Karate skills release tension, build confidence, and foster a strong positive self-image. Mental aspects build self-confidence, control and discipline. Physical aspects are enjoyable and beneficial. Karate can improve your child’s sports, school and social activities. Instructors of the Illinois Shotokan Karate Club (ISKC) teach under the direction of John DiPasquale, four-time National Champion, U.S. Karate National Coach and National Faculty Member of American Coaching Effectiveness Program. Contracted through the ISKC.

Pre-Karate/Safety (5-7 yrs. only): Children develop coordination, strength and personal safety skills through a variety of fun and creative activities.

Parent/Child Karate (7 yrs. & up): Share time with your child and develop muscle tone, coordination, karate skills and cardiovascular fitness. Regardless of age, weight or current physical condition, karate can put your family on the track to physical well-being. At least one parent must register with their child/children.

Note: Parent/Child, Youth Karate, and Adult classes train together. Uniforms and belt testing options are available through the ISKC for an additional fee.

Youth Karate/Safety (8-14 yrs.): Karate skills put children in touch with their bodies and help build coordination, agility, strength and poise, as well as personal safety skills.

Students new to the program or who have taken one or two sessions, sign up for the Beginner/Continuer class.

In this class, we will begin teaching the basics for using sticks as extensions of your hands. As this class continues, the short stick and the staff will be introduced. This class will teach hand-eye coordination and timing in a fun and exciting way. Skill drills are used to enhance coordination and movement for self-defense. Self-defense is taught emphasizing the use of readily available items. Instructors are certified through the ICHF. Contracted through Equa Do Martial Arts.

This Korean martial art is used primarily for self-defense. It was developed by the founder of the International Combat Hapkido Federation (ICHF) and is also known as “the Science of Self-Defense.” This form of Hapkido emphasizes redirecting your opponent’s energy and aggression and using it against him or her with minimal force on your part. This class, which is suitable for both men and women, includes joint lock and pressure point training, as well as disarming techniques. Instructors are certified by the ICHF. Contracted through Equa Do Martial Arts.

Tae Kwon Do provides much more than basic physical fitness. The art of mind-body control and self defense build confidence and self-esteem. Discipline and respect are stressed and are expected to be demonstrated inside and outside of the training hall. Instructors are certified through the Independent T.K.D. Association. Contracted through Equa Do Martial Arts. (RD)

Youth (5-15 yrs.): Participants learn basic Tae Kwon Do and self-defense skills. The concepts of respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and citizenship are also emphasized. Those who desire may participate in local and national tournaments.

Parent/Child (5 yrs. & up): Parents and their children train together and learn confidence, agility, coordination and balance while gaining skills in traditional Tae Kwon Do and self-defense.

Beginner (Novice - Yellow Belt): Age 5 yrs. & up Basic technique and form is emphasized. Partner drills are used to introduce the application of technique.

Intermediate (Orange - Purple Belt):

Emphasis is on form and focus. Control is taught through the introduction of sparring.

Advanced (Blue Belts & up): This faster paced class emphasizes control, form, muscle memory and sparring skills.

This class is taught by women exclusively for women in a safe and comfortable environment. You’ll learn self-defense from a woman’s perspective. You will learn to take advantage of your strong muscle groups, while developing all aspects of your body and increasing harmony with your mind.

This class combines the best of Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Philippine martial arts to give cardiovascular exercise and muscle condition while you learn self-defense. As you become more aware of your body and what it can do, you will gain confidence in yourself.

The skills taught will have application both in self-protection and in competition, if you choose. This is also a great way for mothers and daughters to spend quality time together. Contracted through Equa Do Martial Arts.