Traditional Martial Arts Schools in Des Plaines, IL

3 of the 7 martial arts schools we list in Des Plaines have traditional styles. A basic map listing can't tell you whether a "martial arts" result teaches lineage-based traditional forms like karate, taekwondo, or kung fu, or runs a modern fitness-kickboxing class under the same label. Every school on this page has its traditional style confirmed from its own website or class listings, not inferred from the business name.

Chicago Tenri Judo Dojo Karate / taekwondo

395 W Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016-2401

+16302070822 Directions

MBD Martial Arts Academy Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA

1508 Miner St, Des Plaines, IL 60016-4603

+18472972788 Website Directions

W. Kim Tae Kwon Do - Mount Prospect Kids classesFree trial classKarate / taekwondo

741 W Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016

+18474527055 Website Directions

Ask exactly which style and lineage the school teaches before your first class. "Traditional" covers very different systems — striking-focused styles like karate and taekwondo, grappling-focused styles like judo and aikido, and internal styles like tai chi — so the right fit depends on what you actually want to train.

Also in Des Plaines

Traditional Martial Arts Schools near Des Plaines

Good to know

What's the difference between traditional and modern martial arts schools?
Traditional schools generally follow a set curriculum tied to a specific style's history, forms, and belt-ranking system, often with added emphasis on etiquette and philosophy. Modern or hybrid schools tend to blend techniques from multiple styles or focus more narrowly on fitness or competition.

How long does it take to get a black belt in a traditional martial art?
Most traditional styles take about 3-5 years of consistent training to reach black belt, though the exact timeline varies by style, school, and how often a student trains. A school that awards black belts much faster than that is generally worth a closer look before signing up.