The Chicago Karate Academy was founded by Danny Salas in January of 2019. We train in Shotokan Karate as taught by the Japan Karate Association. Both children and adults train together (minimum age for children is 6). Classes are an hour and a half long.
Classes begin with a bowing ceremony. We first bow to the “shomen” or true face. We do this out of respect to the lineage of karateka that came before and passed their knowledge down to us. Next, the instructor or “sensei” and the students bow to each out of mutual respect.
Each class will focus on the three areas of study for karate being kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) as well as introduce exercises for stretching and conditioning. The intensity of the classes will vary depending on the focus. Discipline is required in not only pushing yourself to complete all exercises but to show up to each class and practice on your own at home.
The instructor is there to guide you and push you. Your best effort is always enough. Be honest with yourself and ensure that you are indeed putting your best effort forth. It is important that you pay attention and listen anytime the instructor is talking as you may be doing someone else’s mistake as well. Humility and having humble attitude is a big part of our dojo.
Karate is a contact martial art/sport and so it is necessary to make contact while training. While we must make contact, we must also keep in mind that we are all human and feel pain. This is not an opportunity to beat up on someone. If you have excessive contact, no one will want to train with you. Control must be utilized with all techniques when working with a partner. Makiwara and heavy bag training is recommended for impact training at full force.
Students are expected to wear a traditional karate uniform, called a “dogi” once they are enrolled in classes.