Secure your spot and get started today with our EXCLUSIVE offer!
Very professional and fun for all ages! My oldest child started a year ago and has become obsessed! Can't say enough good things about all of the programs offered at Core!
I highly recommend Core to anyone looking for an amazing and positive experience for their child. We love all of the coaches and Tommy has been amazing!
Core Combat Sports has been a God send for the Parkinson's community. Coach Tommy has run the program since early October. I feel that in my case, it has slowed the progression of the disease and has improved my determination to keep on fighting. Thank you Coach Tommy and all of the volunteers for making a huge difference in our lives.
I’ve been training at Core for one year now and I’m currently 28 years old. I was looking for something different to do that would keep me in decent physical shape for my career. Prior to signing up with Core, I was nervous about starting because I had absolutely no experience with Jiu-Jitsu or any other martial art for that matter. The beginner’s class is great and no one at Core gives you any problems for not knowing how to do certain drills and/or for being slow at performing the drills. I have found that training Jiu Jitsu at Core is a great work out and is fun as well. In my opinion, it beats the ordinary gym membership by just going in and running on a treadmill and/or lifting some weights. At Core, you get a great work out and you learn how to defend yourself at the same time. Like I stated before, I started with no experience (and I still have a ton to learn) but it’s been an excellent adventure thus far!
I have been with core for about 10-11 months and i love it. There were times i was losing hope in myself mentally and physically but core pushed me and motivated me to be the best me i can possibly be. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wishes to learn martial arts!!
Currently I am training in Brazilian ju-jitsu and Muay Thai and couldn't be happier. Core combat sports is by far an amazing place for many different people with different goals to come to. Weather it's to lose weight, to get into shape, or learn self defense. I'm happy to be fighting underneath the core name and to have the great coaches that train me and my fellow fighters/peers. As well as being a great place to train, it is also a very friendly environment for any age. I strongly recommend core to anyone else who's considering taking classes in the martial arts
I have been training BJJ at Core Combat Sports for about a year and half now. This being my first bjj/martial arts experience, I was a bit apprehensive about trying it out but Tommy and the rest of the students were very welcoming.
I think the single greatest thing about the gym is that through jiu-jitsu and muay thai, we are helping each other work towards our individual goals. Whether its self defense, sport, or conditioning. Someone will always help you drill, work on breaking down a technique, or roll until your heart gives out. That's what keeps it fresh for me and keeps me coming back.
Core Combat Sports is the best place to train at in the 815. I have been training at Core for about 3 years, and my love for the martial arts has only grown. Since my first class, I have excelled in Jiu Jitsu, my wrestling skills for high school improved, and it also taught me many things. I became focused on things on and off the mat, including my schooling/homework. I have also completed an Instructor's Course, and I became the head coach for the Core Kids classes. This role was a great responsibility, after all, I was going to be a huge impact on some of these little guys/gals. In the end, teaching became a thing I loved to do, so it didn't even feel like a hard responsibility. I have also competed in Jiu Jitsu and MMA, and I was successful in both. Core Combat Sports will definitely, without a doubt, prepare you to do whatever it is that you want to do: Competing, getting in better shape, losing weight, and most importantly learn how to defend yourself. As soon as you walk in the door, you are greeted by coaches and other students. Everyone is really nice which creates a very safe and friendly environment. The walls are all murals which adds another element to the academy's atmosphere. There are plenty of training options, and at least one is bound to fit you! Whether it is Jiu Jitsu, MTK (kickboxing), wrestling, fitness, you name it! Core has it! There are just too many great things to say about Core, just check it out and see what it's about! Finally, since August 2015, I moved off to college in Iowa City, and I really miss Core and all of my Core friends! Thanksgiving and Christmas break can't come soon enough!
My son has had some long standing issues. Since joining Core he has drastically improved 2 of his toughest problems. I appreciate how the Core Team does their best to get to the Core of problems beyond just what happens on the mat! Thanks Tommy & Chris! Samuel still needs much help in multiple areas but I trust you will continue to provide positive insights into whatever issues arise.
Been going to kickboxing for a month now and couldn’t love it anymore than I do now great people and atmosphere incredible coach just all around awesome place!!!
Great facility! My husband and myself were driving through and looking for a place to train. Found the perfect spot. Not only was everyone very welcoming, but the intermediate GI class was awesome. Great sequence of techniques and instruction taught by a top notch Black Belt, who is diverse in self defense and sport BJJ. If ever in the area we will stop back by.
I have studied Martial Arts for a very long time. The thing that was missing in my life was ground game. I did some research and found Core Combat Sports. I have known coach Tom since I was little. I knew the passion he has for BJJ. I called him up and without hesitation he said "come try it out". I am in my 40's now so the body wasn't in great shape (totally my fault). My first workout with the adult class was very tough. I'm not going to lie about it. Everybody encouraged me to push it in a positive way in which it made me work super hard. I am in 3 months and have lost 27lbs. I am getting ready to do my first BJJ competition (which isn't required but why not?).
Tom has some highly skilled coaches on staff. Coach Ryan and coach Chris are excellent all around. I am to the point where I cant wait for class. Come give Core a chance and hopefully see you on the Mat. You won't be disappointed.
Most kids today are active.That’s not the problem. The problem is this: Activity doesn’t guarantee development. A child can run, jump, and play…and still lack: balance coordination usable strength control under pressure That’s the gap most programs never address. What the Research Actually Shows This isn’t opinion. Research on youth martial arts consistently shows improvements […]
What Will Your Child Thank You For Later? If your child at 18 years oldwas sitting next to you right now… What would they thank you for? Would they thank you for choosing comfort… Or for choosing growth? Would they thank you for making life easier… Or for preparing them to handle what life throws […]
At Core Combat Sports, we partner with parents to teach kids to “hold your mud”building perseverance. Jameson, a student here, showed it both on the mat and off. His mother shared how he works on the farm building fences, cutting down trees, doing men’s work in the rain and cold, without complaint. Likewise, he persevered […]
Every parent wants their child to grow up confident, disciplined, and resilient, but raising strong kids doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a clear plan, guidance, and consistent practice. At Core Combat Sports, we help families in Rockford and Belvidere IL create a master plan for their child’s development one that focuses on confidence, discipline, […]
At Core Combat Sports in Rockford, we believe that high standards equal high support. Our program, serving families from Loves Park and Belvidere, goes beyond teaching martial arts; it is about raising children who expect more from themselves in every part of life. We partner with parents in the Rockford area by offering personalized goal […]
Kids Martial Arts in Loves Park & Rockford That Builds Real Character Parents don’t come to our academy because their child needs another activity.They come because something more important is needed. At Core Combat Sports, our kids martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs in Loves Park and Rockford, IL focus on developing discipline, resilience, and […]
One of the most common questions we hear from parents at Core Combat Sports is, “What’s the best age to start martial arts?” It’s a great question, and while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some clear signs to help determine when a child is ready. At our gym in Loves Park, IL, we welcome […]
Most parents want their kids to have better focus, improved behavior, and stronger self-control. But those skills don’t always develop on their own. That’s why many families in Rockford and surrounding communities are turning to martial arts for kids as a proven way to support healthy growth. At Core Combat Sports, our program focuses on […]
If you’re a parent, you already know how tricky it can be to find something your child truly enjoys and sticks with. Between school, screen time, and short attention spans, keeping kids active can feel like a full-time job. That’s why so many families turn to kids martial arts as a positive, consistent outlet. At […]
“As to the origin and native land of Ju Jutsu, there are several opinions, but they are found to be mere assumptions based on narratives relating to the founding of certain schools, or some incidental records or illustrations found in the ancient manuscripts not only in Japan but in China, Persia, Germany, and Egypt. There […]
Grade school can be quite the experience for any child. It is a place where a child not only learns academically but one where a child must learn to socialize and function in the world. Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative experiences that a child may have when going through school. Whatever those […]