Business Details
32 Years
experience
Empowering Confidence Through Martial Arts in Darien, IL
For over three decades, Success Now Martial Arts has dedicated itself to creating an environment where students of all ages can enhance their physical fitness while developing essential life skills. Our instructors undergo rigorous training exceeding 300 hours and hold certifications from the American Taekwondo Association, ensuring the highest standard of instruction. We specialize in structured programs tailored to different age groups, from our Tigers program for children aged 3-6 to adult martial arts classes that emphasize self-defense and high-intensity fitness. Our curriculum is designed to instill discipline, respect, and confidence, with a belt system that tracks individual progress and achievement.We pride ourselves on fostering a family-friendly atmosphere where students and parents alike form lasting connections through shared experiences and community events. Our commitment extends beyond physical training, focusing on emotional intelligence and decision-making skills that empower students to excel in all aspects of life. With facilities in Darien and Countryside, we provide state-of-the-art training spaces equipped with climate control and safety-focused flooring. Our mission remains unwavering: to create confident leaders through excellence in real martial arts training while maintaining an inclusive environment that welcomes all fitness levels and backgrounds.
Services
Karate for Kids
ATA Adults Program
Tigers Program
Belt Testing
Birthday Parties
Bullying Prevention Classes
Family Martial Arts
Board Breaking
Character Development
Fitness Training
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Our instructors complete over 300 hours of training and hold ATA certifications
- We offer age-specific programs with structured belt progression systems
- Family-friendly environment with community-building events and activities
- Curriculum emphasizes life skills like respect, decision-making, and non-violent conflict resolution
- State-of-the-art facilities in Darien and Countryside with safety-focused design
Associations and certifications
- American Taekwondo Association
What people say
Taught valuable life lessons
Family-friendly organization
Positive, supportive environment
Instructors care about children
Great confidence development
Services
Karate for Kids
Structured martial arts classes for children aged 7-13 that develop discipline, respect, and confidence through Songahm Taekwondo techniques. Our curriculum combines physical training with character development, teaching goal-setting and perseverance while maintaining an engaging, non-competitive environment that emphasizes individual progress. Students advance through a colored belt system that reinforces achievement and personal growth.
Tigers Program
Specialized martial arts instruction for children aged 3-6 that builds motor skills, focus, and social awareness through playful, structured activities. The program introduces basic martial arts concepts while emphasizing essential character qualities like courtesy and discipline through themed lessons that align with our core values. Students earn collectible patches as they develop coordination and classroom readiness skills.
Adult Martial Arts
High-intensity martial arts training for adults focusing on practical self-defense techniques and cardiovascular fitness. Our classes combine physical conditioning with mental discipline, offering a stress-relieving workout that builds confidence and improves overall health. Participants progress through a traditional belt system while learning real-world self-defense applications in a supportive, non-intimidating environment.
Belt Testing
Structured belt progression system that tracks student development through nine color ranks and black belt levels. Each belt level requires mastery of specific techniques and character traits, with testing that evaluates both physical skills and personal growth. The system provides clear achievement milestones that motivate students to set and achieve personal goals while reinforcing perseverance and dedication.
Birthday Parties
Action-packed birthday celebrations combining martial arts instruction with themed games and activities for children aged 5-12. Our supervised events include board-breaking challenges, structured games, and martial arts demonstrations that create memorable experiences while introducing basic techniques. Parties accommodate up to 12 children with parent participation options and facility amenities that ensure stress-free celebrations.
People
Chief Master Patti Barnum
Chief Instructor/Owner
With over 30 years of martial arts experience, Chief Master Barnum leads our Darien school, bringing expertise in Songahm Taekwondo and a commitment to community empowerment through structured martial arts training.
Master Keith Shoup
Senior Master 7BD
As Countryside school director, Master Shoup oversees instruction with 25+ years of martial arts experience, focusing on technical excellence and character development for students of all ages.
8BD Master Kelli Shoup
Chief Master
A senior instructor with advanced certification, Master Shoup contributes specialized knowledge in Songahm Taekwondo techniques and youth development programs through her extensive teaching experience.
Questions
What age groups do your martial arts programs accommodate?
We offer programs for children aged 3-6 (Tigers), 7-13 (Karate Kids), teens, and adults of all fitness levels.
What benefits can students expect from your martial arts training?
Students develop improved focus, discipline, self-confidence, physical fitness, and non-violent conflict resolution skills through our structured curriculum.
Are your instructors certified and experienced?
All instructors complete over 300 hours of training and hold certifications from the American Taekwondo Association with ranks from 2BD to 8BD.
Do you offer family martial arts classes?
Yes, we provide family-friendly classes that allow parents and children to train together while maintaining age-appropriate instruction.
What special programs or events do you organize?
We host martial arts birthday parties, bullying prevention workshops, family events, and regular community-building activities for students and parents.
