Voted the Best
Martial Arts School
15 Years in a Row

Best of the Best. Love these instructors. An awesome introduction and continuation of martial arts. Mr. Roller, Mr. Wilkins, Mr. Nelson and the associate instructors are incredibly professional. Thank you National Karate.

My daughter has been going there for a year and she is loving it. All the instructors are amazing. I have nothing but nice things to sing about national karate.

Excellent class. My son who's autistic and dealt with delays started really listening more at hime within a few short classes. My oldest who isn't very athletic loved have something she's getting better at each time. Can't wait to enroll our youngest.

I'm a black Belt, and I gotta say, this school is so good! Its fun and educational. If you aren't compelled by reading this, read the other hundreds of reviews that sya how good it is! Thanks Mr. Drescher for being the GOAT!

My son came out of the summer camp today and said “I had a blast.” My son loves karate and I’m sure the up beat Mr. Dresher and the older students being an amazing role models plays a part in why he continues to love it.

Our daughter Leia trains here and we’re very grateful for the coaching team. The atmosphere is very friendly. Leia really enjoys it here, and we can clearly see her progress.

We enrolled our kids in this karate school not knowing exactly what to expect, but the experience has been incredible. Over time, we’ve seen a noticeable improvement not just in their skills, but also in their confidence, discipline, and focus. What really stood out to me was their growth during tournaments. Not only did they perform well—they actually won in every division they chose such as sparring, form and sel-defense which we honestly didn’t expect. Seeing them achieve that level of success made us beyond proud and showed just how much they’ve learned. We’re especially grateful for the instructors, particularly Mr. Drescher, who is always great, fun, skilled, patient and dedicated. It is clear that he genuinely cares about the students and their progress. All of the instructors are fantastic and create a positive, encouraging environment for the kids. We also want to recognize Mr. Nelson, who was very attentive during the tournament. He was present, kind, and truly paid attention to what was happening throughout the event. It meant a lot to see that level of involvement and care. We salute him for his dedication. This school has exceeded our expectations, and we would highly recommend it to any family looking for a place where their children can grow, learn, and succeed.

We absolutely LOVE National Karate! Our two kids look forward to every single class and can’t stop talking about it when they get home. Mr. Drescher and the staff are incredible—so positive, patient, and full of energy. They have this amazing ability to keep the kids focused while still making everything super fun. Every class is engaging and well-run, and you can tell the instructors truly care about each child. Honestly, signing our kids up was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Highly, highly recommend to any parents looking for something fun, structured, and genuinely impactful!

I have my son at this karate school. Best one we could choose for him. The coach is awesome really cares about all these kiddos . Would highly recommend to everyone looking for martial arts school.

My sons started almost 2 years ago and since then they’ve already learned so much. They both enjoy the skills and discipline and look forward to their classes. Mr. Drescher is a great instructor who takes time and acknowledges all of his students. He and the other instructors have the perfect balance of fun and discipline in their teachings!

My twins started here when they were 5. We’ve had such a great experience at National Karate! Mr. Dresher is absolutely amazing with the kids & he has so much patience and truly knows how to connect with them. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does, and it shows in the way he teaches and encourages each student. His mom (who works in the front office) is great at keeping things organized and keeping the parents informed. Love this place. Highly recommend!

We started about 6 months ago and my son insists we go 3 times a week. He absolutely loves it at 4 years old. Mr Dresher(sp) is so good with the kids, perfect amount of discipline and fun.

I have 2 boys 6 and 8 year old attending karate classes at Elk Grove location for over 3 weeks now, they can’t wait for next class to come. I think this place is excellent at creating a comfortable and encouraging environment for kids to develop essential skills like discipline, respect and self esteem. Instructors Mr. Nelson and Mr. Manaloto are great with kids, patient and knowledgeable. I like their firmness when it comes to discipline and focus, yet they show patience, understanding and kindness. Highly recommend this place.

National Karate is truly an outstanding karate school that offers so much more than just martial arts training. Being part of this community has significantly boosted my self-esteem, self-confidence, and discipline. All the instructors are not only excellent at teaching karate but are also wonderful people. Mr. Drescher and all the other instructors go above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued and like they belong. I look forward to karate every day. <3 I recommend national karate if you want to learn important life skills and bad dad jokes and cool karate stories from Mr. Drescher

Serena had an absolutely amazing experience during her third karate lesson today! 🥋✨ She officially tested for and earned her white belt 🎉🤍, and receiving her certificate 📜 made the moment even more special and exciting for her. The class was made so much fun 😄 while still teaching important lessons about discipline, focus, and respect 🙌🧠. I truly loved all the wonderful lessons that were shared today ❤️. Her instructor did an excellent job balancing humor 😂 and seriousness 💪, keeping the kids engaged, confident, and motivated throughout the class 👏. You could really see how much the students were learning and growing at the same time 🌟. Thank you so much, Sonny (Mr. Sunny) ☀️, for making today such a positive, fun, and memorable experience for Serena! 🥋🌈 #KarateKids #ProudParent #ConfidenceBuilding #PositiveVibes #MilestoneMoment

National Karate & Marital Arts in Naperville has been a great experience for our son Taylor! He looks forward to coming each and every week!

We couldn’t be happier with this karate class. The sensei is truly exceptional,patient, disciplined, and incredibly skilled at working with kids of all ages. He strikes the perfect balance between teaching respect and focus while still making classes engaging and fun. This is more than just a martial arts class, it’s a place where kids learn valuable life skills from an outstanding teacher. We highly recommend it to any parent looking for a positive, structured, and inspiring environment for their children.

Very good classes for kids, kids are enjoying

I can't say enough good things about National Karate in Bartlett, Illinois! Mr. Roller, Master Nelson, and their incredible teams are nothing short of amazing. They’re patient, caring, and methodical in their teaching approach, always making sure that students understand each step while striving for excellence. Our son’s grandfather actually found this place, and we've been coming for almost three years now. It has truly been a life-changing experience for our family. Our son is currently in the Master's Leadership Program and will be testing for his black belt in 2026. The growth we’ve seen in him, both in his karate skills and personal development, has been incredible. What really sets them apart, though, is their dedication. They don’t just teach karate; they instill valuable life lessons about discipline, respect, and hard work. They hold themselves and their students to high standards, pushing everyone to reach their full potential, while also being fantastic role models, especially for the younger students. The atmosphere at National Karate is supportive and welcoming, and you can really see how much effort and care goes into every class. It’s no wonder they were voted one of the Top 100 Businesses! If you're looking for a place that combines great instruction with a positive, results-driven environment, this is it!

The is the place to sign up for kids. My son is eager to attend, leaves happy, and his discipline has positively changed. He is now eager to participate in activities at home and school. Thank you for all that you do!

my daughter looks forward for class every week,so much fun, great coaches

Our son has been attending National Karate for the past few months, and we’ve already been impressed — but his birthday party this past weekend absolutely blew us away. I was honestly a bit skeptical about having a party at a karate gym, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! Mr. Drescher kept the kids entertained for the full two hours. They had so much fun, they were laughing nonstop, and every single child was completely amazed. The energy, the activities, the way he connected with the kids — everything was just perfect. It turned out to be the BEST party ever. We are so grateful for such a wonderful experience. Highly recommend! 🥋✨

Amazing place! My kid absolutely loves the class. The instructors are patient, energetic, and really know how to motivate children. We’ve seen huge improvements in confidence, discipline, and focus. Highly recommend!

My daughter just started at National Karate & is already on her white belt & first certificate. she loves it. She would go everyday if she could! Mr Lopez and the rest of the instructors are nice and patient with the kids. They always give out gift cards so that your child gets a free trial & opportunity to learn new skills through karate & boxing. 🥊

Hands down BEST Karate school in the Chicagoland area. My 3 boys love Sensei Mazzola and his classes. Sensei Mazzola really knows how to interact and teach the kids ok their level to make sure they genuinely learn each move along with learning together amongst their piers.

My son really enjoy karate and his trainer is great he loves it here

Awesome trainers. Kids love to come to the class and very happy!

This place is awesome and very accommodating. My daughters loves this place so much. I’ve seen her confidence grow and helped her be more discipline.

Been to the Naperville location for 3 classes so far and have been very happy! My son loves it and the teachers are great…friendly but challenging. UPDATE: We have been part of the National Karate family for a year now, and are thrilled with the experience. What started as a potential temporary, fun activity for our son had turned into him recently committing to earning his black belt and loving all things karate! The Naperville location has great families and my son has made a lot of friends; plus, Mr. Mazzola, Ms. Choice, and Ms. Cabase have been awesome pushing my son and helping him reach his full potential. We have seen lots of positive changes in him since he started at NK and are excited to see what the future holds.

My kids have grown up under Mr Mazzola. Great environment for learning life long skills and discipline. The staff make learning martial arts fun at any level. The training they provide is challenging yet relevant to the ever changing situations in life. Ms Choice brings energy and variety to training that engages everyone. Great school, great staff!!

Both kids been with them and have been very pleased with their instructors

What a blessing if you are near one of the National Karate Schools! The level of integrity, instruction and care is second to none! All three of my sons as well as myself were students and I believe it was one of the best decisions I made for my children at a young age. Not only did they learn to handle themselves in many different situations they also learned respect, discipline and a desire to be the best they could be! The schools are beautiful, clean and the Instruction is simply the best!!

A good place to start your adventure with discipline and sport

We have been under Mr. Mazolla's National Karate school for almost 11 years. Under his teachings and guidance our kids have developed and become the best Karate version of themselves. Moreover, a well-rounded individual who presents good character and disciplined conduct. Our daughter Chelsea is a proud third-degree black belt who is now an assistant instructor at NK Naperville branch, while our son Lucas is working hard to earn his third degree in the upcoming black belt test in June. I can write all the good reviews all day and fill this box about National Karate, but what matters to us most is how Mr. Mazolla, Ms Choice , and the rest of the crew at NK Naperville have transformed our kids to a better person. Hence can also influence your kids and any adults interested in learning self-defense and live a good life under the code of KARATE and martial arts. Might For Right!

Our family has been a part of Naperville National Karate since they opened and we absolutely adore the instructors. My kids love going there every week!

My daughter and son have been part of the national karate program for almost a year now. I’ve found it incredibly beneficial for their discipline and personal growth. They’ve gained more self-esteem and confidence along the way. The trainers have an excellent approach to working with kids, keeping them engaged and motivated. As a family, we now have a shared goal: earning those black belts!

I feel this is such a great experience for my daughter, she’s absolutely loving it!! I enjoy watching her get with all the new routines!!

My kid is going here for almost a year now. We have seen her getting better gradually with her skills in a disciplined manner. The coaches are very supportive and friendly. I love this place and would recommend to anyone looking for a positive development for their kid, especially under guidance and support from professionals.

Great Instructors! Family friendly atmosphere.

My son goes to National Karate in South Elgin and is currently a black belt on track to become a candidate for his second degree. Mr. Drescher, Ms. Oie and the other instructors are wonderful. They do more than just teach karate; they provide life lessons, discipline and more confidence for every student. I wouldn't trade our experience for anything and look forward to continuing this adventure with our karate family.

It is a blessing for Siddhartha to be your student. Thank you Mr. Mazzola and Miss. Choice! Your dedication and supportive learning environment enable my child to reach his full potential. He enjoys going to NK every time. A high standard of conduct and discipline is followed by NK.

Best karate school In my opinion, our experience as a family has been spectacular. The culture and values are priceless. "MIGHT FOR RIGHT"

National karate is a fantastic place to learn the sport and discipline. They have phenomenal instructors very hands-on very well organized I recommend.

Awesome place for kids to learn karate

Great Dojo for my kids. Family atmosphere. Instructors and staff are friendly and courteous to everyone! Kids learn at their own pace. My teenager had confidence issues in middle school when he started the program… now he earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt and is a lot more confident. Now his sister is going thru the same program and can’t wait to advance. Great school! Would highly recommend!👍👍

Our daughter has been attending national Karate it has helped her develop her discipline, self-confidence and knowledge of the stranger danger program as well as the self-defense techniques. the staff is very kind, wise ,caring and helpful. I recommend national Karate to Family’s or parents who would like to have their children advance to a better level for self protection. Self-confidence and development . she is now working on her greenbelt, which she should have some time in December as she turns seven.

They’re amazing and my daughter loves it! She has learned a lot from them in such a short time. She was already a great listener with a lot of focus and the class just amplifies that in her.

This place is awesome! The development program for the children is phenomenal. I would recommend this place to anyone. Great job National Karate!

We LOVE being a part of the National Karate community. My son absolutely loves attending karate classes and always asks if he can go to karate everyday! Mr. Drescher is amazing with the kids. All of the instructors and staff are so great and very helpful. I cannot say enough good things about National Karate!

My son started attending Karate class when he was weeks before turning 3 years old, which was last month. My son is always excited when we are going to his class. We love Mr. Drescher! He always makes sure that the kids are having fun and they are disciplined and well behaved. Thank you, Mr. Drescher and all the staff for taking good care of my little boy! We love you and appreciate you all ❤️

My granddaughter loves the teachers and classes. They teach the children and they have fun learning. Highly recommend this school.