions at the True Balance Karate Studio where masks and social distancing guidelines are followed. Plus it doesn’t hurt that they constantly remind their students to thank their parents!

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!

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.

My children have been at TBK for 3 years. It is an outstanding place where the owners truly care about the students. My son can sometimes (a lot of the times) struggle with focus but he is never treated badly for it. During the pandemic TBK has gone above and beyond to continue to offer classes on Zoom. My kids are not only learning martial arts but becoming better human beings by being part of the TBK family.

My son has been coming to True Balance Karate (TBK) for a little over two years now. At first, I thought 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 doesnt reflect how much TBKs staff, the owners 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.

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.

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

8/2017 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!Update 1/2021 My daughter is still attending TBK. She still loves her classes. What began as an extra curricular to keep her active has turned into so much more. The character discussions and leadership class have helped teach her how to set and achieve goals. The instructors are amazing. Training at TBK has given her opportunities to grow, learn, and lead that she never would have had without it. 3.5 years later, and I still only have wonderful things to say.

Nice place very friendly and they take great patience with their students.

My family began participating at TBK in December 2012: my son (9) first joined, and more recently my daughter (6) and I started classes. We are not super-athletic folks, but the Helsdons (owners) have gone above and beyond to meet all of our needs and help us succeed. You cannot beat the family-friendly atmosphere, and a program that motivates kids and builds their self-esteem and self-control. Ive watched kids with autism participate, as well as black belts—all are welcome and classes are organized appropriately. You also cant beat the price: you can try a class free, and theres a cap per family. My kids participate in a LOT of activities, and karate at TBK is a keeper!

At TBK I love my teachers and love karate. I am going to try to stay until I get my black belt I made many new friends at TBK. The place makes me happy and strong.A. Mistry

My son Jack (8) began taking Karate 6 months ago with TBK. He has grown in his self confidence and has begun to feel more physically confident as well. I truly appreciate the way that the Helsdens teach the kids. They make it fun while teaching the core principals of karate, they teach the kids about virtues without them knowing it, and they help the kids succeed by providing incentives of many sorts. If you were to ask my son three things he loves about TBK he would say: learning karate is easy with TBK, its super fun, and you learn how to multi-task. We love TBK!