Testimonials

Read What Some of Our Students Are Saying:

1. “I found a home away from home.”

When I started training martial arts, I had no idea that it would lead to this. I first began my training in 1999 around July, august and that’s when I met the man that would impact my life for years to come Dion Riccardo. Who knew that greatness was right in my backyard in oak park at that time I was in high school as a junior and I was just awe struck with Bruce Lee and when I found out he had a legit martial art system I just had to study it and that’s when I meet Mr. Riccardo the moment I stepped through the doors of 1005 Madison street I knew I found a home away from home. His confidence, poise and physical grace were and are second to none. I later found out that what I wanted at the beginning was completely different from what kept me there it wasn’t just self defense anymore it was more much more!

Scott Dixon age 26
Retail Manager/Instructor

2. “The confidence I have gained is priceless.”

In the short time I have been involved in the class I have learned more practical skills than I did with 3 years of tai-kwon-do. The classes have been geared towards my line of work and have made me aware of the many dangers facing me in the street and how to defend myself from them. The confidence I have gained is priceless. I recommend this class to anyone serious about their job. It really makes you a better person

Armando Dominguez,
Police Officer

3. “Since I’ve been training at Victory I feel alive again.”

My name is Cesar, I was a wrestler back in High School. I was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. It change “The first class I showed up to, I knew my search was over.” I loved it and it changed my life!

Wrestling and my wrestling family was pretty much the only thing that kept me from transferring schools. Unfortunately once I got to college, there was no wrestling team or even a wrestling club. I’ve spent the last two years looking for something to make me feel that way again. As Anthony B. put it last Saturday after team practice, “This makes us feel alive.”

This is when I stumbled onto Victory. The first class I showed up to, I knew my search was over. I read what Master Dion wrote yesterday and I’m one to admit that I don’t take enough time to stop worrying about my life and problems. I will, however, admit that whenever I step foot in school, whether it be class or practice, I leave everything else at the door. Even when I’ve had a bad day and worry that I’m gonna lose focus and think about other stuff. Since I’ve been training at Victory I feel alive again. The whole experience is so motivating that even though I feel myself getting in better physical condition, I still leave with the same aches and feeling tired because I continue to raise the level of intensity and push myself.

I felt so at home, that I even tried out for the competition team after only four classes. I wanted that feeling so bad that I went for it and gave it what all I had. To my surprise I was invited to join the team. The instructors are phenomenal. They are great teachers who care about you and push you to do your best. They encourage you to go that extra mile to better your technique. They are also great to talk to and I consider them friends and family. It is because of their encouragement that I motivate myself to push harder and give it my best shot.

During my search for something to take the place of my wrestling experience, I tried boxing and I tried Jiu Jitsu. But they were only classes offered at Depaul and nothing compared to what we go through at Victory.

If people are looking to find a welcoming place were everyone treats you like family then Victory is the place to be. If you’re a “retired” athlete and working out on your own just isn’t cutting it, the workouts at Victory will leave you wanting more. If you have a thirst for competition, especially in a contact/combat sport then Victory is a great place to be at. If you’re tired of going through the motions of normal everyday life and want to experience something out of this world, then check Victory out. I for one have had to deal with these examples and more.

Every single one of these “challenges” have been met and surpassed while training at Victory. I truly believe that being at Victory will not only match, but will go beyond my wrestling experience and once again be a life changing experience. That’s a lot to say after all the years I’ve spent on the mat.

Cesar Garcia
Victory student

4. ” Since I’ve been training at Victory I feel alive again.I dont make excuses anymore, I feel better physically and I have been able to focus and expand my core values “

Hi My name is Paul Sepanovich and I would like to talk to you about Victory Martial Arts. After a long and often intimidating search of Martial Art’s schools I found Victory Martial Arts by accident, but now I like to think it was fate instead of an accident that brought me here. I have always been somewhat of a slacker my whole life, never wanting to push my self to accomplish my goals. Whether it be going to the gym, eating healthier or pushing myself in my profession, I’ve always had an excuse to tell myself. After finally forcing myself I mustered up the courage to go to the school.

My first time there I was extremely intimidated. Here’s all these people hoping and flying around practicing all these moves and combo’s that I know NOTHING about! Even though I knew nothing the staff and my fellow students took the time and patience to explain and re-explain what I needed to do. I have never felt so much compassion and camaraderie before. This isn’t your everyday run of the mill type of school. Here you have people that really care about each other and will do anything they can to help you go that extra mile. Even though I have only been at the school a short time I can already feel the impact that Dion and everyone at Victory Martial Arts has had on me.

I don’t make excuses anymore, I feel better physically and I have been able to focus and expand my core values and I thank you Dion and everyone at Victory Martial arts from the bottom of my heart. If your looking for a no nonsense, experienced group of people that really do care about you, the individual Then look no further then Victory Martial arts. Thank you and I hope to see you in class one day soon.

Paul Stepanovich
Century21 Hallmark REALTOR®

RAVE REVIEW

5. “As of today I have lost 65 pounds.”

My name is Tom Bonadurer, I’ve only been training for a week at victory and I can tell you I have never felt better physically, and mentally than I have in a long time.

In 2004 the lord blessed me with three wonderful kids (yes triplets) and the last 4 years my wife and I have dedicated all of our time, and energy into raising them. In that time I let my health falter binge eating, not sleeping, worrying about anything and everything, and 2007 was the worst my house caught fire and I lost my job due to cut backs.

The beginning of this year my wife and I decided to try to turn things around, and one of those things was our health, we joined a weight loss program in February, and as of today I have lost 65 pounds. I figured now was the time to try to get in shape and stay in shape. I have always been interested in MMA, but could not find the right training facility, they where either to far, or they seemed to be all about money, or just not the right fit.

That all changed when I came across the victory web site, seeing the testimonials and reading the description of victory from Master Riccardo, I was hooked, I signed up right away, the next day I got a call and I was in the gym the following Monday. From the moment I walked in I knew this was the place for me, Anthony the instructor is fantastic he answered all my questions and made me feel right at home, the training has been hard and he helps you every step of the way. When I come home after working out I feel stronger physically, and mentally, I have a sense of focus and A brighter outlook on life.

Everyone I have met from the staff to the guys I train with have been very supportive and are willing to help the “new guy” out and I am very appreciative of that, everyone here is family now. Someday I hope to work into competing but for now I am happy to train hard stay focused and learn everything I can to get to that point. Thank you Master Riccardo, thank you Anthony, for this fantastic program, and one hell of a workout.

RAVE REVIEW

6. “I’d like to commend my instructors in helping me shed 18 lbs in such a short time.”

I’ve been in the academy for 2 months and the training is unbelievable. I started out just wanting to learn the sport to get into shape and now I want to be a martial artist. Since I’ve been training my stamina and endurance are high. I haven’t felt this good since high school. I’d like to commend my instructors in helping me shed 18 lbs in such a short time. Thank you. I would recommend Victory Martial Arts to anyone wanting to get in great shape or just wanting to learn to defend your self using Bruce Lee’s philosophy of Jeet Kun Do.

Edwin Martinez (Forest Park)

RAVE REVIEW

7. “I have Went from 228 lbs to 202 lbs, not to mention better stamina, endurance, and a very noticeable reduction in stress.”

In June I decided it was time to change around my workout. Previously, I have been going to the gym for about 15 years, the normal lifting and aerobic workout.

Unfortunately, it has been hard to keep my desire and passion for the same type of exercise. As a result, I looked online at as many martial art schools as I could find. I saw many good reviews of Victory Martial Arts School so I decided to call and get more information. I spoke with Sensei Buontaconti and decided to come in. Since that day I have went from 228 lbs to 202 lbs, not to mention better stamina, endurance, and a very noticeable reduction in stress. From the first day I walked in the door, I have always felt welcomed and respected, by students and teachers alike. This is very important to me because everyone one is here for different reasons. When I was asked that question, I thought about it for a day, and it came to me very clearly. I enjoy things that are difficult. The satisfaction of going to class and learning is a real rush and I can’t stop telling friends, family and clients about my journey. I have been asked by friends and family about the person that teaches the class that I attend and I have told this story more than a few times to summarize the character of Sensei Buontaconti.

My second day of class I asked Anthony Buontaconti, how should I address him. Very politely, he said you can do it one of the two following ways and it is my choice: either as coach or Sensei. This was puzzling to me so I asked, “What is the difference?” Sensei stated, a coach helps you to practice your skills and a Sensei helps you to learn and guide through the development of them. This statement spoke volumes to me on the character of Sensei Buontaconti. By this statement he was telling me he will help in the way how I view my martial art experience.

Curt Hein

RAVE REVIEW

8. “I Drive 30 Minutes”

When I first arrived at Victory Martial Arts I didn’t know what to expect.

I was nervous because I was new at Mixed Martial Arts and I though people would just look at me and think I was just another newbie.

After the first couple days I started to feel comfortable and people were real nice especially the instructors. My parents have told me to try and find a new place to go to because to go to Victory I have to drive 30 minutes, but I don’t want to because I like it here and I don’t care that I have to drive that far.

Omar Lara

9. “After my first class I knew victory was the school for me!”

After checking out many different martial arts schools, after my first class I knew victory was the school for me.

Even though it was my first time there, it felt like I had been there for years. Everyone is very friendly, there are no egos, but the classes are still very challenging.

Paul Vossel

RAVE REVIEW

10. “I am a completely different version of myself since joining victory martial arts, a better version I might add.”

My name Is Vince Sterling, I am currently in CDS 1, and am a completely different version of myself since joining victory martial arts, a better version I might add.

I started training at victory for a number of reasons. One, my consuming of alcohol had gotten completely out of control, and before I know it, I had gone from a lean football and hockey player to an overweight nobody who had no confidence in himself and was consistently getting into trouble. Since joining the family I have already made a set of new friends, lost thirty pounds, but also found some light at the end of the tunnel. I finally have a newfound confidence in myself and am a better person in and out of victory. I stay away from the bars, and dedicate myself to the victory family, the gym and to the well being of myself.

The instructors are nothing short of perfect, never afraid to answer a question over or to repeat a drill, or even in my case, give advice on life in which Mr. Calderone pretty much saved me from becoming a lunatic. It shows that they care about me and everybody else, its unreal how this really has become a second home and family to me.

I think whoever is looking for a lifestyle change for any reason should come to VMMA, whether it’s to get in shape, to learn the arts, to stay out of trouble, or even to make new friends, victory has all the tools to make you the best person you can be.

Vince Sterling

RAVE REVIEW

11. “I am a completely I started training at Victory because I wanted to follow my dream”

I wanted to get out of the bad things in my life and get away from some of the people that I use to hang out with. I wanted to do something with my life and not be a loser or just an average man.

I always felt I was destined for something greater than a 9 to 5 job. I went to victory because after I read up on it and checked it out it just seemed right. I felt like this was it, this was my chance to do everything I have ever wanted all in one. I did a lot of stupid things in my past, I needed to change the way I lived and they way I looked at life.

Since I started training at victory I have found that. After reading the posts by Master Riccardo it really helped realize the important things in life and life is never going to be easy. The instructors at victory are amazing people. It’s nice to see them open up to and show they trust you. It’s also nice to know I can relate to them and there people just like me. They are a great assistance to me and they help me learn the moves and techniques the right way, and that’s what I want. I like the fact that they try to make you better and that’s why they’re there.

The reason anyone should start training is not just because you want to be a mixed martial artist but you can also change your way of life. You change the way you live and the way you are for the best. You get to train with different people and make new friends and know that you were adopted by a big family. It’s a good feeling going into training and people say hi to you and joke with you, but they also push you to your limit to make you better.

Victory is like my second home and I am a better person since joining victory.

Daniel Sommers

Comments from Parents and Students

12. “I have seen so much improvement in his confidence level as well as in his ability to deal with everyday situations.”

Hello, my name is Tim Edwards and I am writing this letter on behalf of Victory Martial Arts and their staff. My now eleven-year-old son has been attending class at this facility for approximately three years. When he started, he was a little timid and lacking in self-confidence. Within this time, I have seen so much improvement in his confidence level as well as in his ability to deal with everyday situations. I credit this to the instructors and staff of Victory Martial Arts. I would strongly and wholeheartedly recommend Victory Martial Arts t o all who are interested in helping their children learn valuable life lessons and self-defense.

God Bless,
Tim Edwards

Listen to what some School Teachers have to say about Victory:

13. “I enjoyed seeing some students with difficulties rise to the occasion and shape up. I would definitely recommend this program”.

I am Elisabeth Patterson and I teach Physical Education at a K through 5 school in a Chicago suburb. My students had the experience of having Mr. Ricardo and his staff, come to my school and introduce Karate. It was a great experience for my students, because not only was it absolutely fun and exercise, it also included a lot of character education. I enjoyed seeing some students with difficulties rise to the occasion and shape up. I would definitely recommend this program.

- Elisabeth Patterson

14. “They have learned and practiced goal setting…”

The lunchtime program taught by instructors from Victory Martial Arts has provided Hatch students with valuable life skills. They have learned and practiced goal setting, that applies not only to kicking and breaking a board, but also to doing homework and chores. I would highly recommend this program to students of all ages.