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United Martial Arts Academy - Loves Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 25 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Loves Park, Illinois
Style / system: Olympic / World Taekwondo · Kukkiwon-certified — based on the school's own site and student reviews. Taekwondo systems (Olympic/World Taekwondo, ITF, and ATA/Songahm) differ in forms, sparring rules, and tournaments; if lineage matters to you, confirm it with the school. ATA vs WT vs ITF, explained →
Affiliated school — reviews and the school's own info point to a recognized taekwondo organization or franchise (think ATA Martial Arts, Kukkiwon certification, World Taekwondo, or ITF). If credentials matter to you, ask which association the school belongs to and where the head instructor earned their black-belt (dan) rank and certification.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most schools welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes (ages 4–13) — built around discipline, focus, confidence, and anti-bully skills
- Beginner-friendly all ages and levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Sparring sparring classes, from Olympic-style to point sparring — controlled, gear-on training that builds timing and confidence at your own pace
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule umaalovespark.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 779-970-6215
Hours
| Monday | 2–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 2–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 2–9 pm |
| Thursday | 2–9 pm |
| Friday | 2–7 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We also just had my son’s birthday at this gym and it was so fun for the kids and very well organized; a completely original party experience.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“Master Gianna has always been very patient and good with children, she genuinely cares for the students.”
“My family has been attending classes here for 7+ years.”
“Very good environment, dedicated instructors, everything in one place: technique, discipline and values.”
“I originally signed my kids up because one needed to boost their confidence and the other needed to boost their ability to focus.”
“Master Gianna is an excellent taekwondo teacher, and makes the class so much fun, while still maintaining structure and respect - the perfect combination!”
“I started Taekwondo classes to accompany my daughter to her classes, and it has been an incredible experience of discipline and commitment.”
From the reviews
I started Taekwondo classes to accompany my daughter to her classes, and it has been an incredible experience of discipline and commitment. Very good environment, dedicated instructors, everything in one place: technique, discipline and values.
My kids have been attending here for three years. Although the name of the business has changed, the heart and leadership is still there and that is because of Master Gianna. I originally signed my kids up because one needed to boost their confidence and the other needed to boost their ability to focus.
We love American Martial Arts Academy! Our 7 year old has grown so much in the last few months, and has improved focus and motivation! Master Gianna is an excellent taekwondo teacher, and makes the class so much fun, while still maintaining structure and respect - the perfect combination!
Fantastic place… new name, but they’ve been doing this for years. Incredibly kind people who also expect respect - the kids respond so well, it’s so fun to watch. Our daughter, who has tried many different activities with lukewarm reception, is absolutely thriving here.
New to taekwondo? Start at United Martial Arts Academy - Loves Park
United Martial Arts Academy - Loves Park comes up as a beginner-friendly school — noted on their own site. If you've never trained or set foot in a dojang, 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 instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build fundamentals (stances, blocks, kicks, and basic forms) for weeks, sparring eases in gradually and with gear on, and instructors keep it controlled and safe. Third, all ages and all levels 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 schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first taekwondo class at United Martial Arts Academy - Loves Park
Nervous about walking into a taekwondo school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect 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, and kicks with a partner or on pads — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: loose athletic wear you can move in (or a dobok if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the floor. What to bring: water and a positive attitude — many schools lend a loaner dobok for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll get your own dobok and belt, and sparring gear (mouthguard, headgear, and guards) once you begin sparring. Sparring eases in gradually, once your fundamentals and forms are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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