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Enso Shotokan Karate Aikido World Alliance Iyengar Yoga at Enso

Overview Adult Classes Youth Classes (Ages 6+) Kinder Karate (Ages 4-6) Collegiate Classes Private Classes
Oak Park Dojo
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Enso Shotokan Karate

Enso is the home of Enso Shotokan Karate, which holds classes six days a week at its main dojo in Chicago and satellite location in Oak Park. Enso offers classes for children (starting at age 4), teens, and adults, beginner through advanced. Our program includes traditional Shotokan instruction, focusing on kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Enso has dedicated and experienced instructors serving a vibrant, diverse group of students.

It is said that the purpose of training is to win without fighting. Through regular, dedicated practice, the karateka (karate student) can develop the body strength, confidence, etiquette, focus, and self-control needed to face any obstacle in life.

About Shotokan Karate

Karate offers a complete mind/ body workout that develops physical strength and mental discipline. Enso offers traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate. Classes include stretching, basic techniques (stances, punches, kicks, blocks), forms, sparring, and self-defense.

Benefits of karate training include improvement of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Karate also helps relieve stress and builds discipline, mental focus, and awareness.

Karate-do is the “the way of empty hand.” The style we practice is called Shotokan, a traditional Japanese martial art popularized by Gichin Funkakoshi (1868-1957). Funakoshi emphasized karate-do as a path toward self-improvement and development of spirit and character, rather than only a physical endeavor. "Shoto" was Funakoshi's pen name for his poetry, while Shotokan was the name of the hall where Shoto trained his students.

Shotokan karate is known for its deep, strong stances and powerful techniques. Training focuses equally on the three elements of traditional karate: kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms or formal exercises), and kumite (sparring).

How do I get started?

More details about our adult, youth, Kinder Karate, and collegiate classes are available (see the menu at right). Interested students and parents are welcome to visit and observe classes. Please email info@ensostudio.com with any questions and to schedule your visit. (Email is preferred.)

Educational Philosophy

We believe that karate training can offer all students something valuable to enrich their lives. We aim to design instruction to bring out the best in each individual. To do this, we have built an atmosphere of respect that is friendly and fun, and very serious at the same time.