Blackhawk TaeKwonDo offers traditional TaeKwonDo training in Carpentersville for preschoolers, kids, teens and adults. The school is veteran owned, family first and personally taught by Grandmaster Anthony Iannone and Master Cristina Iannone.
Students come to Blackhawk from Carpentersville and surrounding Fox Valley communities including East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Gilberts, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, Pingree Grove, Elgin, South Elgin and Crystal Lake.
Three TaeKwonDo Programs Built Around Age and Stage
Blackhawk does not put every student into the same class. A preschooler, a teenager and an adult have different goals, attention spans and training needs, so the school uses separate age-specific programs.
Little Hawks TaeKwonDo: Ages 3–7
Little Hawks introduces younger children to TaeKwonDo through structured, age-appropriate training. Classes emphasize listening, balance, coordination, confidence, respect and learning how to participate successfully in a class environment.
Kids & Teen TaeKwonDo: Ages 8–17
The Kids & Teen TaeKwonDo program builds traditional technique alongside focus, discipline, confidence, goal setting and practical self-defense skills. Students progress through consistent effort and demonstrated readiness rather than being rushed through rank.
Adult TaeKwonDo: Ages 18+
Adults train in dedicated Adult TaeKwonDo classes rather than being mixed into children’s classes. Training focuses on traditional technique, conditioning, mobility, confidence, practical martial arts skills and steady personal development.
A Master-Taught School
One of Blackhawk TaeKwonDo’s defining differences is consistency of instruction. Grandmaster Anthony Iannone and Master Cristina Iannone personally teach classes and remain directly involved in student development. Students are not simply handed off to a rotating group of outside instructors.
The same Masters who shape the curriculum, uphold the school’s standards and evaluate progress are also the people correcting technique, answering questions and learning how each student responds to instruction. You can learn more on the Meet the Masters page.
Traditional Training With Earned Progress
Blackhawk’s curriculum is rooted in traditional TaeKwonDo. Students train in fundamentals, forms, controlled partner work, sparring development, practical application, discipline and self-control. Rank is treated as a milestone that reflects progress rather than a participation award.
The school’s phrase, “Where Black Belts are earned, never given,” reflects that approach. Students are expected to develop through effort, consistency, technique, attitude and readiness.
What New Students Can Expect
Previous martial arts experience is not required. Beginners start with fundamentals and are taught step by step. A first class is not about proving how athletic or coordinated someone already is. It is about beginning at the appropriate level and learning how the training works.
- Arrive about 10 minutes early for the first trial class.
- Wear a T shirt and comfortable athletic pants.
- Bring a water bottle.
- A TaeKwonDo uniform is not required for the first class.
- For children, a parent or guardian remains at the school during the trial class.
Start With a One Week Trial
The easiest way to understand Blackhawk is to experience it. The One Week TaeKwonDo Trial gives a new student time to meet the Masters, experience the class structure and decide whether the school is the right fit before making a longer-term decision.
For children, Blackhawk uses a welcoming first-week process that can include pairing a new student with a student mentor. Whenever possible, the school prefers new students to begin on a Monday so they can experience a more complete week and begin establishing a routine.
Serving Carpentersville and the Fox Valley
Blackhawk TaeKwonDo is located at 2333 Randall Road, Carpentersville, IL 60110. Families and adult students regularly travel from nearby communities including Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, East Dundee, West Dundee, Gilberts, Pingree Grove, Elgin, South Elgin and Crystal Lake.
If you are comparing martial arts or TaeKwonDo schools in the area, the best next step is to see the training in person. Visit the Contact & Visit page for directions and school information, or call/text (224) 241-7708.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need previous martial arts experience?
No. Beginners are welcome in every age-appropriate program and start with fundamentals.
Do adults train with children?
No. Blackhawk has dedicated adult classes because adults and children have different goals, learning styles and training needs.
What should a new student wear?
A T shirt and comfortable athletic pants are appropriate for a first class. Bring water. A uniform is not required for the first trial class.
How do we get started?
Start with the One Week Trial, choose the appropriate age group, and Blackhawk will help confirm the right first class.