Enso Karate Co-Directors: Sensei Jay Nacu and Sensei Denise Nacu
Sensei Jay Nacu (Godan, 5th degree black belt) and Sensei Denise Nacu (Yondan, 4th degree black belt) co-founded Enso Karate in 2002. Together, they serve as the head instructors over all karate programs, head coaches of the Enso Elite Competition Team, and the owners and operators of this small community business.
Sensei Jay has been a student of martial arts since the age of 10 and was introduced to Shotokan Karate in 1994. He is a tremendously dedicated instructor, paying close attention to the individual needs of every student, while also encouraging a supportive, energetic, and disciplined training environment for the whole group. By day, he teaches Physical Education at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Read more about Sensei Jay
Sensei Denise began studying Shotokan karate in 1996. From the beginning, the mental discipline and the strict attention to form got her hooked on the art as a “way of life.” She values karate for the many ways it can improve and enhance one’s mental and physical well-being. By day, Sensei Denise is an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Design at DePaul University. Read more about Sensei Denise
Since founding Enso Karate in 2002, Sensei Jay and Sensei Denise have established themselves as leading practitioners and instructors of traditional karate, as well as award-winning athletes and coaches on the national and international stage. Under their leadership, the dojo has flourished, becoming home to more than 200 students and families who are dedicated to improving themselves and learning the art of Shotokan Karate.
Enso’s Senior Instructors
These instructors have been with Enso Karate for many years and currently lead classes on a regular basis.
Sensei Saul Notario
Sensei Saul has been a martial arts practitioner for more than 30 years, having trained in different martial arts since the age of 14. As a senior instructor at Enso, he currently teaches classes at the Chicago dojo and coaches the Enso Elite Karate Team. Read more about Sensei Saul.
Sensei Katie Coleman
Sensei Katie began studying Shotokan Karate in 2009. She trains at both the Chicago and Oak Park locations, teaches family classes in Oak Park, and serves as the head coach for the Enso Elite Team. She also helps Sensei Denise manage all of Enso’s communications.
Sensei Sam Frame
Sensei Sam has been training, teaching, and assisting at the Chicago dojo for many years. He also frequently serves as a referee with AAU Karate, traveling with the Enso Elite Karate Team.
Sensei Rahmil Magsino
Sensei Rahmil has been training, teaching, and assisting at the Chicago and Oak Park dojos for many years, and he leads Enso’s kobudo training efforts.
Enso’s Assistant Instructors
These karate-ka currently serve as assistant instructors during larger classes, seminars, and team training sessions. We are proud to support a strong bench of extremely experienced practitioners whose passion extends to teaching the next generation of karate students.
Sensei Marco Martina
Sensei Marco trains and assists at the Chicago dojo.
Sensei Kurt Woodall
Sensei Kurt has been training and assisting at the Chicago dojo for many years. He also competes with the Enso Elite Team and frequently serves as a referee with AAU Karate.
Sensei Christa Souris
Sensei Christa earned her black belt in December 2020 and has been assisting with online, in-person, and after-school classes ever since.
Sempai Noah Gunning
Sensei Noah earned his black belt in 2023 and was advanced to Nidan in 2025. He began assisting with classes and coaching the Enso Elite Team in 2025.
Sensei Monica Vanover
Sensei Monica earned her black belt in December 2022 and has been assisting with classes ever since.
Sensei Josue Reyes
Sensei Josue has been assisting with classes at Enso for many years.
Sensei Kira Zukauskas
Sensei Kira earned her Nidan rank in 2025 and has been assisting with classes in both Chicago and Oak Park ever since. She is also a coach for the Enso Elite Team.
Sensei Noelle DeLuca
Sensei Noelle joined Enso in 2024 but has been training in martial arts for many years. She assists with classes at the Chicago dojo and serves as a coach for the Enso Elite Team.
Sempai Noah Djukic
Sensei Noah earned his black belt in 2025 and has been assisting and coaching ever since.
Sensei Rocío García Pérez
Sensei Rocio joined Enso in 2024 after many years training and competing in Spain. She teaches kumite classes and coaches the Enso Elite Team.
Enso Elite Coaching Staff
Many of our experienced students, instructors, athletes and coaches are currently attending college or pursuing personal and professional goals outside of karate. But they continue to lend their experience and passion to the dojo community by returning to train and coach the Enso Elite Team whenever they can.
Sensei AJ Cesar
Sensei AJ began studying Shotokan Karate in 2010. After many years training, teaching, and competing with Enso, he began pursuing his medical career.
Sensei Elaine Cesar
Sensei Elaine began studying Shotokan Karate in 2010. After many years training, teaching, and competing with Enso, she began pursuing her career as a therapist and social worker.
Sensei Maxine Ivey
Sensei Maxine is currently attending college at the University of Southern California.
Sensei Maile Nacu
Sensei Maile is currently attending college at the University of Illinois in Urbana.
Sensei Toby Nierras
Sensei Toby is currently pursuing his career in the medical field.
Sensei Milo Platz Walker
Sensei Milo is currently attending college at the University of California in Los Angeles.
Sensei Mateo Nacu
Sensei Mateo is currently attending college at the University of Illinois in Urbana.
Sensei Jack Spiotto
Sensei Jack is currently attending college at the University of Illinois in Urbana.
