Silver Dragons: Training for Strength, Balance, & Longevity
True martial arts training isn’t just for competitive athletes—it is a lifelong practice designed to keep your body resilient, your mind sharp, and your movement fluid at every stage of life.
Low-Impact Fitness & Mindful Martial Arts
The Silver Dragons program at EKF Martial Arts is a specialized, low-impact fitness and martial arts class explicitly designed for seniors ages 65 and over.
Located right on the North Side of Chicago, we provide a welcoming, ego-free environment where you can build functional strength and reclaim your vitality alongside a supportive community.
"Our goal isn't to make you a combat fighter—it's to help you master your own movement, protect your joints, and live a strong, independent life."
The Three Pillars of Silver Dragons
Our curriculum blends classical mindful movement with modern physical conditioning, tailored entirely to your personal pacing and health goals.
Tai Chi for Balance & Flow
Often described as "moving meditation," Tai Chi utilizes slow, deliberate, and fluid movements to radically improve your balance, spatial awareness, and deep joint mobility. It is one of the most effective, doctor-recommended practices for fall prevention and stress reduction.
Low-Impact Mitt Work
Bring focus and agility back to your reflexes. Using padded target mitts, you will practice basic, non-contact martial arts striking combinations. There is no sparring or "fighting" here—just pure, low-impact training that boosts cognitive agility, hand-eye coordination, and cardiovascular health.
Functional Strength
Maintaining muscle mass and bone density is the ultimate key to independent living. We integrate safe, light weightlifting exercises tailored to reinforce your posture, protect your lower back, and make everyday movements—like lifting groceries or climbing stairs—feel effortlessly.
Why Train at EKF Martial Arts?
At EKF, you are learning from decades of high-stakes martial arts expertise, dialed down into a safe, sustainable methodology. We focus strictly on the technical benefits of martial arts—proper alignment, efficient movement, and functional breathing—to help you reach your personal health goals without injury.
Class details & Location
Meet Your Head Instructor
Anthony Marquez founded EKF Martial Arts with a simple philosophy: martial arts training is not just a young person's game or a competitive sport, but a lifelong wellness vehicle designed to keep the human body resilient and adaptable.
With over 40 years of elite martial arts experience, including national championship honors and certification in exercise science, Anthony specializes in modifying movements to accommodate physical limitations, helping seniors train safely, build joint confidence, and avoid injury.
Try a Class for Free
The best way to see if the Silver Dragons program fits your lifestyle is to experience it firsthand. Try your first session with zero obligation.
Claim Your Pass
Takes 1 minute. Click the button below to open our simple visitor registration form.
Speak with a Coach
We will contact you to confirm a class time and discuss any physical goals or health guidelines.
Step onto the Mat
Arrive 10 minutes early for your class, meet your fellow members, and enjoy a safe workout!
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our senior martial arts and fitness program.
Do I need any prior martial arts experience to join?
Absolutely not. The vast majority of our Silver Dragons have never stepped foot inside a martial arts gym before. This program is built from the ground up specifically for beginners. We introduce every single movement, stance, and breath pattern at a comfortable pace—no one is expected to know anything on day one.
What if I have joint pain, arthritis, or limited mobility?
This class is designed specifically for you. We focus on low-impact conditioning, careful alignment, and fluid breathing. Our head instructor, Anthony Marquez, has over 40 years of teaching experience and specializes in adapting physical routines to match and protect your joints. We never push you past your comfortable limit, and we encourage working around any existing injuries.
Will there be any fighting or contact sparring?
None at all. There is zero sparring, physical combat, or contact strikes between members in the Silver Dragons program. All striking drills are practiced strictly using padded target mitts held by instructors. You get the cardiovascular, coordination, and strength benefits of martial arts without any risk of physical impact.
How much do classes cost after my free trial?
We believe in transparent pricing. Following your complimentary introductory session, we offer three direct membership paths: an **Essential** pass (4 classes per month) for $119, an **Enhanced** pass (8 classes per month) for $149, or a **Diamond** pass (unlimited monthly classes) for $179. No long-term enrollment commitments or hidden enrollment fees.