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National Karate & Martial Arts Naperville
5 ★★★★★ 197 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Naperville, 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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule chicagonk.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 630-581-1500
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4–9 pm |
| Friday | 4–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Sensei Mazzola really knows how to interact and teach the kids ok their level to make sure they genuinely learn each move along with learning together amongst their piers.”
“The classes are engaging and focus strongly on practical self-defense while maintaining the right level of discipline.”
“My three kids trialed a beginner class at National Karate for 3 sessions and loved it!”
Other martial arts here
“The classes are engaging and focus strongly on practical self-defense while maintaining the right level of discipline.”
What students say
“Sensei John is a great teacher and the boys have really grown attached to Karate and have really shown growth and discipline.”
“Mazolla and his team are fantastic with the kids, welcoming, attentive, and great at making sure everyone stays engaged and involved.”
“We’re so grateful to be part of the National Karate family and highly recommend them to any family looking for an activity that builds character, leadership, and lifelong skills.”
“Great class my son loves it would definitely recommend it the senseis are great and work with the kids in areas they need help with also very affordable”
“Since my daughter started training here, we’ve seen such an incredible transformation in her confidence, focus, discipline, and respect for others.”
From the reviews
5/5. I highly recommend this school for families, and adults. My father, Master Mazzola, and Master Nelson have been incredible sensei’s in my life. Not only do we have an opportunity to train at this school but National Karate has many schools to where students can learn and develop their skills with the other…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We couldn’t be happier with our experience at National Karate & Martial Arts Naperville! Since my daughter started training here, we’ve seen such an incredible transformation in her confidence, focus, discipline, and respect for others.
John Mazzola is amazing! When I contacted him about setting up a karate demonstration for students, he offered to lead 2 self-defense classes!!! John found ways for every student who wanted to participate, to do so on their own terms. He showed patience, kindness, and acceptance for all.
Hands down BEST Karate school in the Chicagoland area. My 3 boys love Sensei Mazzola and his classes. Sensei Mazzola really knows how to interact and teach the kids ok their level to make sure they genuinely learn each move along with learning together amongst their piers.
New to Karate? Start at National Karate & Martial Arts Naperville
National Karate & Martial Arts Naperville comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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 National Karate & Martial Arts Naperville
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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