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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.
What Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Competition, and Martial Arts Have Taught Me About Staying Sharp, Capable, and Free At 55, I still train. I still step onto the mat. I still compete against men half my age. When people hear that, they often assume it’s about proving something. It isn’t. I’m not trying to be 25 […]
Why Discipline Starts the Journey and Devotion Keeps You Going. Most people spend their lives looking for motivation. They wait until they feel inspired. They wait until they feel ready. They wait until the timing feels right. The problem is motivation comes and goes. Some days you feel like training. Some days you don’t. Some […]
How Goal Setting, Discipline, and Standards Shape Who You Become at Any Age Most people don’t fail because they aim too high. They fail because they don’t aim at all. No target.No direction.No standard. Just reacting to the day and calling it progress. That’s where most people start. So yes, small goals have a […]
You Are Not Too Late. You Are Just Not 22 Anymore. Most people think martial arts is for the young. Fast. Flexible. Fearless. But Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was never built on speed. It was built on efficiency. Timing. Leverage. Patience. That is where adults win. Why Adults in Rockford IL Are Starting Jiu Jitsu Later Something […]
Many adults deal with stress from work, family, money, and daily routines. Over time, confidence can fade. Adults start doubting their choices, their strength, and sometimes even their own abilities. Martial arts helps adults rebuild that confidence through steady training, strong habits, and a supportive community. At Core Combat Sports, adults train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, […]
Growth sounds good. Until you actually start doing it. Because the moment you raise your standards…something else shows up. Resistance. Not always loud.Not always obvious. But it’s there. The Reality of Growth As you start training…as you become more disciplined…as you stop making excuses… People notice. And not everyone responds the same way. Some will […]
Many kids enjoy team sports like baseball, football, or soccer. But many kids don’t. Some feel nervous in big groups, some don’t enjoy competition, and others don’t connect with the pace of team play. Parents often search for something that helps their kids grow without forcing them into activities that feel stressful. That’s where martial […]
Stress is something almost everyone deals with. Whether it’s pressure at work, school-related anxiety, family responsibilities, or the nonstop pace of daily life, it builds up over time. For many people, stress affects more than just mood. It can disrupt sleep, raise blood pressure, trigger anxiety, and even weaken the immune system. Advice like “just […]
It’s easy to assume that someone who looks fit is automatically tough. Big muscles and low body fat might give off that impression, but looking strong doesn’t always mean you’re ready for a real fight. The truth is, being in shape doesn’t automatically mean you know how to defend yourself. And just because someone trains […]
It’s no secret that gyms are everywhere. You’ve probably seen the same routine countless times: rows of treadmills, a few weight machines, maybe a group class or two, and plenty of people working out alone with their headphones on. That setup works for some. But for a lot of adults, that environment gets boring fast. […]
If you’re tired of dragging yourself to the gym or repeating the same workout routine without motivation, you’re not the only one. Many adults hit a point where traditional exercise starts to feel more like a chore than something that improves their life. That’s why more people are turning to adult martial arts as a […]