★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Best place to learn Karate. My son loves it and it helps him so much in his development. I can highly recommend Fonseca.

Source: Google

★ 5

We’ve been blown away by the support and community at Fonseca! Our son does Karate Tots and has gotten so much stronger and confident thanks to his fun and engaging Senseis - Oswaldo, Shaza and Jesus.

Source: Google

★ 5

I left my first review about 1 year ago. A year later and my son still loves martial arts at Fonseca, Thanks to the amazing team of senseis and teachers there. Oswaldo continues to impress me with his kind, patient, and engaging way to teach his students; he somehow manages to be firm and teach the kids how to be disciplined and respectful, while at the same time providing a fun and safe atmosphere that the kids love! We have been there now for over 15 months and my son still wants to go three or four times a week… He has grown so much! In that time, I have seen new students come in who are shy or afraid or can’t focus (Like my son was) and Oswaldo and his wonderful team support these students to grow and thrive! I can’t recommend the dojo enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great karate school. Sensei Oswaldo is super professional and friendly.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have so much respect and gratitude for my daughter's experience at Fonseca, where she has been attending classes for the past year and a half. The caliber of teaching is unparalleled - it is a mix of high expectations, with careful scaffolding to help students reach them. It is gentle, fun, and playful, but also instilling seriousness and respect for the discipline. The focus on self-regulation, while building physical endurance and strength, is a really great recipe for engagement and physical/emotional health and well-being. There is also a strong community that has been built between families, at the Evanston dojos, and across locations as well. This makes the seasonal events even more fun. I am grateful for what Fonseca has given our family. Looking forward to continue to explore karate as a family (myself, and my other kids too!). Thanks so much!

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is great. My daughter started here and the instructors are awesome!! Highly recommend!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Recently had my son's 5th year birthday celebration there and was so impressed! They did a wonderful job catering the activities to the level of the kids - making it both fun and challenging. The decoration/logistics were well executed and it was a delight to work with Oswaldo! My son and the guests really enjoyed the experience. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

We love Fonseca. We have watched our daughter’s confidence grow each time she enters the dojo. Each sensei brings something special, but they all share kindness and encouragement for each of their students.

Source: Google

★ 5

My 3-year-old daughter has been going here for about 2 weeks now. Excellent curriculum (with excellent Sensei), even for the little ones. My little one is always ready and super excited for class, so they're definitely doing something right. Highly recommend.

Edit: just over 2 years now and the growth is apparent. We're very pleased in our decision to enroll her here. She gets a structured class that promotes and instills lots of good character traits (most notably discipline), where she can make friends and develop her confidence. She has participated in tournaments and won medals. If you're thinking of enrolling your child, do it. They have trial classes, if you're still on the fence. Still very highly recommended.

Edit 2: Hitting the 4 year mark and we're just as pleased as we were when she started. Karate has helped with her discipline and confidence tremendously. She is now part of the competition team and we look forward to whatever the future with Fonseca holds. Can't stress enough, how excellent this school is. You can't go wrong enrolling your child at any of the Fonseca dojos.

Source: Google

★ 5

I cannot express enough how wonderful the senseis are at the Evanston dojo. They are very thoughtful, present, and make sure the kids have a great time. My son, generally, has a difficult time following rules, but he looks forward to karate every week.

Source: Google

★ 5

For our daughters, Fonseca Evanston Dojo has been a place where they have been able to improve self esteem and security. They learned something new everyday, they have fun and they’ve made new friends. Sensei Oswaldo has made each class interesting for them because he shows interest in them. Sensei Oswaldo brings out the best qualities in the students. As parents we are proud to see the interest that our children have taken and wanting to improve at their short age.

Para nuestras hijas, Fonseca Evanston Dojo a sido un lugar donde an podido desarrollar su autoestima. Ellas se divierten, han hecho nuevos amigos y tomado mucho interés en el Karate.
Sensei Oswaldo a hecho cada clase interesante para ellas por les demuestra su interés y le saca sus mejores cualidades.
Como padres estamos muy orgullosos de ver a nuestras hijas el interés que han tomado en ser mejores en el Karate a su corta edad.

Source: Google

★ 5

The teachers at Fonseca, especially Sensei Lopez, are so fantastic. I’ve been bringing my two boys here for the last year and he and his team are fantastic with building the confidence of their students, fostering acceptance and kindness, effort, and perseverance. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

THE BEST! We recently joined Fonseca, and couldn't be happier! Sensei Oswaldo is EXCELLENT with the little kids to keep them engaged and having fun while still laying the foundations for the movements and respectful ethos of Martial Arts. I was initially hoping my son would enjoy going once a week, but he wants to go EVERY DAY! He loves it that much! The community of the Evanston Dojo is friendly and helpful. So incredibly glad that we joined.

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been THRILLED with our experience at Fonseca Martial Arts. My 4.5 year old attends the one in Evanston…we signed up immediately after taking the free introductory class (such a bonus that they do this!). I’ll be honest - he was a little shy in participating at first but now can’t wait to put on his “outfit” and go! The instructors are all A+ and all the kids seem to be having such a great time as they are learning discipline and other valuable tools and life skills. Couldn’t recommend more highly!

Source: Google

★ 5

I cannot say enough positive things about this dojo. Fonseca does a phenomenal job of creating a supportive environment that builds self-confidence. The instruction is so strong and caters to a diversity of needs. All children are treated with kindness and respect. The change I have seen in my child since he started karate at Fonseca is incredible. I appreciate that the dojo does not pressure the children, but instead encourages them to do their best and to be the best that they can be each day. What I love the most about Fonseca is the warm and welcoming community. We are big fans!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter is encouraged, guided personally and highly professionally, expertly trained, treated always as a growing individual while learning as part of a hard-working team that is also a loving family home away from home. As a family, we could not ask for more passionately dedicated, hardworking and impressive people than the Fonseca coaches/managers who welcome every age and type of learner to come in their doors! Go, Team Fonseca!!

Source: Google

★ 5

We are so happy we stumbled upon Fonseca Martial Arts in Evanston. Kids learn karate, while building character and community. Sensei Oswaldo has the perfect balance of making the classes fun and disciplined. The membership model makes it easy to fit the classes to our evolving schedule. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Me: Tell me a karate joke
ChatGPT: Why did the karate student refuse to fight his opponent?
ChatGPT: Because he wanted to keep his honor black-belted!

Thankfully our future AI overlords do not teach the classes, instead we get some truly great instructors and a flexible schedule with classes almost every day.

Source: Google

★ 5

One or both of my kids have participated at FMA for over 10 years. The classes have been excellent and has given both of them strength, endurance, and overall good body movement. The competition team and events have also been terrific - it's a great group of kids and parents both from FMA and other dojos to interact with at competitions. I joined my younger child and started taking classes several years ago. It's been a great endeavor - unlike individual exercises or even exercise classes, karate challenges the brain and the body to coordinate together.

What makes FMA such a special place is the staff - Sensei Oswaldo in particular is the heart of the Evanston dojo and his kindness and encouragement come through in every class. Sensei Salgado is a fantastic teacher and I appreciate the thoroughness of his instructions as an adult student.

It can be intimidating as an adult or a child to start something new, but all the Senesis have welcomed us and worked to our individual levels to help us improve. FMA staff have absolutely had a positive impact on our lives.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent place for the kids to learn karate, the staff is amazing and really good with children.
Also, it is a great gym for adults to have physical activity and learn Karate.

Source: Google

★ 5

We started to take our kid to Fonseca at the suggestion of a friend to work on balance, focus and a way to get that aggression out. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful this experience has been for our entire family.
Not only has he gained confidence, improved on balance and focus, but he is bringing those aspects home with him! The Sensei is beyond kind, and has a way to get the kids engaged while having fun at the same time. Parents even get to play on the weekends and I am seriously considering taking the adult classes for my own focus and agility.
We are forever FONSECA! 10/10 would recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Our daughter has been practicing karate for six years and spends significant time in the Evanston dojo. We have seen her grow exponentially over that time in both skill level and confidence. Sensei Oswaldo and the entire team are absolutely dedicated to their students and make the training fun yet productive! We could not be more appreciative of Team Fonseca for their dedication, commitment, patience, and guidance in developing our daughter! Excellent experience six years running!

Source: Google

★ 5

Joining Fonseca - Evanston has been one of our best parenting decisions to date. It is the highlight of my son’s week. When he is at Fonseca, not only is he having fun and burning off excess energy, he’s also practicing self control, body awareness, gross motor skills - especially bilateral coordination. I was pleasantly surprised how many parallels there are between Fonseca’s karate program and my son’s OT sessions. We also love summer camp (karate on the beach!) and the amazing dojo duels where the kids and get a taste of competing. And while we have had a wonderful experience with all of the instructors at Evanston (special shout out to Sensei Jessie), much of this positive review is thanks to Sensei Oswaldo Lopez. He is strict and ensures that everyone is following the rules and behaving in a safe manner, but he is also incredibly warm and silly with the kids. I believe the very first class we attended, about 4 or 5 children showed up with pictures/drawings/artwork that they made specifically for him. He is adored by both students and their caregivers and has built an incredible community at the Evanston Dojo. We LOVE Fonseca Evanston! It is by far the best investment we have made for our son’s development, confidence and overall happiness.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter is a reluctant student but has been attending at the Evanston Dojo for almost a year now and I have seen her grow in her skill every time she has a class. The Sensei and staff are respectful, patient, and encouraging. The learning environment is fast pace and fun as well!

Source: Google

★ 5

My son started at Fonseca a couple years ago being shy and scared but sensei Osvaldo helped him to get confidence and now he’s more strong and confident. We love his classes

Source: Google

★ 5

I can't say enough good things about Fonseca. Both my kids (13 yr old boy and 9 yr old girl) have been practicing karate here for years. Sensei Oswaldo, as well as the other Senseis that help, are fantastic. They create a very positive atmosphere where discipline and hard work are rewarded. But, perhaps most importantly, they also manage to have a lot of fun while doing it. It's a remarkable place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’d highly recommend this dojo. Sensei Oswaldo is engaging, makes class fun and truly cares about the kids.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter started private lessons with Sensei Oswaldo a couple years ago and very soon was taking group classes and fully engaged in learning karate and being part of this awesome community. Sensei Oswaldo is incredible not only because of his experience and skill but because of his warmth, patience and humor which keeps the kids focused and having fun. So grateful for Fonseca Evanston and Sensei Oswaldo!

Source: Google

★ 5

Our family can’t say enough wonderful things about the Evanston Dojo! My son LOVES coming to karate and has so much fun. He has gained self confidence, a hard work ethic, technique, great friends and Senseis that truly care. He especially loves summer camp where he gets to practice his karate at the beach with friends! We couldn’t be happier here. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

My son has been practicing karate for a little over 2 years and couldn’t wait till my younger daughter was old enough to enroll. Sensei Oswaldo is great with kids, keeps the class fun and kids engaged.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is great. Sensei Oswaldo is wonderful at working with kids. My son hasn't been into many sports, but he has done so well at karate and has gained a lot of confidence and maturity. They keep the lessons fast-paced and manage to give each kid a lot of individual attention. I highly recommend this dojo!

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been a member of Fonseca for 6 years and do most of our training at the Evanston dojo. I cannot say enough good things about our experience with this dojo over the years. From incredible senseis to great life lessons both in the dojo and during competitions, it has been a rewarding path I would recommend to any family. Our kids have fallen in love with karate, and I can see the positive impact it has had on them not only physically but also psychologically. The culture here is incredible - warm, welcoming, and empowering. You will find great role models, amazing training, and build wonderful relationships for life.

Source: Google

★ 4

Love the staff

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent Karate training from world-class athletes.

Source: Google

★ 5

I must commend Sensei Oswaldo and Sensei Jean Carlos of Fonseca Martial Arts in Evanston. I find them to be extremely patient and amiable with their students. Karate can teach so much to a youngster: focus, self-control, self-confidence, fitness, self-defense, etc. However, non of that is possible without the right teacher(s). And these two aforementioned teachers are it.

I find them very knowledgeable about karate as they have been involved with the martial art since they were 7 years of age and have received countless accolades between them. However, I appreciate most that they make the dojo a friendly, fun and safe place for my son to learn this wonderful martial art.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

John a good guy who wants only the best for his students.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is awesome.

Source: Google

★ 2

It gets repetitive over time, and there aren't many new things other than the floor mats.

Source: Google

★ 5

Fonseca Martian Arts is about practicing mindfulness, discipline and spirituality in a fun atmosphere where professionalism is key. All of the instructors really know their skill and are patient and rigorous at the same time. Even if you have never done karate before (like my daughter), you won't feel out of place. They also do Friday movie nights when you drop off your child and they eat pizza and watch a movie. We highly recommend this school.

Source: Google

★ 5

My son began classes as a karate tot and three years later the dojo is like our second home. I started training too because why not? I highly recommend hosting your birthday party here too, you don't have to be a member to do it . The looks of the kids faces when they broke boards was priceless!

Source: Google

★ 5

love this place.my son start to loving it and enjoying martial arts..

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Fonseca has the BEST instructors. They are firm but so warm. My son loves it there. The Wilmette location is perfect

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The instruction is world-class, consistent and professional.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a parent, I appreciate the smooth incorporation of a new student into the class. The instruction was appropriately balanced with training and fun. The mix of ages and belt levels made it less intimidating. The atmosphere is one which promotes health- mind, body and spirit.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter enjoys attending, which is the most important!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great community and Sensei's. There are programs for everyone. Provides a great foundation physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I would recommend Fonseca Martial Arts to anyone looking to enroll their children in a great program. My son, who had some bad experiences in the past at other places that I would not mention for ethical reasons, was feeling comfortable and confident from day one when he took the trial class with Jaime, and after that, every class have been a wonderful experience for him. Thanks to everyone at the Evanston Dojo for your great work! Sandra

Source: Google

★ 5

My 7-year-old son has taken karate classes with Fonseca Martial Arts for over a year, and he loves it. Sensei Jaime is great with the kids, and the classes are a good workout and teach the fundamentals of karate. I highly recommend Fonseca.

Source: Google