Chicago Shotokan

We had a great practice on Sunday. Andrew warmed us up and stretched us out, and then we proceeded to work on kata in groups, kicks, and kumite (one attack and three attack). Great to see everybody working hard to improve their attacks and defense.

Last Sunday we had a great kihon (fundamentals) practice, focusing on zenkutsu-dachi (front stance), oi-zuki (lunge punch), and tetsui-uke (hammer fist block). After getting some reps in with the techniques, we finished up with ippon kumite (one time sparring) using the techniques we practiced.

A core component of our practice is catching the moment an opponent decides to attack, and using that moment to launch your own “counter” attack. An opponent’s eyes, feeling, body language, and movements can all tip off when they’ve made the decision to attack, but picking up on these cues and acting on them takes […]

Steve (right) catching the moment and moving in with a jab, just as Khanda (left) begins to move in for an attack.

We had another great practice today working on combinations basics and sparring with partners. Great spirit all around!

We had a very spirited jiyu-ippon (free one attack) practice on Sunday. It was great to see such strong spirit and strong attacks!

Steve catches Ben with a front leg, front kick just as Ben begins his attack.

  Andrew (right) on the verge of delivering a counter-attack to Mitch (left) in free one-attack kumite.

A huge thank you to Godan Dom Pizoli for leading a fantastic set of practices the weekend of June 30 – July 1.

Members of Chicago Shotokan, along with other karateka from around the Midwest, after the final practice of Midwest Summer Special Training 2018 in St. Joseph, MO.