MBD Martial Arts Academy

09/17/2026

09/17/2026

🚀 The 8-week Confidence SKILLZ program kicks off this Monday!
To start our journey off strong, all week long we will be discussing Self-Worth—a fundamental pillar of building unstoppable confidence.
It is SO important for our students to understand that their value comes from who they are on the inside, not just what they achieve.

Homework Challenge: Look in the mirror before bed or in the morning. Stand tall, look yourself in the eye, and say out loud: "I am kind, I am awesome, and I matter!"

Also write down one thing you love about yourself!

Let’s help our kids build a strong sense of self, one positive thought at a time! See you all on Monday! 💪✨

09/16/2026

📣💥 ATTENTION ALL DES PLAINES BUSINESSES! 💥📣
Want in on the Halloween action? Here is your chance to shine!

We have been blown away by the incredible response to our upcoming Halloween Parade! So many amazing local businesses have asked to participate. To keep our little monsters safe, the official parade route must stay short and sweet—limited strictly to Miner, Graceland, Lee, Ellinwood, and Pearson. 🚶‍♂️🎃

But we are NOT leaving anyone out of the fun!

We are officially launching the First-Ever Des Plaines Halloween Scavenger Hunt, and we want YOUR business on the map! 🗺️✨

✨ How It Works for Businesses:
If your business is located anywhere in Des Plaines but falls outside the parade route, you can become an official Candy Stop!
For one full week leading up to the parade, kids will use a special Scavenger Hunt Map to visit participating shops.
When they drop by, you'll give them a treat, candy, or a special business coupon, and stamp their map!

🎁 The Grand Finale Raffle:
Once the kids complete their maps, they will turn them in at the Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 24th. We will hold a massive raffle drawing right at the end of the parade! 🏆🎉
To make this raffle unforgettable, we are asking each participating business to donate a small raffle prize! It doesn't need to be expensive at all—a gift card to your business or a small product you sell is the perfect way to get your brand into the hands of a local family! 🎟️✨

🚨 DEADLINE TO JOIN THE MAP: 🚨
We need to get these maps printed and ready to roll! If you want your business featured as an official stop, you MUST email us your logo by Saturday, October 10th at the absolute latest!
Drop a comment below, send us a direct message, or email us right now to lock in your spot and get your business in front of hundreds of local families! 🏢🧡

Email: [email protected]

09/16/2026

💥🎃 ATTENTION DES PLAINES FAMILIES! 🧡🖤
Get those costumes ready because the ultimate Downtown Halloween Parade is BACK and it is going to be EPIC! 🎃💥

🎃💥Hosted by MBD Martial Arts Academy, this high-energy, spooktacular event is 100% FREE for every single kid in our amazing community!

🙌✨We are taking over the streets and marching straight through the heart of downtown! Our incredible local merchants will be lined up and ready to drop heaps of candy and treats right into your bags! 🍬🍫🍭

📅 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24th
⏰ 11:00 AM SHARP!
📍 START LINE: Right in front of MBD Martial Arts Academy
👥 WHO: All local kids! (Parents, make sure you're tagging along for the fun—all kids must be accompanied by an adult!)

🚨 HOW TO LOCK IN YOUR SPOT: 🚨
It’s free, but you MUST register to march!
1️⃣ Look at the picture attached to this post.
2️⃣ Scan that QR CODE immediately! 📲
3️⃣ Complete the quick registration and you are IN!

Let's make this the biggest, loudest, and most fun Halloween celebration Des Plaines has ever seen! Share this post, tag your friends, and let’s fill the streets! 🧡🖤

09/13/2026

Free "Fight Like A Girl" Self-Defense Classes This October 💜

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on safety, empowerment, and community support.
In recognition of this month, we are proud to offer our "Fight Like A Girl" self-defense program completely free of charge to the community

Our goal is to provide a supportive, high-energy environment where you can build practical personal safety skills, boost your confidence, and connect with other women in our community.

Class Details:
When: Every Tuesday evening in October
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: 100% Free

Whether you have zero martial arts experience or just want to brush up on situational awareness and physical safety techniques, these weekly sessions are designed for women of all fitness levels.

Space is limited, so please secure your spot ahead of time. You can view the schedule and complete your registration using our online portal.
👉 Click Here to Register for the Free Classes
TUESDAY OCT 6th 7:00PM wodify.link/flag1
TUESDAY OCT 13th 7:00PM wodify.link/flag2
TUESDAY OCT 20th 7:00PM wodify.link/flag3
TUESDAY OCT 27th 7:00PM wodify.link/flag4
Thank you for being such an integral part of our community.
We look forward to training and growing stronger together this October!

09/09/2026

🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL CONFIDENCE SPECIAL! 🎒

New school years require new levels of confidence! Help your child conquer peer pressure, stay focused, and stand tall this semester.

Our 8-Week Paid-in-Full Confidence SKILLZ Program is now open for registration! 🥋✨

For just $299, your child gets:
✅ 8 Weeks of specialized SKILLZ Worldwide classes
✅ Official martial arts uniform
✅ Training gloves
✅ Board-breaking breakthrough event
✅ Pizza party & Certificate of Completion!

Give your child the ultimate tool for academic and social success: Unshakeable Self-Esteem.

⚠️ Spots are strictly limited to ensure quality instruction.
👇 Click the link below to claim your spot before they fill up!
https://sparkpages.io/?i=_LSHb

09/08/2026

Free "Fight Like A Girl" Self-Defense Classes This October 💜
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on safety, empowerment, and community support.

In recognition of this month, we are proud to offer our "Fight Like A Girl" self-defense program completely free of charge to all of our female members and the moms, grandmothers, Aunts and sisters of our students.

Our goal is to provide a supportive, high-energy environment where you can build practical personal safety skills, boost your confidence, and connect with other women in our community.
Class Details:
When: Every Tuesday evening in October
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: 100% Free
Whether you have zero martial arts experience or just want to brush up on situational awareness and physical safety techniques, these weekly sessions are designed for women of all fitness levels.

Space is limited, so please secure your spot ahead of time. You can view the schedule and complete your registration using our online portal.

👉 Click Here to Register for the Free Classes

TUESDAY OCT 6th 7:00PM wodify.link/flag1

TUESDAY OCT 13th 7:00PM wodify.link/flag2

TUESDAY OCT 20th 7:00PM wodify.link/flag3

TUESDAY OCT 27th 7:00PM wodify.link/flag4

Thank you for being such an integral part of our community.

We look forward to training and growing stronger together this October!

09/05/2026

Congratulations to our AWESOME BJJ students and their SPECTACULAR performance at today's Grappling Games!😎🥋

09/02/2026

We will be closed Sunday September 6th & Monday September 7th in observance of the Labor Day Holiday! 🇺🇸
We wish everyone a safe and happy weekend with family & friends. 🥰

09/02/2026

The Unsinkable Princess: A Story of Courage, Strength and Survival

Some stories stay with you long after you close the book. The Unsinkable Princess, written by Faly Colaizzi, is one of those stories.

I recently attended a book signing at the Des Plaines Library and had the privilege of learning about the extraordinary life of Des Plaines resident Rafaela Hart. Once a beauty queen in Spain who was courted by kings, Rafaela’s life changed dramatically when she married a controlling sociopath. Her journey is one of survival, resilience and the fierce, fearless love of a mother determined to protect her daughters, Faly and Yvonne.

After the signing, I was fortunate enough to speak with Rafaela personally. I was struck not only by her story, but by the warmth and strength of the woman standing before me. Despite everything she has endured, she carries herself with incredible grace, dignity and courage. To me, she truly embodies the spirit of a warrior princess.

The event also gave me the opportunity to speak with Vicki Poklop, Social Worker for the Des Plaines Police Department, and Tina Garrett, Community Coordinator for Connect Des Plaines, sponsored through the United Methodist Church. Both are working to connect victims of domestic violence with resources, support and hope within our community.

As a self-defense instructor for 20+ years, I have met many domestic violence survivors. I have witnessed their courage and strength firsthand. Rafaela, Faly and Yvonne are among the strongest women I have ever met.

As October approaches and we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I want to do my part. I will be offering free self-defense classes for women ages 13 and up every Tuesday in October at 7 p.m. at MBD Martial Arts Academy, 1508 Miner St.

Sometimes surviving is the first act of courage. Learning to protect yourself can be the next.
To learn more about Rafaela’s story or purchase The Unsinkable Princess, visit unsinkableprincess.com