On behalf of the entire Fonseca Martial Arts staff and student body, welcome to our dojo. More than a place to practice martial arts - the dojo - place of the way, filled with physicality, beauty, and mysticism, is the entrance to a world of self-discovery and realization.
For those who grace it with their presence and dedication, perseverance and hard work, integrity and commitment, it is the place to Discover The Champion Within and their home away from home.Here, through arduous training, successes and failures, you will practice to always give your best. You will adopt the tenets of the Bushido code: integrity, respect, courage, honor, compassion, honesty, and loyalty.
For those who grace it with their presence and dedication, perseverance and hard work, integrity and commitment, it is the place to Discover The Champion Within and their home away from home.Here, through arduous training, successes and failures, you will practice to always give your best. You will adopt the tenets of the Bushido code: integrity, respect, courage, honor, compassion, honesty, and loyalty.
Services
If you refer a friend and that friend signs up for a membership, you get a free month of classes. No! When you buy a membership, you're paying to enjoy all of the classes Fonseca Martial Arts offers to its members. So if you want to try karate, kobudo, jiu jitsu, and kickboxing, we think you should be able to do just that.
The dojo kun is a set of rules that applies to a karateka's behavior at the dojo, as well as their life. We recite the dojo kun during each class as a reminder to live both humbly and respectfully, to behave with integrity, and to always put forth our best effort. Karate is more than just a way to work out, it's a character building experience.
I am writing this review after our family moved from Park Ridge to another town and a 1.5 years' experience of our son going to karate classes with Sensei Jaime. Words are not enough to describe how wonderful Sensei Jaime and his team have been, and what a positive impact they've had on our son's life.
Karate training brings more than just the physical rewards of increased stamina, coordination, balance, and flexibility. Karate students also develop discipline, focus, respect for others, and goal setting skills. Studies have shown that children who do karate often show significant improvement in concentration and self-discipline - both in school and at home.
Adult Karate is a fun and challenging exercise routine, as well as a great alternative to traditional gym workouts. Our adult classes build strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. Students learn about the history and philosophy of the art of karate and grow to appreciate both its origins and meaning in their own lives.
Reviews (16)
Lidia Hadarean
Oct 03, 2019
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Mike R.
Feb 02, 2019
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Amazing team, keeps the kids engaged and learning at every level. Sensei Dave is the best. Our two kids look forward to every session. Their background and qualifications are beyond impressive, and they still make it relatable for kids at all levels and celebrate every accomplishment.
The check in process is easy and there is a great seating arrangement for parents to watch.
The check in process is easy and there is a great seating arrangement for parents to watch.
Pedro Chavez
Dec 10, 2018
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Charity
Aug 28, 2018
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Love Fonseca in Park Ridge! My oldest comes here and we've seen an improvement in her listening and focusing skills. She loves karate class! Sensei Jaime is wonderful with kids...perfect balance of a strong leader and teacher but who can still be silly and goofy with kids. Our oldest loves karate so much that we had her birthday party here and it was fantastic. The kids had the best time and Senseis Jaime and Dan worked hard to make sure the kids had fun and learned.
Tim Schmitt
Jul 23, 2018
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Congratulations to Sensei's John and Elisa Fonseca, Sensei Jaime Gamboa, and the entire #FMA Staff on the Grand Opening of their beautiful Park Ridge Dojo. Stop in for a free trial class. Learn what it takes to be an FMA Champion.
Hint: It starts with Integrity, Respect, Courage, Honor, Compassion, Honesty and Loyalty #BushidoCode
My almost 6 yr old has been going to the Evanston Dojo since he was 3. Sensei Jaime is responsible for his love of Karate.
Highly recommend FMA for kids, and adults alike .
Hint: It starts with Integrity, Respect, Courage, Honor, Compassion, Honesty and Loyalty #BushidoCode
My almost 6 yr old has been going to the Evanston Dojo since he was 3. Sensei Jaime is responsible for his love of Karate.
Highly recommend FMA for kids, and adults alike .
Elliot R.
May 14, 2018
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My son had been going to Fonseca for 2+ years and loves it.
The senseis are very knowledgeable both about karate and how to work with children. They expect a lot and challenge the kids to chin the bar but always go the extra mile to help kids who may need more instruction. They have no concerns about correcting poor behavior but more often go above and beyond to call out excellent behavior. The kids as I've seen truly appreciate this approach.
David and Javier at Wilmette are great and we truly appreciate their work and the way they run the dojo.
The senseis are very knowledgeable both about karate and how to work with children. They expect a lot and challenge the kids to chin the bar but always go the extra mile to help kids who may need more instruction. They have no concerns about correcting poor behavior but more often go above and beyond to call out excellent behavior. The kids as I've seen truly appreciate this approach.
David and Javier at Wilmette are great and we truly appreciate their work and the way they run the dojo.
Laurie F.
Apr 05, 2018
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I began taking adult classes at the Wilmette dojo in January 2016, over a year after my daughter started as a Little Dragon. The manager, Dave is very helpful and approachable. Each sensei relates well to children as well as adults. Since there are several reviews of parents of young kids available, I wanted to highlight my experience as an adult learner.
After falling into the mom trap of putting everyone else's needs first, I was out of shape and bored with other forms of "working out". Being impressed with everyone at Fonseca, I decided to give it a try and began attending adult
After falling into the mom trap of putting everyone else's needs first, I was out of shape and bored with other forms of "working out". Being impressed with everyone at Fonseca, I decided to give it a try and began attending adult
Erinn M.
Mar 31, 2018
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We had wanted to find something that could teach our 4 yr old some skills that we felt would help him navigate through his life. This dojo is simply perfect. I smile as I watch our son work on his listening skills and use his strength and make accomplishments and see his confidence as he progresses and gets better. His face as he came home with his yellow belt was worth all the money in the world. He earned it and he felt pride. He is proud of his strength and I am proud of what he is learning. There is a fine line between having kids follow you as a teacher and their respect for you. They
Rebecca W.
Mar 19, 2018
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My 8 year old daughter has been training at Fonseca in Wilmette for 2 months and she felt welcome in the dojo from her very first class. The Senseis make each class challenging and fun, somehow finding time to support and encourage every student no matter their level. She is growing stronger and more confident every week!
Tellin It Like It I. S.
Mar 10, 2018
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Berni T.
Mar 10, 2018
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Fred G.
Mar 08, 2018
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Sarah O.
Mar 07, 2018
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What can I say, I signed my son up when he was 4. Hoping he'd learn to follow direction from someone other than me, make some new friends, gain knowledge of a new discipline and have fun. He has learned all of the above and much more in just over a year and a half. He discovered that he loves karate and chooses to attend at least 3 classes most weeks.
The sensei's are all passionate about their sport and that shines through in every class they teach. He's learning first hand what hard work, discipline and commitment can bring. He continues to learn life lessons that he takes with
The sensei's are all passionate about their sport and that shines through in every class they teach. He's learning first hand what hard work, discipline and commitment can bring. He continues to learn life lessons that he takes with
Kari F.
Mar 06, 2018
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We had been told for years to try Karate. Unfortunately, we listened to those who had not tried before, thinking that it would bring out aggressive tendencies in our kids and that they'd be practicing in each other all the time. We wish we had not listened to these people.
Fonseca has been such a wonderful oasis for my kids. Let's begin with the heart and soul of the program: the amazing Sensei's. These men and women are such wonderful role models. They are always supportive, energized, and keep the class moving. They focus on the importance of character foremost rather than
Fonseca has been such a wonderful oasis for my kids. Let's begin with the heart and soul of the program: the amazing Sensei's. These men and women are such wonderful role models. They are always supportive, energized, and keep the class moving. They focus on the importance of character foremost rather than
Lia R.
Mar 05, 2018
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Erica A.
Feb 21, 2017
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Our daughter has been attending this dojo since last august and we are VERY impressed. She took t/th classes in Brazilian martial arts summer and Fall. but also started a weekly self defense class in the fall (so eventually three nights a week became too much, given the demands of high school). now she is only doing the self-defense class, which is terrific. Very small, very focused and very useful. The class balances street smarts info with a lot of practice of defensive moves. We could not be happier...our daughter's only wish is that she could be going three nights a week!
