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Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP
4.5 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Chicago, 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule thousandwaves.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (773) 472-7663
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8 PM |
| Thursday | 12–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–3:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“My children went here years ago and now that they're 21 and 24 it's good to see the principles they learn still with them to this day.”
“Formal in the traditional sense with Kata forms, sparring, meditation, and a well defined syllabus of material taught at all ages.”
“Formal in the traditional sense with Kata forms, sparring, meditation, and a well defined syllabus of material taught at all ages.”
“Yet contemporary with a strong focus on building and serving the community through broad inclusion, self defense outreach programs, and fostering respect for others.”
“It doesn't matter what your level is even if you're a total beginner Do yourself a favor and give this Dojo a shot!”
Other martial arts here
“Yet contemporary with a strong focus on building and serving the community through broad inclusion, self defense outreach programs, and fostering respect for others.”
What students say
“Patient teachers and affordable class options.”
“Skilled senseis, warm and welcoming environment, very friendly atmosphere.”
“Formal in the traditional sense with Kata forms, sparring, meditation, and a well defined syllabus of material taught at all ages.”
“My daughter can't wait to go to classes and I'm confident that many aspects of her life are improved as a result of participation.”
“Yet contemporary with a strong focus on building and serving the community through broad inclusion, self defense outreach programs, and fostering respect for others.”
From the reviews
Much more than a martial arts gym. Formal in the traditional sense with Kata forms, sparring, meditation, and a well defined syllabus of material taught at all ages.
I love Thousand Waves!!! I met my best friend there and I learn a lot to show to my family. I personally love to learn different martial art moves as well as learn a lot of the Japanese traditions they have in japan!
Wonderful dojo. Great place for kids and adults to learn karate. It is really a special place. The people are kind and caring. You learn so much here.
A Thousand Waves is one of the best dojo's I have been to all the teachers are nice and so is the whole staff I recommend for people to come here
New to Karate? Start at Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP
Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP 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 Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site