On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, we were honored to have SKA President, godan Dave Lechuga, visit the Chicago dojo to lead practice. We practiced a wide variety of concepts, including getting in with the four-beat drill, basic hand techniques, kicking, foot sweeps, and the kata of the month, Gankaku. Thanks Dave for leading such a […]
Chicago Shotokan instructors teach self-defense clinic
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, Chicago Shotokan instructors John Wood and Jeff Salkas taught a self-defense clinic at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. The clinic focused on how to stay aware of your surroundings, how to avoid dangerous situations, and how escape if you find yourself in trouble. Self-defense is 90% knowing […]
Godan Dom Pizoli visits Chicago to lead a series of practices
Last weekend, October 3-4, 2026, we were honored to host a series of practices led by godan (5th degree black belt) Dom Pizoli. Also in attendance were godan David Altman and godan Mike Lyon. We worked on explosiveness, kneeling techniques to develop strong hips, escapes, restraints, close-distance sparring, and more. It was a great weekend […]
SKA Midwest Team Places 1st in 2026 Nisei Week Team Tournament
The SKA Midwest Team, including John Wood and Jeff Salkas from the Chicago dojo and Lien Phan from the UNL Lincoln dojo, placed first in the team tournament at the 67th Annual Nisei Week Exhibition and Tournament in Los Angeles on August 22nd.
Austin Thomas promoted to shodan
Congrats to Austin Thomas, Chicago Shotokan alumnus, for passing his shodan test at Midwest Summer Special Training 2026 in St. Joseph, MO! Austin’s strong spirit was on full display during the entire Special Training, and during his test. Congrats Austin!
Jeff Salkas leads practice on foot sweeps
Sandan Jeff Salkas leads a practice focused on break falls and ashibarai (foot sweeps), including how to setup the foot sweep, how to execute it, and how to deal with different distances, and different reactions from your opponent.
New Class on Wednesday Evenings
Chicago Shotokan is now offering a class on Wednesday evenings at the same location as our Sunday morning class. Where: Bernard Horwich Jewish Community Center3003 W. Touhy AveChicago, IL 60645 When:6:00pm – 7:30pm We hope you can join us!
Basics and Ippon Kumite
On Sunday, our growing group gathered to practice gyaku-zuki (reverse punch), age-uke (rising block) and tetsui-uke (hammer fist block). We then paired up to practice these techniques on each other during ippon kumite (one attack sparring).
First practice of 2019
Don DePree once said, “Feeling hinders form and thinking about form hinders feeling. Work both until best form and best feeling come together.” For the 1st practice of 2019, we tried to do just that with a Bassai practice that stressed a strong feeling without neglecting form.
Tekki Practice
On Sunday we had a strong practice focusing on the Tekki kata, Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan, and Tekki Sandan.