Business Details
14 Years
experience
Empowering Youth Through Martial Arts in Chicago
Founded in 2012, Bel Air is a family-owned martial arts school dedicated to empowering youth through high-quality, inclusive training programs. Our mission centers on fostering respect, resilience, and community connections in a safe, family-oriented environment. With specialized programs for neurodiverse youth and small class sizes ensuring personalized attention, we combine traditional martial arts instruction with adaptive teaching methodologies. Our team of experienced coaches maintains a 1:2 to 1:6 coach-to-student ratio, delivering structured curricula in Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and STEM-integrated robotics.Certified in child development and behavioral support, we serve ages 3-16 with evidence-based instruction that builds life skills like emotional intelligence, teamwork, and perseverance. As a community-focused organization, we host enrichment activities including day camps and parent-child classes while maintaining modern facilities with convenient accessibility.
Services
Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Muay Thai Training
Neurodiverse Programs
Competition Team
Robotics & Tech
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Specialized programs for neurodiverse youth with 3:1 student-to-coach ratios
- Proven curriculum developing emotional regulation and social skills
- Instructors trained in adaptive teaching methodologies for special needs
- Competitive team preparation with tournament experience since 2012
- STEM-integrated robotics program partnered with FIRST LEGO League
What people say
Patient instructors
Improved confidence
Special needs support
Structured curriculum
Positive environment
Services
Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Our Jiu-Jitsu program develops self-defense skills and physical coordination for children aged 5-16. With a 1:2 coach-to-student ratio, we emphasize perseverance, emotional intelligence, and teamwork. Students progress through a structured promotion system with video tutorials and regular skill assessments while learning discipline through hands-on practice.
Neurodiverse Program
Tailored martial arts instruction for neurodiverse youth with 3:1 student-to-coach ratios. Our adaptive curriculum addresses sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social skill development. Certified instructors modify techniques to accommodate ADHD, autism, and anxiety while maintaining technical integrity through individualized attention and parent collaboration.
Muay Thai Training
Muay Thai instruction for ages 7+ focuses on fundamental striking techniques using heavy bags and partner drills. Students build cardiovascular endurance while learning offense-defense applications. The program emphasizes situational awareness and appropriate use of self-defense skills in real-world scenarios through controlled practice environments.
Competition Team
Advanced Jiu-Jitsu training for tournament preparation with specialized scenario drills. Approved students aged 8+ develop competitive techniques and mental resilience through high-intensity sparring sessions. Coaches focus on performance under pressure while maintaining emotional regulation and technical precision during competition conditions.
Robotics Program
FIRST LEGO League robotics program combining coding, engineering, and problem-solving for ages 9-15. Students design and program competition robots while developing teamwork through collaborative challenges. The curriculum includes weekly instruction plus open-building sessions using LEGO Spike Prime kits in preparation for international tournaments.
People
Alex Truong
Owner & Lead Instructor
Certified martial arts instructor with 15+ years experience developing youth programs. Specializes in adaptive teaching for neurodiverse children, combining behavioral therapy with technical instruction. Created Bel Air's structured curriculum emphasizing character development and emotional regulation.
Nic Yongwoo Park
Coach
Multi-disciplinary martial artist with championship experience in karate and Muay Thai. Combines early childhood education expertise with creative teaching methods. Leads parent-toddler classes focusing on foundational motor skills and parent-child bonding through martial arts activities.
Jerry
Competition Coach
Specializes in advanced Jiu-Jitsu techniques for tournament preparation. Develops high-intensity training regimens focusing on competitive scenarios and mental resilience. Maintains technical excellence while pushing students beyond regular class intensity levels.
Miles
Robotics Instructor
Technology educator with expertise in Python programming and robotics. Develops curriculum integrating STEM concepts with hands-on building projects. Facilitates FIRST LEGO League challenges emphasizing problem-solving and collaborative engineering skills for youth participants.
Antoine
Robotics Mentor
Artificial intelligence specialist applying computer science principles to youth robotics education. Co-developer of digital teaching tools enhancing classroom instruction. Focuses on making complex programming concepts accessible through practical, project-based learning experiences.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer for neurodiverse children?
Our Panda Program provides specialized Jiu-Jitsu instruction with 3:1 student-to-coach ratios for children aged 6-15 needing additional support. Certified instructors adapt techniques to accommodate sensory processing, emotional regulation, and learning differences.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide 1-on-1 free trial classes required for neurodiverse programs and children aged 5-6. For other students, we offer group trial options with assessment to determine appropriate class placement.
What equipment is needed for martial arts classes?
Initial classes require clean gym clothes. Students later purchase a standard Gi uniform (jacket and trousers). Compression clothing is recommended for sensory-sensitive individuals under the uniform.
Are parents allowed to observe classes?
Yes, observation is encouraged but we ask parents not to interact during sessions. This creates a consistent learning environment while allowing coaches to effectively evaluate student progress.
Do you participate in martial arts competitions?
Yes, our competition team trains students aged 8+ in advanced Jiu-Jitsu techniques for tournament participation. We offer specialized sparring sessions and scenario-based drills to prepare competitors for event conditions.
What robotics programs are available for children?
Our FIRST LEGO League program teaches coding and engineering through robot building challenges for ages 9-15. Weekly classes include competition preparation and open-building sessions using LEGO Spike Prime kits.
