Just for Kicks - The Martial Arts University
Just for Kicks - The Martial Arts University, 14233 Dante Ave., Dolton, IL 60419
About
Just for Kicks - The Martial Arts University offers kids' martial arts, adult martial arts, family martial arts, fitness kickboxing, and other martial arts classes. Students train in karate, including Shuri Ryu Karate-Do, in a training facility and school that is described as an institution of self-improvement with a focus on a POSITIVE, safe, injury-free training environment.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Just For Kicks – The Martial Arts University was established in 1970 by Sensei John H. Venson (D. 1993), and four generations of the Venson family have studied Shuri Ryu Karate-Do under this lineage. The school is led by John R. Venson and Reginald L. Venson, who lead a group of instructors and Black Belts. Its mission states that it is the Home of Champions, Champions in the arena and Champions of Life, and that it concentrates on building the whole person physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially, using physical self-defense skills as tools for self-improvement based on self-confidence, self-discipline, personal safety, focus, and perseverance. Just For Kicks is described as an institution of self-improvement rather than just a gym or activity, with programs that range from beginners self defense classes to advanced Black Belt training, and it maintains traditions and ties to an established lineage that dates back for many centuries. It serves families and students in Dolton and the Metro Chicago area and has earned the reputation of being among the top martial arts and character development institutions in the United States, described as a landmark in Chicago and the “measuring stick” by which excellent martial arts schools are measured, as well as the “Home of Champions, Champions in the arena and Champions of Life.”
The kids' martial arts program is described as focusing on character building and leadership in a fun and safe environment, while adult martial arts classes emphasize improving fitness, confidence, and practical self-defense. Family martial arts classes are described as helping everyone in the family build confidence, get fit, and build togetherness, and the Fitness Kickboxing program is described as a way to quickly lose weight, get in shape, build muscle, and improve cardio. The school emphasizes a POSITIVE, safe, injury-free training environment.
Parents and students in Google reviews describe the program as a blessing to one daughter, noting more confidence, structure, and discipline, and mention that other kids are willing to help new students with their movements. Another parent reports that a child’s self-confidence “has gone up 5 notches” and describes the culture of karate as being about discipline, respect, and focus, stating that the child loves karate and the dojo staff. A student review notes that after two weeks they completely enjoy the training facility, describing the kids as friendly and helpful and the instructors as very great with discipline, and rates the program “10/10.” Another parent states that Just for Kicks has taught a son how to defend himself and has taught him life lessons he can use in life. A grandparent notes that children and a grandson attended the school and that for them it has been more than self defense, stating that it has built confidence, given skills for public speaking, and reinforced beliefs about the importance of teamwork, education, respect, and church.
Last updated May 25, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Just For Kicks – The Martial Arts University was established in 1970 by Sensei John H. Venson (D. 1993), and four generations of the Venson family have studied Shuri Ryu Karate-Do under this lineage. The school is led by John R. Venson and Reginald L. Venson, who lead a group of instructors and Black Belts. Its mission states that it is the Home of Champions, Champions in the arena and Champions of Life, and that it concentrates on building the whole person physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially, using physical self-defense skills as tools for self-improvement based on self-confidence, self-discipline, personal safety, focus, and perseverance. Just For Kicks is described as an institution of self-improvement rather than just a gym or activity, with programs that range from beginners self defense classes to advanced Black Belt training, and it maintains traditions and ties to an established lineage that dates back for many centuries. It serves families and students in Dolton and the Metro Chicago area and has earned the reputation of being among the top martial arts and character development institutions in the United States, described as a landmark in Chicago and the “measuring stick” by which excellent martial arts schools are measured, as well as the “Home of Champions, Champions in the arena and Champions of Life.”
The kids' martial arts program is described as focusing on character building and leadership in a fun and safe environment, while adult martial arts classes emphasize improving fitness, confidence, and practical self-defense. Family martial arts classes are described as helping everyone in the family build confidence, get fit, and build togetherness, and the Fitness Kickboxing program is described as a way to quickly lose weight, get in shape, build muscle, and improve cardio. The school emphasizes a POSITIVE, safe, injury-free training environment.
Parents and students in Google reviews describe the program as a blessing to one daughter, noting more confidence, structure, and discipline, and mention that other kids are willing to help new students with their movements. Another parent reports that a child’s self-confidence “has gone up 5 notches” and describes the culture of karate as being about discipline, respect, and focus, stating that the child loves karate and the dojo staff. A student review notes that after two weeks they completely enjoy the training facility, describing the kids as friendly and helpful and the instructors as very great with discipline, and rates the program “10/10.” Another parent states that Just for Kicks has taught a son how to defend himself and has taught him life lessons he can use in life. A grandparent notes that children and a grandson attended the school and that for them it has been more than self defense, stating that it has built confidence, given skills for public speaking, and reinforced beliefs about the importance of teamwork, education, respect, and church.
Last updated May 25, 2026.
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