Includes videos demonstrating fun activities that help improve your child's FOCUS and SELF-CONTROL! The martial art of karate is all about balance: we learn when to be still and when to strike, when to use tension and when to relax, when to be serious-and when it's OK to be a little silly. 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.
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.
Services
We're working extensively on our students' classroom management skills - including their ability to listen and follow a lesson, bring themselves back from distractions, and stay actively engaged in a classroom. Our students quickly develop strong habits of discipline and respect while having a ton of fun.
True Balance Karate is family-owned, part of a greater World Tang Soo Do Association family, and eager to welcome new students into the TBK family that has been part of our Downers Grove community since 2012. The staff understands each student's journey to black belt is unique, and they'll help you find the balance to meet your challenges and achieve your goals-and have fun doing it!
Learn karate through fun and friendly instruction! Classes are scheduled by age and skill level (beginners from preschool to middle school are welcome); participating in two classes a week is recommended. In addition to learning karate techniques, improving physical fitness, and learning self-defense skills, students also build confidence, focus, respect, cooperation, resilience, and leadership skills as they work toward black belt.
There is no shortage of choices in activities for kids. The challenge is finding the right fit, both for your child and your family. TBK offers a balanced approach to teaching karate, keeping kids active and engaged, both physically and mentally, while they build strength and confidence. Your child will thrive regardless of athletic ability, and you'll see a personal transformation on and off the mat as they learn the martial art of Tang Soo Do.
What brings you to the mat? Maybe you're looking for a new fitness routine to keep you moving, or self-defense techniques to feel safer and more confident. Maybe you practiced martial arts in the distant or not-too-distant past and you want it to be part of your life again. Or you've been inspired by a friend-or one of your kids!-who really wants to train together.
Reviews (10)
Apollonia Ponticiello
Oct 17, 2021
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Our daughter has now been going to TBK for almost a year and loves it! She’s progressed to Level 1 since starting. And it’s all to the credit of the studio and the Masters, other instructors (shout out to Ms Lola) and staff. Besides the obvious karate instruction the character growth, respect and personal development taught and learned has been impressive. In addition to karate classes there is always something FUN like drop off summer Fridays and parent date night. Overall we’re very happy and we would highly recommend TBK!
Nik B.
Aug 19, 2021
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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.
Rajiv Singh
Feb 04, 2021
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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
Nathan Plush Nation Here Macht
Jan 02, 2021
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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
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
Lani Nishi
Oct 10, 2020
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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
Jamie Januszyk
Sep 18, 2020
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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!
Susanne Johnson
Jul 28, 2020
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
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.
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.
Static Waffle
Jul 21, 2020
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Jami Caldwell
Jun 12, 2020
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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
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
Lisa Ryan
Sep 23, 2014
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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 Helsden's 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, it's super fun, and you learn how to multi-task." We love TBK!
