Where teens train like adults
At 13, students move up into our Teen & Adult Tae Kwon Do class. It is a deliberate choice. Teenagers are ready for more intensity, more responsibility and more respect than a kids' class offers, and training alongside adults, from college students to parents in their 50s, raises the bar for everyone. Teens from Naperville North, Naperville Central, Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley, Metea Valley and the surrounding high schools train with us, many of them continuing right through graduation.
Real-world benefits that start in the dojang
It seems like teens spend more time in front of screens and less time engaged in physical activity and face-to-face socializing. Between video games and movies there is a lot of interest in martial arts, even if what they see is not always accurate. Tae Kwon Do lets them put that interest to good use and get a lifetime of benefits from it.
- Focus. Mastering a form or a spinning kick takes immense concentration. Teens learn to tune out distractions, a skill that transfers directly to homework, exams and tryouts.
- Confidence and self-esteem. As students progress they earn belts that recognize real achievement. A confident teen is more likely to resist peer pressure and less vulnerable to bullying.
- Leadership. Higher belts help lead warm-ups and demonstrate techniques, so teens get comfortable speaking and performing in front of a group.
- Fitness. Every 45-minute class includes a full stretching routine, bursts of cardio-intense drills, and body-weight and core strength work. It is a legitimate athletic workout and a great complement to school sports.
- Self-defense. Blocking, kicking and striking techniques plus releases from grabs and holds, practiced until they become second nature.
A disciplined art built on respect
Tae Kwon Do is not about violence. Students learn the skills to defend themselves, and they learn the responsibility that comes with those skills. Respect for instructors, partners and themselves is part of every class, and research has found that martial arts training actually reduces violent behavior in young people. Parents regularly tell us their teen is more respectful at home, not less.
Making friends and finding a place
High school can be a hard place to find your people. Our students support one another and cheer on each other's success, and the atmosphere of encouragement and camaraderie helps teens make friends and be part of a team, regardless of whether they are a natural athlete. For many, the dojang becomes the place they feel most at home.
Try a free class
If you are looking for an activity your teenager will actually enjoy and that will benefit them for life, we invite you to see for yourself. Your teen's first class is free, with no obligation. Teen & Adult classes run Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday morning; see the schedule.
Class times
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00–8:45pm | — | 7:15–8:00pm | 8:00–8:45pm | — | 9:20–10:05am |
Full schedule for all age groups →
Frequently asked questions
Is 13 old enough for the adult class?
Yes. Our Teen & Adult class is built for ages 13 and up, and instructors tailor drills to each student's level. A 13 year old is never paired against a much larger adult for sparring.
My teen has never done martial arts. Will they be behind?
Not at all. Most adult students start with no previous experience. New students begin with a one-on-one session with a black belt instructor to learn the basics before joining the group.
Can Tae Kwon Do count toward fitness or sports goals?
It complements them well. Tae Kwon Do builds flexibility, explosive leg strength, balance and cardio, and many of our teens play soccer, run track or swim at the same time.
Do you have separate teen-only classes?
No. Teens train in the same 45-minute class as our adults, which is one of the things they like most about it.
Ready to try Teen Martial Arts? Your first class is free and there is no obligation. Reserve a spot or call (630) 870-9293.
Other programs
- Little Tigers (Ages 5–6) — Our starter program for 5 and 6 year olds. Short, high-energy classes that build balance, coordination and the ability to listen and follow directions.
- Kids Martial Arts (Ages 7–12) — Our core program for ages 7–12. Forty-minute classes that build strength, focus and self-discipline on the way to Black Belt.
- Adult Tae Kwon Do (Ages 18+) — A total-body workout with a purpose. Stretching, cardio drills, core strength and real self-defense in a welcoming, judgment-free class.
Training from another town? See our pages for Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Oswego and Plainfield families.