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MBD Martial Arts Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 158 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Des Plaines, Illinois
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 3–17) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mbdmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (847) 297-2788
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“My son thrives on positive reinforcement and Sensei Mike does a great job of pointing out when kids are following directions, doing moves correctly, and giving their best effort.”
“The Muay Thai class for adults is getting better each week with all those incremental lessons that build upon with each class.”
“Sensei Mike is phenomenal with little kids as well as teens.”
“Very family oriented, individualized, and personal training.”
“He has so much fun at his sessions, and is learning better self-discipline and self-defense.”
Other martial arts here
“We have been doing BJJ for about 3 years and karate before that.”
“The Muay Thai class for adults is getting better each week with all those incremental lessons that build upon with each class.”
“He has so much fun at his sessions, and is learning better self-discipline and self-defense.”
What students say
“My son thrives on positive reinforcement and Sensei Mike does a great job of pointing out when kids are following directions, doing moves correctly, and giving their best effort.”
“They are very welcoming, they teach you very practical self defense maneuvers/tips, they’re involved in the community, offer free classes, birthday parties, scout events and more.”
“They are very welcoming, they teach you very practical self defense maneuvers/tips, they’re involved in the community, offer free classes, birthday parties, scout events and more.”
“Plus, he’s learning the basics of self-defense, which I think is super important these days.”
“My son thrives on positive reinforcement and Sensei Mike does a great job of pointing out when kids are following directions, doing moves correctly, and giving their best effort.”
“The community at MBD Martial Arts is fantastic—everyone is supportive, kind, and respectful, which makes it such a positive and motivating place for my son to learn.”
From the reviews
I have been at MBD for over 10 years now and have found it to be an excellent school for both kids and adults. They offer several martial arts with no pressure to sign a long term contract. The instruction is excellent and is for all fitness levels; there is no judgement and no pushy intimidating instructors.
We love MBD! My 9 year old son started taking karate classes twice an week almost one year ago and has so far moved up from a white belt to a yellow belt! He has so much fun at his sessions, and is learning better self-discipline and self-defense. He’s looking forward to one day becoming a black belt!
My son’s been doing MBD for a little over a year now, and the results are amazing. We signed him up mainly for his health, and it’s really paid off — he’s stronger, more energetic, and a lot more confident. I also love the discipline and how the coaches work with the kids.
I am beyond impressed with my son’s experience at MBD Martial Arts. In just one month, he has learned so much and has truly developed a passion for karate. He looks forward to every class and is excited to continue improving his skills.
New to Karate? Start at MBD Martial Arts Academy
MBD Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at MBD Martial Arts Academy
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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