Fonseca Martial Arts to Offer Free Karate Classes to the Chicago Community

Elisa and John Fonseca, owners of Fonseca Martial Arts and World and Pan American Games gold medalists, just opened their newest studio in Roscoe Village and they plan to welcome the Chicago Community with open arms. Elisa Au Fonseca is a 3-time world champion and the most decorated American karate athlete of all time. Her husband and founder of FMA, John Fonseca is a two-time Pan American Games gold medalist. The most decorated duo already have several locations in the Chicagoland area, turning out National and Pan-American medalists. Chicagoland’s own Lia Fontana started attending Fonseca Martial Arts in Evanston, and won a USA Olympic Committee sanctioned gold medal at the 2015 USA Karate National Championships in Florida.

Joining her on the medal podium with a silver medal was her training partner, and fellow Fonseca Martial Arts student, Jaylyn Jimenez of Evanston, who went on to represent The United States in Bolivia at the Jr. Pan American Championships last summer. Jimenez, a 17-year-old ETHS junior says, "Through karate, and being able to represent my country on Team USA, I’ve learned that anything is possible. My sensei have taught me that no matter what happens, I should always fight to be the best version of myself."

Through the discipline and dedication of martial arts training, Fonseca's programs cultivate the important life skills of courtesy, respect, focus, self-control and perseverance. The curriculum and approach at Fonseca Martial Arts are designed to provide children and adults of all levels of skill and fitness, from beginners to advanced, the highest quality of martial arts training.

Fonseca Martial Arts is opening up their Roscoe Village location to everyone in the Chicago community who wishes to participate in karate classes from March 27 - April 1. The initiative driving the free classes is Screen Break, which encourages kids and adults alike to turn off their phones and do something in the real world. The Roscoe Village dojo is located at 2331 W. Belmont Ave. Interested parties can view the class schedule and age groups here. Fonseca is taking registrations for these classes via phone 847-866-0200 or email at caitlin@fonsecamartialarts.com.