McArther's Tae Kwon Do & Fitness

Amazing place, phenomenal instructor! Mr. McArthur has a transparent business practice, exceptional teaching ability, and patience with even the most difficult of students. I highly recommend this place for your body, mind, and spirit.

The first thing you notice, obviously, is Master McArther. I have a pretty good snap assessment of a person, and Master McArther was the real deal. It took me about 5 minutes to figure that out.

This not one of the dreaded "black belt factories" you hear about, each belt is earned through hard work both inside and away from the Dojang.

The facility is clean, well organized, and well maintained. There is adequate heat in the winter and cool in the summer, as well as Master McArther allowing them to wear the school t-shirt during class in the hotter months of the year.

Not only does Master McArther DEMAND excellence in the physical application of Tae Kwon Do, he also demands (and holds accountable for) the (just as important) mental aspect. While some instructors may demand and observe, Master McArther demands and does, as he lives what he stresses in his classes daily.

As far as rankings go, it is standard white to black belt, and as I said... each belt is earned, not given. For children, he gives them the next colored belt's stripes on their belts, which keeps them focused and let's them know right where they are in their training.

There are few people in this world who make a difference in the lives they influence, and Master McArther and his Dojang are shining examples of this. Every person, whether they are part of class, or observing class is a better person for having Master McArther as a part of their lives.

If you want your child(ren) or even yourself to attend, then look no further.

Affordable tuition, expert instruction, a family atmosphere, and just an overall awesome experience over these last few months. Without a shadow of a doubt, I HIGHLY recommend McArthers Tae Kwon Do and Fitness.

Sean Cook

UPDATE 4/2/15: Ive still not seen or heard a better value for your dollar, and most importantly you/your child attending.

1) Master McArther continues to show and strive for excellence
2) Excellent connection with kids (should you have children interested)
3) A master.
4) If I could give him 6 stars, I could.

UPDATE 2/19/2016:

As I stated before, If I could give Master McArther 6 stars (7 stars), I would. I have observed as a parent (with a middling understanding of martial arts) Master McArther continually get results from all types of children and adults (even the "difficult" ones).

My son has continued to grow under the outstanding tutelage of Master McArther (and his appointed instructors).

Every program they run (Yoga, Tae Kwon Do, Cardio Kickboxing, Korya Gumdo) is an inclusive program that helps you check your anxiety about being "new" or "not in shape enough" or whatever gives you anxiety at the entrance to the Dojang.

If you, as a parent or adult, are on the fence in becoming part of this school...hop on over and come into the Dojang, as you can see from my multi-year sustained review, its one of the best investments in your or your child's physical and mental fitness.

2/1/17 update: Again, if I could give Master McArther (and his school) 6 stars, I could. I see so many different children come through with different levels of comprehension and skill. No matter what style or skill a child (or adult) has, Master McArther and his team handle them without a hitch.

As you can see by my annual (ish) review, my opinion has not changed in the years since we have been here.

You don't have to worry about playing politics, you don't have to worry about a bad environment, and you dont have to worry about a bad "TKD Family". The only thing you will have to worry about is getting there.

In a world of blackbelt factories and McDojos, McArther's Tae Kwon Do and Fitness (as evidenced by the win of best Martial Arts School in SW IL) stands as a diamond in the rough.

4/4/2019 UPDATE: Please read the reviews before, nothing has changed. McArther's Tae Kwon Do and Fitness is still 10 stars out of 5 to me. If you or your child is interested in Tae Kwon Do, you need not look anywhere else.

Top notch and a true asset to our community!

2/27/2021: Not enough stars/5 ...essential for young minds!

I have been a student for 6 years. I highly recommend this school for people who are looking for Taekwondo training. You will get fitness, coordination, discipline, a family environment yet many opportunities for competition and sparring. You won't find a more talented, dedicated, inspirational or honorable instructor than Grandmaster McArther. He has students from very young to about a half dozen over 50 yrs old. This is a great sport for people with busy schedules because you can practice at home without a partner to augment your class time and improve much faster. Joining this school has been one of the best decisions I have made. Craig Staehle

My son joined McArthers TKD at 9 years old and has continued to study with Grandmaster McArther and mentor others for 15 years. Grandmaster McArther is a true professional and genuinely cares for his students.

Master McArther came highly recommended by several parents who have and had students attend his classes. We have been extremely pleased with him and his program. Master McArther holds his students to high standards and expects them to honor those standards not only at his studio, but at school and home. We recommend Master McArther to anyone who is looking to enter into martial arts!