Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness

Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness offers youth classes, family classes, adult classes, sparring classes, cardio kickboxing and self-defense classes, and an after school program for kids. Students can train in traditional martial arts such as Taekwondo and Hapkido, as well as the American martial art Guardian Way, which includes striking, grappling, ground fighting, weapons, and self-healing techniques. The program also offers leadership seminars, summer camp, and belt promotion testing held on specific dates during business hours.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Open Monday–Friday with afternoon and evening hours, and on Saturday mornings and early afternoons

Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness was formerly known as Chung's Taekwondo and Hapkido Academy and adopted its current name when it relocated to a new Edison Park location a short distance from the original site. Guardian Way is described as both a martial art and a philosophy and way of life, with a foundation in self-healing techniques and the cultivation of peace in all interactions and areas of life. Its philosophy states that the result of true Tae Kwon Do is natural, effortless action and a unity of mind and body, and that practitioners learn both to defend themselves and to eliminate threats against others, applying these principles in school, work, relationships, and family.

The owner and headmaster, Master Christopher (Chris) Van Mieghem, has been training since 2000 and teaching since 2003, and has taught students of all ages and skill levels from New York to California, as well as bodyguards, stunt performers, Hollywood actors, and high-profile athletes. His credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Martial Arts Studies from the University of Bridgeport in 2012, where he graduated as Valedictorian and received the Martial Arts Practicum award. His competitive record includes being the 2012 World Cup Sparring Gold Medalist and World Cup Sparring Champion, 2012 World Cup Team Forms Silver Medalist, 2012 World Cup Team Board Breaking Bronze Medalist, 2011 National Taekwondo Silver Medalist, 2008 national kickboxing gold medalist, and 14 state and regional titles in Taekwondo, as well as serving as former captain of the U.S. Martial Arts Team. The leadership team also includes Victoria Starzec (Instructor/Business Manager) and instructors Kevin Woroniecki, David Hall, Caterina Benincasa, Andy Lencioni, and Josef Lencioni.

Guardian Way has been winning awards since its inception, including a national award for Best New Martial Art in 2012. It has been recognized as Best Martial Arts School 2021 by Vverge.com and received the 2024 Complaint Free Award from the Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Illinois. The program offers a first class free, welcomes all disciplines, belts, and skill levels, and includes the unique element of peer defense, teaching practitioners to eliminate threats against others. It also offers martial arts at home, emphasizes self-healing techniques and the cultivation of peace in all areas of life, and states that it provides tools for excellence and leadership.

Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness serves the community through group classes and an after school program for kids and describes itself as a value to the community and a light to the community after challenges faced locally and worldwide. Testimonials from parents and students describe frequent attendance in multiple sessions per week, long-term training over many years, progress to first dan black belt, and experiences in programs such as Tiny Tigers, with comments about staff coaching through every step needed to become a martial artist and junior instructors serving as examples for younger children.

Last updated July 30, 2026.