Fonseca Martial Arts - Park Ridge

"I am a 47-year-old business professional with zero previous experience in Jiu-Jitsu, martial arts, or wrestling. I took a weekend self-defense class nine-months ago, which is what sparked my interest in Jiu-Jitsu. I tried out two other Dojos before I found Fonseca, and I could not be happier with the program. I have been training for about six months now, and I look forward to every class. Sensei Tony is passionate about the art and it shows in his teaching and attention he gives to his students. You will see the quality of his character is evident even after one class, in the way teaches the right behaviors and attitude to be to grow in the sport, level up, and achieve your goals. I wanted to show my daughter that even middle-aged guys can start something new, and break through limiting beliefs (such as age in my case). The flow and progression from class-to-class is very thoughtful to keep all students engaged despite varying levels of experience. Everyone I have met through Fonseca have been very good training partners and helpful in my growth. My enthusiasm for Jiu-Jitsu has increased tremendously because of this positive community. It is a great outlet after dealing with the pressures of the business world and certainly helped increase my resiliency. I look forward to continuing my training at Fonseca for many years and I would highly recommend anyone of any skill level to try a class."

"Professor Tony has made the return to martial arts very enjoyable. He is a very thoughtful and through in his instruction. His knowledge and ability to breakdown Ju Jitsu techniques into easy to understand parts is outstanding."

"Fonseca has been a wonderful place to learn karate. Both of my children have been attending lessons for over a decade and we couldn’t imagine a place that would encourage them to persevere better. They learn more than just karate. They learn responsibility, resilience, and thoughtfulness. Sensei Jaime has done a terrific job ensuring that they keep wanting to learn and improve."

"After turning 58 years old, I had serious doubts that I could ever get back into the shape I hoped for. I knew that my only chance was to engage in an activity which I loved in order not to feel that working out was drudgery. I looked online and found Fonseca Martial Arts. I am thrilled that I did! I enlisted Tony Kalina, the chief Jiu-Jitsu instructor, as a personal trainer. Together we designed a curriculum which combines fitness and self-defense. Tony is amazing. He is incredibly knowledgeable and proficient in many martial arts and exceptionally adept at explaining the concepts behind the techniques. And he has the patience of a saint. If you want an excellent personal trainer, and to become a part of a great school, look no further. I can’t recommend him highly enough. Thank you Fonseca!"

"My daughter attended a friends birthday party here earlier this year and had the most wonderful time, so we had her 3rd birthday party at the dojo! Sensai Jaime and the whole team do a wonderful job. They played lots of games, taught the kids some great moves, brought my daughter up front to help them show different kicks and punches and the whole crew of 20 kids (ranging 3-9 years old) had a wonderful time. We did the full package and the kids each got to break a board, they organized pizza, fruit and juice and it went off without a hitch. They had my daughter at the table to hand out cupcakes to the kids and they also had her hand out goody bags. It’s so well organized, puts your birthday kid in position to be a great host and engages everyone of all levels. We had never done martial arts before, but we have now joined and are at the dojo every weekend. We love it and cannot recommend enough!"