All of the West Chicago Park District's Karate classes are held at the Fitness Station. Our Karate classes are taught under the leadership of Sensei Gil who has taught Karate at the West Chicago Park District for 20+ years. Sensei Gil and his instructors take their responsibility seriously as role models and mentors for the younger students, teaching them the importance of strong character, leadership, respect, discipline, self-control, and perseverance. Adults can participate in class with their children for a small $15 fee per session (1 adult per registered child and the adult must enroll in the same class as the child).

Additional benefits of Karate:

Self-defense

Self-determination

Improved focus

Physical and Mental Exercise

Integrity

Commitment

Virtue

Class Descriptions:

For class dates, times and fees please download our brochure, log into our online registration system or contact the fitness station at 630.293.5620 or fitness@we-goparks.org.

Dragon Tots (ages 3 to 6): Focuses on a structured and semi-traditional format that emphasizes self-discipline, accountability, goal setting and respect. Participants will learn basic techniques with an emphasis on coordination, balance, timing and repetition. Immediate techniques, like breaking away from an attacker, how to deal with bullies, and how to respond to strangers will also be taught. The class is structured in a traditional format that allows students to feel comfortable and accept new challenges while building self-confidence. Students have the opportunity to earn colored belt markers at the end of the session.
Beginner (ages 6 and up): Focuses on a structured and semi-traditional format that emphasizes self-discipline, accountability, goal setting and respect. Participants will learn basic techniques with an emphasis on coordination, balance, timing and repetition. Immediate techniques, like breaking away from an attacker, how to deal with bullies, and how to respond to strangers will also be taught. The class is structured in a traditional format that allows students to feel comfortable and accept new challenges while building self-confidence. Students have the opportunity to earn colored belt markers at the end of the session.
Intermediate (ages 6 and up): This class is conducted in a structured and traditional format that emphasizes self-discipline, accountability, goal setting and respect. Participants will learn basic techniques with an emphasis on flow, power, technique and transition. Participants will begin learning falls, basic throws, wrist controls, joint locks, and advanced forms (Kata). Group dynamics will be practiced while working with other students on their techniques. The class is structured in a traditional format that allows students to feel comfortable and accept new challenges while building self-confidence. Students have the opportunity to earn colored belt markers at the end of the session.
Advanced (ages 6 and up): Emphasizes power, flow, timing, balance, focus, intent, transition, breathing, combination techniques and weapons training. Multiple attacker techniques are learned and demonstrated. The class stresses self-discipline, goal setting, self-defense and accountability. Participants will learn counter techniques, self-defense applications and intermediate techniques, with an emphasis on coordination, balance, timing and repetition. Each participant is measured on their own abilities while practicing in a group structured environment and graded by an advancement model. Students have the opportunity to earn colored belt ranks at the end of the session.
Adult Karate (ages 18 and up): Traditional structured class with an emphasis on self defense empty hand applications. We stress traditional values such as respect, honor and integrity. This class covers the beginner basic empty hand techniques through advanced self defense applications. Kicks, blocks, punching, throws, joint locks and wrist control are part of the curriculum. Please wear loose clothing. Traditional ranking structure applies to this class. Weapons will not be taught in this class.
Traditional Jiu-Jitsu (ages 16 and up): This class covers the beginner to advanced empty hand techniques through self-defense applications. Pressure point strikes, joint locks and escapes, wrist controls, throws, advanced falling within the blocks, punching and throws are part of this curriculum. Throwing and being thrown is an integral part of Jiu-Jitsu as is ground work. Most of MMA sport techniques are pulled from combat applications taught by Jiu-Jitsu. Please wear loose fitting clothing, after the first session Jiu-Jitsu uniforms are required. Traditional ranking structure applies to this class. Weapons will not be taught in this class.
Tai Chi (ages 16 and up): Tai Chi provides a beneficial impact on health through moving meditation. The exercises are easy to do, have low aerobic impact and are done slowly with natural body alignment, movement and breathing. Tai Chi Chuan is the practice of kinetics, musculature, skeletal and ligament alignment, moving posture and breathing in a low impact aerobic routine. Please wear loose fitting clothing.

Check out our brochure for more information on our Karate programs