About
Just for Kicks - The Martial Arts University offers kids' martial arts, adult martial arts, and family martial arts classes, along with fitness kickboxing and self-defense classes. Students can train in Shuri Ryu Karate-Do, participate in Advanced Black Belt training, and attend Personal Safety and Life Development classes. The school offers a range of martial arts classes that are described as more than just about fighting, using physical kicking and punching as tools to teach lessons about oneself and life.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Just For Kicks – The Martial Arts University was established in 1970 and maintains traditions and ties to an established lineage that dates back for many centuries. Four generations of the Venson family have studied Shuri Ryu Karate-Do under this lineage. The school is described as an institution of self-improvement and the Home of Champions, focusing on building the whole person physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially, and is described as more of an institution of self-improvement than just a gym or activity.
Sensei John H. Venson (D. 1993) is the founder, and John R. Venson and Reginald L. Venson lead an extremely talented group of instructors and Black Belts. The school has earned the reputation of being among the top martial arts and character development institutions in the United States and is described as the “measuring stick” by which excellent martial arts schools are measured. It is described as an inspiring martial arts program for the entire family, with programs for children and adults that have a great reputation for impacting the lives of students, and as a great training facility with a positive, safe, injury-free environment.
The kids' martial arts program is described as focusing on character building and leadership in a fun and safe environment, and parents report quick improvements in children’s focus and confidence. Testimonials from parents and students describe children and teens gaining life-changing self-confidence, respect, discipline, structure, and skills for public speaking, as well as reinforcement of values such as teamwork, education, respect, and church. One parent describes the class as a blessing that brought more confidence, structure, and discipline, another notes a child’s self-confidence increasing and learning discipline, respect, and focus, and another shares that Just for Kicks has taught a child both self-defense and life lessons. A long-time family notes that multiple generations have attended and that it has been about more than self-defense. A student describes the school as a great training facility where kids are friendly and helpful and instructors are very strong on discipline, rating it 10/10.
Adult martial arts classes are described as emphasizing improving fitness, confidence, and practical self-defense, and adults are described as losing weight, getting in shape, improving flexibility, building strength, and boosting energy with the elimination of everyday work and life stresses. Family martial arts classes are described as helping everyone in the family build confidence, get fit, and build togetherness. The Fitness Kickboxing program is described as a way to quickly lose weight, get in shape, build muscle, and improve cardio, and students are not required to already be in great shape to enjoy classes.
Hundreds of families across the Metro Chicago and Dolton area are involved with and praising the programs. The school is described as offering a blueprint for a successful life based on self-confidence, self-discipline, personal safety, focus, and perseverance, and as the Home of Champions in the arena and Champions of Life.
Last updated January 12, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Just For Kicks – The Martial Arts University was established in 1970 and maintains traditions and ties to an established lineage that dates back for many centuries. Four generations of the Venson family have studied Shuri Ryu Karate-Do under this lineage. The school is described as an institution of self-improvement and the Home of Champions, focusing on building the whole person physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially, and is described as more of an institution of self-improvement than just a gym or activity.
Sensei John H. Venson (D. 1993) is the founder, and John R. Venson and Reginald L. Venson lead an extremely talented group of instructors and Black Belts. The school has earned the reputation of being among the top martial arts and character development institutions in the United States and is described as the “measuring stick” by which excellent martial arts schools are measured. It is described as an inspiring martial arts program for the entire family, with programs for children and adults that have a great reputation for impacting the lives of students, and as a great training facility with a positive, safe, injury-free environment.
The kids' martial arts program is described as focusing on character building and leadership in a fun and safe environment, and parents report quick improvements in children’s focus and confidence. Testimonials from parents and students describe children and teens gaining life-changing self-confidence, respect, discipline, structure, and skills for public speaking, as well as reinforcement of values such as teamwork, education, respect, and church. One parent describes the class as a blessing that brought more confidence, structure, and discipline, another notes a child’s self-confidence increasing and learning discipline, respect, and focus, and another shares that Just for Kicks has taught a child both self-defense and life lessons. A long-time family notes that multiple generations have attended and that it has been about more than self-defense. A student describes the school as a great training facility where kids are friendly and helpful and instructors are very strong on discipline, rating it 10/10.
Adult martial arts classes are described as emphasizing improving fitness, confidence, and practical self-defense, and adults are described as losing weight, getting in shape, improving flexibility, building strength, and boosting energy with the elimination of everyday work and life stresses. Family martial arts classes are described as helping everyone in the family build confidence, get fit, and build togetherness. The Fitness Kickboxing program is described as a way to quickly lose weight, get in shape, build muscle, and improve cardio, and students are not required to already be in great shape to enjoy classes.
Hundreds of families across the Metro Chicago and Dolton area are involved with and praising the programs. The school is described as offering a blueprint for a successful life based on self-confidence, self-discipline, personal safety, focus, and perseverance, and as the Home of Champions in the arena and Champions of Life.
Last updated January 12, 2026.
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