Business Details
Martial Arts Classes in Downers Grove, IL
True Balance Karate has been dedicated to fostering personal and physical growth through martial arts training since its founding. Our instructors, Master Susan and Paul Helsdon, bring decades of combined experience in Tang Soo Do and other disciplines to create a curriculum that emphasizes character development alongside technical skill. We serve students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults, focusing on building confidence, discipline, and leadership through structured programs like our SEL initiative, True Character.Our academy in Downers Grove, IL, provides a supportive environment where students learn self-defense, improve fitness, and develop life skills that extend beyond the mat. With recognition from Go2Karate.com and consistently positive community feedback, we remain committed to delivering high-quality instruction that transforms individuals into resilient, respectful members of society.
Services
Karate for Kids
Adult Martial Arts
Birthday Parties
Leadership Training
Self-Defense Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer a positive and encouraging environment for all students.
- Our curriculum builds confidence, discipline, and leadership skills.
- We provide age-specific programs from preschoolers to adults.
- Our instructors are certified by the World Tang Soo Do Association.
- We maintain a strong focus on community and family values.
Associations and certifications
- Go2Karate Top Rated Quality Badge
What people say
Improved discipline
Positive family atmosphere
Welcoming environment
Leadership development
Confidence growth
Services
Karate for Kids
Our Karate for Kids program develops respect, self-control, and focus in children aged 3+. Through structured lessons, students improve attention span, reduce behavioral issues, and build self-defense skills while learning life values that transfer to home and school environments.
Adult Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts combines traditional Tang Soo Do with modern fitness training. Participants enhance physical conditioning, situational awareness, and stress relief while learning practical self-defense techniques. Classes accommodate all experience levels in a supportive environment that emphasizes personal growth and community building.
Birthday Parties
Martial Arts Birthday Parties offer active, themed celebrations for children. Each event includes structured activities, board-breaking challenges, and character-building games. Parties promote teamwork and confidence while providing a unique, memorable experience for birthdays in Downers Grove and surrounding areas.
Leadership Training
Our Leadership Training program integrates martial arts instruction with SEL curriculum. Students develop communication skills, accountability, and mentorship abilities through progressive challenges. Participants learn to lead by example, fostering confidence that translates to academic, professional, and personal success.
Self-Defense Classes
Self-Defense Classes teach practical techniques for real-world scenarios. Instructors emphasize situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and physical defense methods. Programs cater to all ages, combining traditional martial arts principles with modern safety practices to build personal security and confidence.
People
Master Susan Helsdon
Co-Owner & Head Instructor
Fourth-degree master in Tang Soo Do since 2019 with 20+ years teaching experience. Former special education teacher with two masters degrees in education. Develops curriculum focusing on character development and positive instruction.
Master Paul Helsdon
Co-Owner & Head Instructor
Fourth-degree master in Tang Soo Do since 2018 with global martial arts training experience. Certified instructor and judge with expertise in multiple disciplines including Hapkido and Filipino Martial Arts. Focuses on engaging students through diverse teaching methods.
Questions
What age can children start martial arts training?
We accept students as young as 3 years old through our Karate for Kids program.
Can I try a class before committing?
Yes! We offer trial packages including 3 classes for $19.99 or a 30-minute introductory session.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Are classes available for experienced martial artists?
Yes. We offer advanced classes for students with prior martial arts experience.
How do you build leadership skills through martial arts?
Our curriculum includes progressive leadership challenges, mentorship opportunities, and character development exercises integrated into regular training.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Apollonia Ponticiello
Oct 17, 2021
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Our daughter has now been going to TBK for almost a year and loves it! Shes progressed to Level 1 since starting. And its all to the credit of the studio and the Masters, other instructors (shout out to Ms Lola) and staff. Besides the obvious karate instruction the character growth, respect and personal development taught and learned has been impressive. In addition to karate classes there is always something FUN like drop off summer Fridays and parent date night. Overall were very happy and we would highly recommend TBK!
Nik B.
Aug 19, 2021
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Everyone at the school is friendly and helpful. We like that the older students help with class. It gives the kids good examples of what they can do. The school is very flexible with lots of class times throughout the week. They are also doing their part to keep kids safe and still requiring masks. This is one of the only outside activities weve felt comfortable doing during Covid.
Rajiv Singh
Feb 04, 2021
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My kids have been a part of True Balance Karate for a few years now. Its a great place for young kids to learn about the martial arts and how to be responsible young adults. The instructors are excellent role models as well as knowledgeable teachers. And throughout this Covid pandemic they have continued to keep my children engaged and motivated. They follow all the guidelines for sessions at their studio as well as offering zoom sessions for classes. Its important to feel comfortable for any activities our children do nowadays, and we definitely feel comfortable with our kids doing sessions
Nathan Plush Nation Here Macht
Jan 02, 2021
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My son has been coming to True Balance Karate (TBK) for a little over two years now. At first, I thought that It would be an option for my son to learn a new skill set. TBK has been more more than just teaching my son karate. The owners of TBK are amazing in their craft and their genuine care and interest in all their students progress by teaching them karate, values, helping out their parents at home, and giving back to the community. In one example, my son was having an off day. Master Helsdon approached my son and genuinely wanted to know what was wrong. He quickly gave him confidence and
Lani Nishi
Oct 10, 2020
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I recently relocated to this area of Chicago and was looking to get back in to the study of martial arts. I had been searching for quite some time for the right studio. I had questions on transferring my previous experience in a different style, curriculum, testing requirements, etc. My questions were more than answered during a phone conference with one of the owners. Later on, my daughter joined TBK and loves every minute of it. They teach more than just karate - character development, discipline, humility, respect, customs, traditions, and history, all in a safe, supportive, non-aggressive family
