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True Balance Karate

4.9 ★★★★★ 124 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Downers Grove, Illinois

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule truebalancekarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 630-663-2000

Hours

Monday 4–9 pm
Tuesday 4–9 pm
Wednesday 4–9 pm
Thursday 4–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 am–12 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at True Balance Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 29 mentions

“My daughter is highly anxious and self-critical so a lot of times any sports activities are just not in the cards.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“TBK is more than just learning self-defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at True Balance Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo

“I had a background in martial arts from my youth, having done Tae Kwon Do for 10 years.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“TBK is more than just learning self-defense.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 124 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 21 mentions

“Over the years, my son and I came to class, made friends, and went to regional tournaments, which are part competition, part beautiful ceremony, and part large family reunion.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“I’ve noticed my child becoming more confident, focused, and excited to practice at home and even show what they’ve learned to family.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“Over the years, my son and I came to class, made friends, and went to regional tournaments, which are part competition, part beautiful ceremony, and part large family reunion.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 30 mentions

“Also, the fact that it’s as much (if not more) about teaching kids critical life lessons like independence, respect, confidence, etc, as it is about learning karate moves.”

From the reviews

TBK is my second home, and my favorite place to be. I started training here 8 years ago, along with my son. I had a background in martial arts from my youth, having done Tae Kwon Do for 10 years. I love the sense of community, leadership, and life skills that TBK offers.

★★★★★ — Jordan, Jun 2022

True Balance Karate has been immeasurably valuable for our family. Initially we signed our very high spirited 4 year old son up to curb some of the challenges that come with having such a wonderfully outgoing child. He needed discipline, and body control.

★★★★★ — Morgan, Jan 2026

As a parent of 4 kids, I couldn’t be more impressed with True Balance Karate. My children have been attending classes here for a while and I'm very impressed with the growth I’ve seen.

★★★★★ — Chris, May 2025

My daughter has been attending True Balance Karate for the past year, and we’re so happy with her progress! Over this time, she has become more confident, disciplined, and focused. The instructors are truly wonderful — patient, encouraging, and always creating a positive atmosphere for the kids.

★★★★★ — Sureshmi, Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 124 reviews →

Your first Karate class at True Balance Karate

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find True Balance Karate

406 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL60515

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.