About Southwest Chicago Shotokan
Southwest Chicago Shotokan is an affiliate of Shotokan Karate America (SKA), a nonprofit organization teaching traditional karate in the United States since 1955. Instructors at Southwest Chicago Shotokan strongly believe in Shotokan Karate of America's mission to teach shotokan karate to anybody willing to learn. Hence, they freely donate their time and efforts to the organization and their students.
About Our Practice
Shotokan karate involves a variety of techniques, including blocks, punches, kicks, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Shotokan employs a small set of highly refined techniques intended to quickly subdue an opponent or set of opponents. Practice does not emphasize tournament sport, but rather rigorous, traditional training.
Karate practice is divided into three aspects:
- Kihon - consisting of basic blocks, punches, kicks, and stances;
- Kata - prearranged forms and movements simulating combat situations;
- Kumite - sparring with opponents
Karate practices at Southwest Chicago Shotokan primarily follow an ongoing training format. There is no concept of a time period or season for karate. Members meet all year round to practice. Traditional karate emphasizes constant refinement of technique and of the self. The multi-faceted nature of this type of training allows senior members to practice side-by-side with beginners. While the beginner focuses on becoming comfortable with the basic technique or form, the senior member will concentrate on more complex or subtle aspects, always seeking to maximize effectiveness and economy of movement. This provides an excellent and unique training environment in which junior members are always driven to excel by strong example and in which seniors can never neglect the basic elements of form that are they very foundation of karate.
Practice Schedule
Tuesday & Thursday
- Kids (ages 6-14): 6:15pm - 7:00pm
- Adults (ages 15 and up): 6:45pm - 8:15pm
Sunday
- Adults (ages 15 and up): 8:00am - 10:00am (Joint practice with Chicago Shotokan at their location)
Practice Location
SOS Children's Village in Lockport (Map)
Main Hall
17545 Village Lane
Lockport, IL 60441
Fees
There is no charge to try a practice or two, to make sure our practice meets what you are looking for. After that, dojo dues and Shotokan Karate of America dues must be paid to continue to practice with Southwest Chicago Shotokan.
Dojo Dues
$25/month
There are no contracts. Simply pay the dues at the beginning of each month as you practice. Dues cover practice at the Lockport location on Tuesday and Thursday. An additional fee is required to practice at the Chicago Shotokan location on Sunday mornings if you wish to practice on Sunday. See the Chicago Shotokan web page for details.
Shotokan Karate of America Dues
$75 for your first year, $100 a year for renewals.
Membership in Shotokan Karate of America is required to participate in our practices. Membership in Shotokan Karate of America includes kyu tests (tests for rank), the opportunity to participate in special events, and the privilege of practicing at Shotokan Karate of America dojos across the country and at its international affiliates.