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October 2023 by Nadezhda Vinogradova
I've been taking classes at Fonseca in Evanston and Wilmette for about six years, and clearly it's because I enjoy the environment, the people, and the teaching! If possible, I'd like to ask that Fonseca not move the Sunday morning class with Sensei Salgado to Highland Park. This is too far of a drive for me to do weekly! The Sunday morning class in Wilmette is a great group and I think we all benefit from Sensei Salgado's patient teaching. The way he explains and illustrates the techniques and gives us individual feedback has really helped me grow and understand the movements and their applications, where strikes hit an opponent, how to block effectively or take down someone larger than me... I would really be disappointed to miss the Sunday 10:15AM Wilmette class with Sensei Salgado, but Highland Park is just too much of a drive.Thank you!Nadia
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May 2023 by Shana Orczyk Sissel
Honestly I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca Martial Arts. I enrolled my son for the Little Dragons program about 2 years ago when he was 6 years old. The transformation I have seen in him through his development in karate is nothing short of incredible.He's moved quickly through the program, made the transition from Little Dragons to the Youth Program & now he's a member of the junior competition team. All of the instructors are phenomenal with the kids. The classes remain fun and age appropriate while still maintaining the discipline and respect that are the hallmarks of karate. My son participates in the quarterly Dojo Duels to help refine his skills in a low pressure competition environment. Dojo Duels are a fun introduction to competitive karate, allowing students to learn about competition in a very fun way. All the participants are recognized and receive medals, but they still recognize the top competitors in every age group as well. You can really go as far as you want with Fonseca. If you want to learn & compete at an international/ Olympic level you can, as many Fonseca students compete on the world stage. John Fonseca himself is a legend in the sport and you will find him working in all the dojo locations and providing the students with his expertise. My son never misses an opportunity to to train with Sensei Fonseca. In fact, my son competed in the Fonseca Cup last fall. It was his first high pressure competition. He didn't place and he was devastated. Sensei Fonseca saw him devastated and distraught. He took my son aside and gave him an epic pep talk that changed everything and was the catalyst that led my son to want to join the competition team.We love Sensei Dave at the Wilmette Dojo, he clearly cares about his students and really invests his time in their development. My son often arrives early or stays after class (by choice) because he is so eager to learn from him. Sensei JC is also a big hit with my son. He teaches class in Wilmette 3x a week & he's also one of the competition coaches.We've taken advantage of the private lesson opportunities (at my son's request) so he can perform at his best in competition. He will be participating his first AAU tournament in a few weeks. He has his team Fonseca gear, he knows he has the best coaches supporting him & he loves every moment. That's how I know it's the best dojo around, it fostered a real love and passion for the sport in my 8 year old.
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May 2023 by debora perez
We have the best experience with Karate classes since we started coming to this dojo. My son loves coming to his classes and he has learned a lot and improved his behavior and self control also. Thank you very much to Fonseca Martial arts and all the teachers for their patience while teaching the kiddos!!!
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April 2023 by Bridget Tucek
My daughter has learned so much about the art of karate at this dojo in a relatively short period of time! The Sensei are all extremely caring and knowledgeable and they ensure that classes are run efficiently and compassionately. Students of different levels work together to mentor one another and learn new skills. Truly a wonderful experience watching my daughter learn from her Sensei and other classmates who are so passionate about what they do!
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April 2023 by Kimberly Baker
We absolutely love fonseca martial arts. Sensei Dave has been so kind and patient with our 5 year old who has rare genetic disorder and attentional difficulties. He’s learned so much, and most importantly, he has fun. Our 3 year old daughter also takes classes there and it’s really helping her confidence. It’s been such a positive experience, and we can’t recommend it enough!
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April 2023 by Rohit Kapuria
Great location, amazing sensei. Sensei Dave is phenomenal. My son has been coming here for two years and has grown a lot during his time at the dojo. Very patient and teach good skills.
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September 2022 by Shana S.
Honestly I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca Martial Arts. I enrolled my son for lessons about a year ago when he was 6 years old. The transformation I have seen in him through his development in karate is nothing short of incredible. He's moved quickly through the program and has now moved into the intermediate level class. All of the instructors are phenomenal with the kids. The classes remain fun and age appropriate while still maintaining the discipline and respect that are the hallmarks of karate. My son participated in his very first "Dojo Duel" last spring and loved it. Dojo Duels are a fun introduction to competitive karate, allowing students to learn about competition in a very fun way. All the participants are recognized and receive medals, but they still recognize the top competitors in every age group as well. You can really go as far as you want with Fonseca. If you want to learn & compete at an international/Olympic level you can, as many Fonseca students compete on the world stage. John Fonseca himself is a legend in the sport and you will find him working in all the dojo locations and providing the students with his expertise. We love Sensei Dave at the Wilmette Dojo, he clearly cares about his students and really invests his time in their development. My son often arrives early or stays after class (by choice) because he is so eager to learn from him. He also has taken private lessons (again by his own request) so he can perform at his best in competition. He will be participating in another Dojo Duel this fall and then his first major competition, the Fonseca Cup. This place is the real deal, you will not regret sending your child.
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December 2021 by Walker Lawrence
The team at Fonseca in Wilmette do a terrific job teaching the kids in a fun and safe environment. It is clear that Sensei David cares very much about his students and enjoys teaching the kids.
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December 2021 by sam candler
Terrific place! Both kids really enjoy coming here. Sensei Dave has a great rapport with the kids. Great way to keep kids active and learn discipline/self-control in a fun and healthy environment
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December 2018 by Charlie Burt
Sensai David is handing his martial arts business in a big way at this dojo. My children are internalizing discipline, respect, hard work, self control and most importantly self esteem. Sensai David has a great rapport with the kids as well as making developmentally appropriate demands on them. And my kids even get to learn self defense in the process!
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December 2018 by krystina adamko
So much fun for kids ! Amazing sensei !!!
