Bushido association invited us for a self defense class with the town queens of lake county. At first we were intimidated but quickly learned respect and appreciation through our class. This class was perfect for our girls of all ages, we had fun and learned useful skills. Being a college student who likes to travel, this class was beneficial for teaching me how to protect myself in a time of need. We will be back soon for another class we had a BLAST!

I had my doubts when I first joined this place, since I dont have any prior experience with any kind of activity that requires physical strength.Sensei helped me overcome my fears, by being patient with me, encouraging me and teaching me consistently. His approach of tailored instruction by reading the student is unique and is the best.The skills you acquire such as coordination between mind & body, discipline and communication skills can be applied widely in your daily life.I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO IMPROVE YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRENGTH

We love everything about Bushido Martial Arts. My child has gained confidence and skills, and developed a sense of responsibility and honor through his sessions. The instructors are kind and provide a safe environment to learn. Five stars!

My sons sensei has gone above and beyond to help him feel included in class. He is strict, but completely reasonable, and has helped my son to develop confidence, discipline, and coordination like he hasnt had before. This is a great place for anyone wanting to learn martial arts!

I’m a student at Bushido and I love it! Me and my class mates are learning new techniques and moves to protect and fight back for defense and weapons. When we start to learn a new move or technique we practice it till we master it or to the point we’re we can add on to it. Also while we learn new moves we learn some Japanese terms and words. We also get a vocabulary for moves.over all I love this place and want to continue learning and making memories.(the weapons we start of with are wooden and as we progress we upgrade to better equipment)

My kids have been going for months, everyone loves it! Excellent team and teachers!

Sensei Sanada mixes unarmed combat with weapons training to offer a experience unlike anything in the area. His professionalism shows through his dedication to his students. On top of all that his classes are offered at a great value. Cant recommend this buisness enough.

This is a phenomenal school with world class instruction. Conveniently located in Gurnee. The Staff is freindly, dojo is cleaned and sanatized daily. This is the perfect place for children and adults to practice martial arts. I am beyond excited to continue my journey at Bushido Association.

I have been bringing my three sons to Bushido for 2 months, 3 times a week. I have seen all three grow in confidence, independence, and respect. Bushido and its Sensai, has been a positve influence on my sons, and I couldnt be happier. One of my sons has sensory issues, ADD, and struggles with self-esteem. Sensai is patient with him and has been a great influence on my sons belief in himself. He often leaves class smiling and more sure of himself, bragging about his new abilities. Not only does Bushido teach skills and anti-bullying techniques, but also responsibility. The best part of their learning is making friends and their skills translating over in to the home and school environment. Thank you Sensai!

I am happy that i found this Dojo . Sensei Najimu is amazing, the atmosphere is really professional. Finally a dojo that does it the right way and the proper way.

I really like how the classes are taught. The sensei is great at explaining technique and gives constructed feedback when helping students improve. All around this is a great school to learn martial Arts.

I signed up for place thinking I wasn’t really going to learn anything. I’m already about 3 classes in and I am loving it! I’ve learned way more than I expected. A lot that I can also apply outside the dojo with is pretty cool. I’m always looking forward to my next class. Been having lots fun, met some awesome people. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! I’m very happy! I highly recommend everyone to go check it out! You definitely won’t regret it!!

My brother goes to Bushido Martial Arts he enjoys going to his class. He has been learning many techniques. They teach him discipline and I would recommend more people to try the class!

I Love this place, the Sensei is awesome, He leads great workout and makes the techniques easy to understand.I come here with my family and we enjoy it very much.

I love how they teach. Each child is different and the instructor/sensei breaks it down so that each child understands. The kids all love what they are learning. They also have family classes. I definitely recommend. Everyone is welcome young and seasoned, no matter what level. This is a great confidence booster and you learn self discipline and real ways to protect yourself. Awesome staff. They truly are passionate about what they teach.

My son loves coming to Bushido. He has learned so much and made new friends. Sensei is great with the kids - my son is much more confident and independent. Highly recommend!

Im 81 years old that makes me the sempai here, This is the best experience a person can have in a lifetime.

Sensei is really very patient with the children. I enrolled my six year old who is very shy and sensitive. While observing Senseis training technique, I noticed his ability to empower my child and build confidence.After 1 week I noticed my childs coordination improving.I feel my child will learn respect and learn to control his actions for lifes issues that the future will bring..Also the facilities are extremely clean and follow Covid-19 protection procedures.Thank You Sensei for doing a good job.John & Martha G

My son has been going to Bushido Association for more than 3 months. I myself have been to many martial arts gyms, and I really like this one. From the beginning the other students in his class introduced themselves and made him feel at home. it is a very friendly gymn with no egos.The instruction is also top notch. Pretty much from the beginning my son started working on different weapons training, techniques as well as punching and kicking. My son needs to grow a lot of physical tools and Bushido Assosication is definately helping him get stronger in his core, chest and Ive seen his balance improve also.The main reason we wanted to put our son into martial arts training is to help him with discipline. I have noticed that hes been completing his school work in a more timely fashion and not complaining as much as he did before we started.I strongly recommend Bushido Association to anyone that is interested in traditional martial arts. It has definately helped my son grow in many areas.

I like anything that will help me stay active. My husband and kids began Aikido lessons with Bushido Association and I used to watch them. Sensei Sanada is patient with the kids, and he will correct them if they are doing something wrong. He shows the techniques multiple times till they get it. In addition, he teaches them discipline in an effective manner.A few months later, I decided to join them after taking a few trial classes. The reason I joined the association is that Sensei is very respectful and he taught me with a no-contact approach, even in the pre-COVID era. :) I did not feel uncomfortable while wearing my hijab and appreciated the opportunity to learn in a modest environment.He will make you do things, that you thought you couldn’t do. He will push you beyond your limits, which in turn makes us confident and believe in how strong and capable our mind and body are.Besides the above, we also do outdoor activities like hiking, camping etc., which makes the entire experience more adventurous and enjoyable.I highly recommend Bushido Association.

I started Bushido Association one month ago and I have learned so much. It is giving me skills I can use to protect myself and it is opening my eyes to the Japanese culture. Sensei Sanada is extremely knowledgeable with the technics he teaches and goes above and beyond to make sure we are learning. I look forward to my classes every week and I feel starting this is probably one of the best things I have ever done. If you are looking for self improvement, I highly recommend starting with Bushido Association.

We came to Bushido in search of a fun activity for my son, but what Bushido also did was helped him build esteem, confidence, respect, discipline and active listening. I can honestly say he enjoys Bushido the most of all activities he is involved in. I also see a difference in his behavior at home and at school. Thank you to the Sensei for dedication and believe you put into our kids, much appreciated.

We came here because it was highly recommended.My son was on the fence about joining, but after he attended a trial he was very eager to join Bushido.He is very happy with his training and his class mates.The Sensei is very knowledgeable and patient with the kids.I notice a change in my sons behaver at home, he finishes his chores on time and without complaining.I sometimes see him doing some stretching exercise he learned at Bushido and reviewing the moves the sensei taught him.He looks forward to it every time.Thank you Sensei for your hard work!

I appreciate the way in which the Sensei (the teacher) instructs and breaks down the skills and techniques in order to make it easier for students to understand. The weapons we use are very interesting to learn about. For example, we use swords, nunchucks, and knives. (All made out of wood, for safety) As you progress, you get tested and learn even more along the way.

The Bushido Association is an incredible martial arts school. It is a place of fun, discipline, and mutual respect. The Sensei is a great teacher - both knowledgable and observant. I appreciate the confidence you develop in martial arts (especially in a school like this one) - you learn what you are naturally good at and also improve in areas that you struggled with when you started. Wonderful for self-defense, coordination, strength training, and confidence building. I look forward to going every week!! DEFINITELY recommend.

This is the best dojo I have ever been to. By following Bushido, the samurai code of conduct, the sensei teaches courage, honor and integrity, parallel to the highest standard of martial arts. The activities during classes are very diverse, and include skills used in different combat scenarios. I strongly recommend it to both children and adults, and they even offer classes that involve the whole family. Student will learn, in addition to self defense, self discipline which is even more important these days. Call them and schedule a visit and hear what they have to say.

This is a great place to shape your mind body and soul

I joined about three weeks ago to help me cope with my depression, anxiety, and lack of confidence(29 yeras of age) Sensei Sanada, senpai, and my classmates are helping me overcome these obstacles . Mediation that that sensei thought me is helping me achieve a peaceful state of mind . Im there three times a week and enjoy every second of it .

This is a great place to learn not only martial arts but also about the Japanese culture. Sensei is a patient teacher and the more I learn about the culture, I gain the deeper understanding of their arts.

Great source of exercise and confidence building. The Sensei is very helpful and encouraging! Would definitely recommend to others.

My daughter loves her class and her instructor, she learned discipline and gained self confidence. I’ll keep her there as much as I could.

This is a very elegant and nice dojo. It is always clean and organized. I learned a lot in Bushido Martial Arts, like Iaido, weapon training with bo-Staffs and nunchucks. Also hand to hand combat self defense techniques.

Our daughter loves it. Since she started taking classes she shows much more confidence in herself. After every class, she is a ball of energy and wants to share what she learned.

I absolutely love it!! Walking into the dojo on my first day, I had no clue what to expect. So now, seven months later, I can tell anyone what they can expect coming here. Here you will learn physical and mental self defense, science, physics, self discipline and even history. As you are learning these things, you begin to build confidence as you learn to put them all together! My Sensei here is by far the best! My Sensei is an excellent teacher! He knows each individuals physical limitations, so you never have to worry about being pushed too hard. However, he will push you in a way that you can see yourself progressing, doing things you never thought you could do. Oh by the way, if you’re worried about a pre existing injury, or maybe hurting yourself during training, worry no more! My Sensei is also a physical therapist and chiropractor!!! I know from experience. Every class presents a new challenge. We laugh but more importantly we learn. So I would recommend anyone to come and give it a try. I guarantee that after every class you will leave knowing something that you didn’t know before you started.

I Love it here!! I learn something new everytime. Great Japanese Dojo.I highly recommend it.

The school teaches the arts the samurai used. Archery, swords, hand to hand fighting, and mixes in how to use the techniques for modern defense. A school is only as good as its teacher and the Shihan of the school learned the arts growing up in Japan. He is an excellent teacher and patient.I, personally am a bit older and there are various ages that train in the school. We learn a lot, laugh some, and leave everyday life outside the school before entering the school. There is no ego at the school but a lot of respect shown towards each other.If you’re an adult like me and want a bit of exercise, some comradery, and want to get back to the martial arts or even want to start a new journey, I would highly recommend giving this school a try. Don’t worry if you have a few dents either. The sensei is great at realizing and working with your strengths and weaknesses. He’s very intuitive and picks up on them fast.Overall I would highly recommend this school as I have had a very positive experience and have learned a great deal.

Its a great source of education and learning a new way of life, its good for all types of learners along with a highly encouraging team of students. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. The Sensei is friendly and professional and makes sure the material is understandable and useful in any situation. Theres cultural learning as well.

This place is amazing!! I can’t thank Sensei Najimu Sanada enough for teaching my kids the wonderful qualities that will help them through there lifetime!

Cycle for my girls worked with this tutor online, and he was patient and great. He ignited their enthusiasm with them and thank him from the heart

Bushido dojo is a place where you & your kids will learn Martial Arts skills in a safe and comfortable environment.Sensei Najim is a professional who will cascade the discipline and values to your kids to become a responsible person who is confident, able to defend himself or herself when needed, how to face bullying in a responsible and assertive way.The new dojo is very spacious to be able to keep the social distancing in the COVID-19 world.I totally recommend Sensei Najim and Bushido dojo if you need to teach your kid martial arts skills and embed discipline and values that will shape his/her personality,make them solid in front of the different challenges they will face in life.

Fantastic in-person and virtual programs. Great way for my child to keep active during the pandemic. Built confidence and self-discipline and kept the boredom at bay. Couldnt recommend it more.

I love doing aikido on the mats with my friends. It is so much fun, and it really built a special trust between us that we can do martial arts on each other knowing we will not hurt each other. These guys are awesome.

The Sensei presents a style of martial arts that is practical yet peaceful. The dojo’s atmosphere is claiming while classes teach you practical self defense techniques that help in real life situations.

I got to learn some really cool things in martial arts like punching, kicking, nunchucks, and sword. It was a good experience that I would recommend

This Sensé was my teacher and I really enjoined his deep knowledge of Bushido and of the traditional Japanese way of life. He learned Aikido straight from the traditional masters in Japan and is fluent in Japanese.

Both my kids attend Bushido Classes at Bushido Association. Working with Sensei helped them improve their self-control, self-esteem as well as self-confidence. Within a safe l, family oriented atmosphere, Sensei teaches them to work hard, challenge themselves, and respect others.

Sensei Sanada is a great teacher who takes the time to explain the how and why you are taught certain moves and positions. I have only been enrolled for a month, but I already can feel the improvements to both my mind and my body. I highly recommend this dojo.

At first, we were tempted to join the classes especially with COVID going around.So we attended the online classes, they were very helpful, challenging, fun and offered in different languages.Which is a plus.Then we decided to attend one class in person at the Dojo.The Sensei is very strict about the safety and following the social distancing guidelines.We were told to self-quarantine because our family went camping for the weekend in WI.Which we continued the classes online during the time.Some of the students were not allowed to return to Bushido because they did not want to quarantine. Which is a sad thing.But we were extremely happy to see how strict the Sensei is about everyones safety.Classes are kept at a low number ratio and no visitors are allowed inDoors are locked every class so no one can come in without an appointmentStudents are instructed to have their own tools and keep a small hand towel on them at all time during class.The Dojo is been cleaned and sanitized daily and between classes.The Classes are designed to keep everyone distanced form another.We train with the Bo staff. The katana. Nunchucks and Basic Archery. Plenty of things to do.The Dojos is a very nice and elegant place with an amazing atmosphere.As a parent. Im very happy to see that Bushido Martial Arts is a top notch in practicing the saftey guidelines and most of all in its Martial Arts training.And without a shred of doubt.I highly recommend this place for everyone.You wont regret it.

I trained with him for more than 5 years, he is the best.

Amazing place!!Everyone needs Bushido Martial Arts

Place is very neat n nice same as the instructor, lol.

The Bushido Association is a special place. The facility is clean, bright and comfortable. Sensai has built a beautiful community and environment that encourages growth. He meets you were you are. He says anyone can do Aikido and I believe him. I am an older student new to martial arts. I am thrilled with the skills I have learned. I can do than I thought I could learn to do when I started. Aikido is fun and challenging. I really enjoy practicing with my friends.

My kid love it at BUSHIDO and I love how wonderful and supportive Sansi Najmu is. They encourage respect not only at AIKIDO, but in school, at home and in all areas of life for the children. I brought my son here to learn self defense and confidence and am glad to say they teach so much more! I am excited to see how he will excel. I personally think if a child can get the foundation of AIKIDO, they can be good whatever sport they choose, which seems to be holding true for my boy. Thank you to the entire BUSHIDO family for the dedication, kindness, and patience you show to all of the students.

I highly recommend Bushido Martial Arts. My kids really enjoy the class with Sensei Najimu Sanada, he is an amazing instructor, very professional, hard working, and friendly. I am sure that anyone who joins this program will be very pleased, Martial Arts is the best!

The dojo at Bushido Association is an amazing asset to Lake County. Sensei Sanada uses his expertise in technique and teaching to bring out the best in every level student. The respect and discipline from traditional Japanese culture grounds the lessons and encourages all students to excel in Bushido. There is also ample opportunity to learn to use specialized equipment in a safe environment. It is an excellent way to improve confidence in all aspects of life. Our entire family enjoys the camaraderie and the fun experience.Sensei Sanada also arranges trips and outings as a change of pace for students and to address the needs of the community.Highly recommend calling to arrange a demonstration and begin the adventure.

Highly recommend it! Sensai is very knowledgeable, discipline and great with the students. You will learn many different techniques, he teaches in such way that you will learn quickly regardless of your experience in martial arts.

I have been enrolled at Bushido Association since 2016. I have greatly enjoyed every minute of it. The scope of what we learn is very wide and covers all areas, using practical situations and techniques that are effective in emergency situations. We have learned efficient self-defense, hand-to-hand combat, and using and disarming weapons such as knives. In addition, a section of the class is devoted to stretching and exercise, not only techniques. This is to build strength and stamina and improve the mind and body as a whole. The best part of Bushido Association is the environment, which teaches discipline but at the same time is a safe, nurturing learning environment. It is a place for people to grow. It is an encouraging and pleasant place where people dont judge based on abilities, and even the most basic learners are given attention and encouraged. Everything is tailored to the needs of each and every specific person. There are no gaps between people of different skill, age, or rank that would hinder anyone who wishes to learn. In this way, at our dojo, everyone are peers and people are distinguished by effort and commitment, not by strength and skill. It also builds a camaraderie between students of all ages, from small kids to middle-aged adults. However, the key lies in Sensei Najimu Sanada, who is an exceptional teacher with years of experience and prodigious skill. His dynamic personality and style is such that all his students much respect him while he relates to each one of them on a personal level and gives individual attention. He is strict and funny at the same time, and the class is disciplined and relaxed at the same time as a result. Overall, Bushido Association is a place where people can master martial arts in a friendly, low pressure environment conducive to learning. It is a place of growth, discipline, and brotherhood. Because Bushido is not just a martial art, it is a way of life.

Amazing instructor who really takes you in depth about the martial art and how to master it. Teaches discipline and skills that will bring balance to ones life. Sensei is very patient and passionate about teaching! I highly recommend this Dojo.

This dojo is a wonderful place to practice and train Bushido Martial Arts. You will gain confidence, strength and bravery and adapt new skills! Everyone there is friendly and welcoming. Our sensei sanada is a very hard worker and does a great job teaching everyone how to defend their self. In the dojo you will learn new self defense skills, dicipline and so much more. I reccomend this dojo to anyone. The dojo is also very clean and a very nice place and it even has a zen area! Its very spacious and has plenty of room to train. There is always safety as well.

With the unfortunate COVID-19 situation and the lock down orders.we are continuing our classes online.Its not the same as practicing at the dojo but we get to focus more on flexibility, breathing exercise and maintaining the same workout we did at the dojo such as core strengthening, cardio..etc.At first it was hard for me to do things at home, but by time as sensei explained that it is not where and the when that keeps us fit and mentally strong. Its the mind set and determinations.At home we get to work on our kicks, punches, balance, weapon techniques with staffs and boken.The sensei is doing a good job keeping the online classes organized and going. They are very helpful and funAnd most important we wouldnt lose what we have achieved until we return back to practice at the dojo.Although the dojo opens by scheduled appointment, we are working together with our family and friends maintaining social distancing and keeping it up to 4 people per class until things go back to normal. I would like to thank our sensei for keeping our classes and continuing. It has been helpful physically and mentally for me and my friends as well.長い旅けれど皆さん頑張りましょう

The level of patience, knowledge, and professionalism Sanada 先生 brings to the Dojo is Amazing! Promoting a safe, caring and discipline environment for all ages and gender is exactly the foundation needed to apply in all aspects of ones life.

You would think this wont change your life for better, but it already happens as soon as you step foot into the dojo.

More than a place for martial arts. Community, fun, and practice space. Definitely recommend giving it a try. Good for mind, body, and spirit.

The Dojo is clean, elegant, spacious and has a great Zen energy. From the moment you step in, you already feel recharged.Sensei Sanada is an exceptional teacher with years of experience. He is disciplined, but also humorous.Mr. Sanada knows how to keep his student engaged and focused in class, without making it a negative experience.The Students range from first graders to Seniors, with classes constructed to fit their needs and abilities.I can recommend the Dojo to everyone that likes a good workout, stepping out of their comfort zone, wants to understand the origin of the moves and gain some skills in Japanese culture and language.

The instructor is very well experience and wonderful at teaching his craft!

I strongly recommend Bushido Kyokai. This self-defense class is amazing, teaching you how to react from a variety of attacks in the most effective way.My kids have been learning Aikido for almost 2 years and really enjoy the program a lot. Sensei Najimu Sanada is very professional, friendly, dedicated, hard working and has lots of patience with the kids. Im very thankful for this program.Thank you Sensei.

Great Coach, good location, highly recommended.

Top Notch Dojo

Bushido Martial Arts is the best. I really look forward to it because ever since I started to learn how to defend my self I feel more confident and stronger. I have been in Bushido Martial Arts for almost a year with sensei Najimu sanada, and it is the best thing that I could use my time for a good cause. Martial arts is important in our lives because if you were ever in a situation where you dont know how to fight then your in trouble. This is why I joined in the Bushido Dojo. You can get more details about the dojo by watching on youtube Bushido Association! Currently in bushido martial arts we are learning techniqes, rolling and flipping over things, etc. And 1v1 or 2v1 At first I was scared because I had no idea what to do but the more I came to bushido martial arts the more I learbed better ways to take people down. Safety is provided at all times in the dojo.

A couple of weeks ago I started to attend classes with sensei Sanada, he is an amazing and talented teacher and the place is well taken care of.I gave 4 stars last time, but now I am changing that to 5 stars because that new location is just amazing, spacious, and clean. I am driving all the way from Chicago to Gurnee to bring my kids here too, it is totally worth it.Thank you sensei!

Fun place

Highly recommend!!!!!!

Bushido Association is the ideal place to learn self-defense and discipline. Mr. Sanada is a very kind and helpful teacher. I am thrilled in how many languages ​​Mr Sanada offers his lessons, there is something for everyone.I will definitely be there again if the opportunity arises again for me.

We recommendMr. Sanada is a very good mentor who always tries to ensure that his students get the best possible education. His courses are also held in different languages ​​so that everyone can feel comfortable and understand. If youre looking for a great dojo for martial arts, youve come to the right place!

Mr. Sanada is very nice, friendly but also a very competent teacher.

It was one of the best experiences Ive ever had in my life!The training was very interesting and easy to understand. The teacher was kind and taught me politely. I recommend Aikido skills and recommend it as the best place to train your body.

In 2014 I had the honor to train with Sensei Sanada in Munich. He is a very good trainer who is very professional. A big plus is that he offers his classes in different languages.I can only recommend him 😊

Met while traveling in Japan,Very good teacher / Sensei, he is an educator and patient! These aikido lessons are easy to understand and have only given me more!I recommend

The Bushido Association is the best!

May God bless you, may God bless the tremendous effort from the professional captain Najm Sanada, a mixture between an Arab and a professional Japanese

Mr. Sanada has very high technology. There are English and Japanese classes. Proceed with Bushido.