The Japan Karate Association of Chicago offers Shotokan karate classes in a traditional form to adults and youth over 9.Shotokan is a widely popular style with aspects popular for youth sports. Less well known is that Shotokan also contains elements of old Japanese martial arts, kobudo, in its training methods. The instructor will introduce students to both modern and historical martial arts, and create a place where all may strive for courage, calm and perseverance among other beneficial traits.

Instructor - Margaret Lo, 3rd dan

Each class begins and ends with formal bows and at the end of class, students recite and study the dojo precepts:

Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
Seek perfection of character

Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
Be sincere

Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto
Put maximum effort into everything you do

Reigi o omonzuru koto
Respect others

Kekki no yuu o imashimuru koto
Develop self-control