Focus Fitness

Fantastic experience: Train here, sweat here. You won't regret it. I trained here for 10+ years, and it's been over 10 years since I've been there as we have moved. I am writing this because my sweet Australian shepherd Artie and I were recently attacked, pulled to the ground and savagely mauled by three pit bulls. It was the most horrific 2 minutes of my life until a brave person stepped into the fray to pull one dog off me. On the ground while being brutally torn at, I tried shielding my dog while fighting them off. I had nothing but my bare hands. No stick, pepper spray or weapon. In those extreme moments, your mind and body go to where your training and muscle memory take you. I'm an almost 60 aged female and at 5'4", a bit overweight and out of shape, I fought those dogs off with all the mental toughness and laser focus that my years of training at Focus gave me. I did not mentally crumble into the chaos. It was the gift of having those years of training until help arrived that got me through the most savage attack I've ever experienced. Thank you Focus, I am forever grateful.

Fantastic experience: Update: I wrote my review prior to reading the other reviews. I have to say that I am shocked by the couple of negative reviews regarding FOCUS and NISRA. (And no-we are not getting a kickback for a favorable review-that is ridiculous.) We were on a waitlist through NISRA for a while before a spot opened up for our son. We were bummed, but understood that both entities needed to ensure that it was properly staffed for the number of participants. We attend each week with our son, and as stated below, could not be happier with the inclusive mindset of FOCUS. I also want to note that the NISRA volunteers work hard to get everyone to participate. We have never seen anyone left out. They are well staffed and highly qualified. Participants all work at their own level, but if a child is not participating, it is not for lack of trying on either end. Not all kids enjoy all activities and perhaps the child did not want to participate. We have recently moved to this area and could not be more pleased with the organization, cooperation and communication from NISRA. Everyone is human and mistakes can happen, but both organizations would likely be very happy to hear concerns in a constructive way. If you are considering NISRA or FOCUS, I highly recommend! We have a son with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome who takes karate at Focus Martial Arts through NISRA. We cannot say enough about this amazing program. The owners and the instructors are among the most inclusive and welcoming people I have ever met. They genuinely care about kids and their progress. They break down concepts and skills so that our son understands, but they have high expectations for his growth. Our son has made improvements in karate, behavior, focus and school because of their leadership. We are so grateful and highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Instructors are so patient with the students. They explain everything step by step. This results in success.

Fantastic experience: Great people. Great environment. Great place to learn.

Negative experience: Dissapointed in the poor quality of leadership at this martial arts academy. Leadership decided to use students to go door to door and canvas neighborhoods in the local area. Bad move.

Fantastic experience: I've only been training at focus for about 2 1/2 years now, but I already think of it as a ginormous part of my life. If it wasn't for focus, I would probably still be rethinking my decision about quiting tumbling (that would be very bad). When I just started martial arts there, everyone was SO welcoming. I think that anyone who joins martial arts or fitness there, is very lucky to get the chance to join such a supportive group of people!!!!!

Fantastic experience: Focus changed my life! Everyone is so kind and inclusive. They actually take the time to teach you and help you grow. They cater to your specific needs which isn’t common at most martial arts/fitness places. The owners are so personable and actually care! I would recommend this place a million times over!!

Fantastic experience: After leaving a park district dojo four years ago, my son started training at Focus. In order to challenge himself more, he joined the competition team and represents Focus at tournaments nationwide. No matter whether your child is in basic karate, special needs, or a member of the competition team, the Focus program is outstanding. Karate lessons are not always about karate. Life lessons include respect for your elders, confidence in yourself, and self-respect. The training you receive will prepare you to become a more responsible adult and a more capable leader.

Fantastic experience: Great place, great people, great place to train.

Fantastic experience: I've been training here for around 3 years and the training I've been receiving is second to none. If you're looking for a great place to train, this is the place to be!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been with focus for 28 years and counting. Great programs and great people make it my second family.

Fantastic experience: Great training, been here for years!

Fantastic experience: Tremendous !

Fantastic experience: Fantastic teacher with a pedigree in Shotokan, great atmosphere, and great price!

Negative experience: I had 1 bad experience at FOCUS and it is most likely due to the 2 people “running” the program at FOCUS and lack of communication through NISRA. I had no idea my son wasn’t going to participate and I thought that NISRA and their partners were all-inclusive but my son did not participate on this particular day and I wasn’t aware. We waited thinking he was going to participate only to have class dismissed. Update: FOCUS did respond to my review but I have no interest in hearing a response. I suggest if you have a child with extraordinary needs to look elsewhere. NISRA is equally at fault so please keep in mind when you think of signing up through NISRA or at FOCUS.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love this place.

Fantastic experience: What an incredibly ALIVE organization. I dropped in there a few evenings ago and the place was packed with young people galore! You could feel the energy with everyone so engaged and having fun.

Fantastic experience: I just signed up here a few days ago and boy was it worth it. Fantastic gym, great equipment, super tidy and organized! I love it, won't be leaving anytime soon.

Fantastic experience: This gym exceeded my expectations, It's never crowded, machines are of high quality, it has standing and laying tanning and massage tables, personal trainers are so helpful. People that come here are dedicated and gives me motivation. Other members are very respectful as well.

Fantastic experience: It's changing my life for the better. Super clean gym. Super kind personnel. Kate (my trainer) is a godsend. She helps me overcome obstacles in my journey to regain my health. I cannot recommend this place enough.

Fantastic experience: My daughter is enrolled here. Her instructor Ciprian is great he doesn't make things easy for his students but he takes his time with all his students to make sure they do things the right way. He will also make you do things more then once until you get it right. All the belts are earned not given.

Fantastic experience: Started @ Focus watching my kids do karate. Got hooked on karate. Got hooked on Fitness classes. That was 20 years ago. O’Hara’s are like family to me and everyone. Ciprian as well. They’ve never been better than now. You won’t put your own self through the tough, sometimes slightly crazy workouts they develop. Go there. Now. Wash your hands first!

Fantastic experience: Great place for a good workout. All trainers are very knowledgeable and will always work with you to get the best results. Even if it means you have to modify. Great atmosphere, everyone pretty much knows everyone. Just like family.

Fantastic experience: We are extremely happy with being a part of “FOCUS”. Our both kids are students here. Our son was very shy as a little kid. We decided to introduce him to karate. He started training with Sensei Marianne O’Hara at age of 6. She is amazing with kids, and it’s great to see how much love and respect students have for her. Our son went from going once a week (over 6 years ago), to now going 5-6 times a week. Our daughter joined the Focus Family when she was 4 (following her big brother). Both of our kids greatly benefit from the Dojo and the family atmosphere it creates. It helps kids feel part of a real community, where they learn valuable life lessons and improving their karate skills. You can really see students confidence level build week after week. All the instructors are not only highly skilled, knowledgeable and supportive but also have an amazing way of keeping kids focused. They really concentrate on discipline and respect for the sport, each other and themselves. Thank you Sensei Jim and Marianne O’Hara, Sensei Ciprian and the rest of the Team! We are grateful to be a part of this Family!

Fantastic experience: Grew up at Focus. Great place to workout. The best instructors and a great family atmosphere!

Fantastic experience: Excellent and encouraging instructors at Focus! The people are all very friendly and welcoming which makes you feel part of the Focus family! The instructors offer modifications in the workouts to target your specific needs and no two workouts are ever the same so you will not get bored. No judgement at Focus, just a great group of people working out to get in shape.

Fantastic experience: Awesome and welcoming place. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Great facility...clean, lots of equipment, steam room...amazing staff:)

Fantastic experience: Focus Fitness is my absolute favorite place for a great workout! Whether it's personal training, small group training, group classes or virtual, every workout is fun and challenging no matter your fitness level. Their trainers are highly knowledgeable and tailor each workout to meet your individual needs, regardless of class size and they are always supportive. No two classes are the same, so I’m never bored, and I’m continuously challenged. Focus Fitness has helped me achieve and maintain my fitness goals. I feel healthy, strong, empowered, and confident! I highly recommend Focus Fitness! Give it a try, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Fantastic experience: I LOVE this place!!! I have worked out at many different gyms and this by far is my favorite! The fitness classes are fun, challenging, never the same, and I leave with a smile on my face!!! The amazing staff and instructors make you feel part of a family. The people there are of all different fitness levels and are very supportive of one another. Focus has made me stronger both physically and mentally! There's nothing more rewarding than to feel like you got a great workout!

Fantastic experience: Focus Fitness has been a game changer for me. After relocating to the area, I struggled for over a year with trying to find a gym that had the same community feel as the one I had to leave. Then I found Focus Fitness, and it didn’t take long to feel more at home than ever. A true community of fitness pros who really care and have your best interests in mind, whether it’s in a group class or in a personal training session...the commitment to your personal success is there. I’m so grateful to have found them and I keep recommending them to everyone I know. Absolutely some of the best trainers I’ve known and the best community to be a part of.

Fantastic experience: I go here, and I'm currently a brown belt. I've been doing karate here for about 4 years now, and It'll be a couple more years until I get my black belt. The thing about some martial arts places is that you sign some 2 year contract. and you're guaranteed to get your black belt by the end. One of my friends got her "black belt", but her mom had to sign a guarantee contract and it was based on how many hours she trained. Here, it's based on how you do, not how much money you give them. At some places, you just buy your belts. But here, you earn them.

Fantastic experience: Must have for anyone going off to college! Great instructor.