Kaizen Karate & Martial Arts

03/11/2026

A couple months ago I gathered a small number of people interested in trying a new small-group fitness class for adults in their 40s–60s who want to move and feel better.

We just wrapped up the 6-week beta, and it went really well, so the class is now becoming a regular weekly session. Kaizen Functional Fitness focuses on building strength, balance, and mobility in a gradual, adaptive, and supportive way. It’s especially good for people coming back from injury, dealing with aches and stiffness, or just wanting to stay strong and active. It is NOT a martial arts class.

Our current class meets Wednesdays at noon in Arlington Heights, and we have a few spots open. If you’d like to learn more or sign up, you can do that here:
https://www.kzkma.com/programs/functional-fitness

I’m also exploring additional days and times. If you’re interested but Wednesdays at noon don’t work, please fill out this quick form so I can see what schedules might make sense:
https://www.kzkma.com/functional-fitness-interest

Happy to answer questions. Feel free to message me or comment with questions.

01/10/2026

If you liked the last video about katana's, you'll be amazed at the artistry in this video on tsubas (the guards on katanas).

In case you aren't familiar, the tsuba is a sword guard that served both practical and symbolic purposes in Japan, and the level of craftspersonship is, in A...

01/09/2026

If you have any interest in Japanese katana, check out this amazing video of Ted Hunter from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and Adam Savage.

At the , Adam Savage gets to experience something he's always dreamed of: holding a REAL samurai sword. Conservator and armorer Ted Hunter takes us...

01/05/2026

We are very honored to host Sensei Tom Duffy for another workshop on Jan 25th in Arlington! Here's the link for more details and to register! https://kzkma.pushpress.com/landing/events/cal-a13f426af14d457c8faccf0b0a95/login

11/07/2025

Sensei Lilia being interviewed by Arlington Community Media: she’s the first person being interviewed at about 20 seconds in. Hopefully this will set you at the right time, but if not, she’s coming soon 🙂.

We can't do this without your support! Visit https://patreon.com/acmi00:00 Town Day Booths10:21 Mrs. Jones and a Thing Goin' On50:27 Town Day Booths1:01:53 T...

10/01/2025

Sensei Lilia being interviewed by local television station, ACMI, during Arlington Town Day. 

09/30/2025

"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” - Roosevelt

09/26/2025

Photos from Sensei Tom Duffy's self-defense workshop this past weekend. Lots of learning, lots of smiles.

09/22/2025

Thank you, Sensei Tom Duffy, for the incredible self-defense workshop today! We’re looking forward to posting more photos soon, but here’s the group shot after the event. Thank you to everyone who attended! It was truly a group of powerhouse practitioners.

09/19/2025

Kaizen is honored to host Sensei Duffy from 1-3 pm this Sunday! Learn throws, joint locks, and more…

09/19/2025

Sensei Tom Duffy is a legend; come join us on Sunday for an incredible self-defense workshop!