Adult Karate Students Retreat to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

A special event for the adult karate students of the dojo was held on September 15-17, 2017 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The Adult Karate Retreat took place on the campus of George Williams College and featured karate training sessions and activities to build the bonds of dojo friendship.  We had many fine meals together, time for a hike around the lake, and late night chats around the fire pit. Our 3rd annual retreat is in the books and we’re already talking about next year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karate Beach Training 2017 – Fun in the Sun!

Dozens of Enso karate students hit the beach on August 12, 2017 for a fun day of training. At 31st Street Beach, the beautiful Chicago skyline was the backdrop for karate class as the sparkling lake waters hit our feet. Students of all ages and their families attended this annual event. We can’t wait for next  year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 Chicagoland Karate-do Challenge: Tournament & Seminars Announced

The Chicagoland Karate-Do Challenge is an invitational karate tournament which will take place on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

Athletes can compete in kihon (beginners only), kata, kumite, team kata, family team kata, and team kumite. With your support, we will be able to host a successful event with a high level of competition offering athletes the chance to test their skills, forge new friendships, and make new connections.

Registration information can be found here. We hope to see you in March!

Linda Donner
Jay Nacu
Denise Nacu
Tournament Hosts and Organizers

This tournament is hosted and organized by Nisei Dojo and Enso Karate, and licensed by AAU USA. 

Kaminari Zoku 2016, Enso’s Friendly Flash Mob – Glow Version!

In October 2016, Enso Karate students surprised Chicagoans with a glow version performance of Shotokan kata at one of the city’s most recognized sites. Dozens of adults and kids of all ages joined the group to demonstrate kata in synchrony!

Gain Confidence, Reduce Fear: Women’s Self-Defense Workshop – April 11, 2015

Enso will host a self-defense workshop

is necessary. Instructor Linda Donner is a 6th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and is certified in Krav Maga, the Israeli system of military self-defense. In this workshop, she will cover:

  • Basic awareness
  • Effects of fear and ways to handle fear
  • Personal safety tips
  • Situational role plays
  • Physical drills practice
  • Simple footwork
  • Blocking & strikes
  • Grabs, holds & choke defenses

Join us! Register today and encourage a friend to attend this workshop with you! Don’t miss this opportunity to practice simple, effective verbal and physical skills for self-defense.

Date & Time

April 11, 2015; 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Location

Enso 412 S. Wells Street, 7th Floor Chicago, IL 60605

 

Fees & Registration

 

Attire

Comfortable clothing, such as t-shirt and sweatpants. Clean, indoor gym shoes.

 

Workshop Instructor

Linda Donner, 6th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. Certified in Krav Maga (Israeli system of military self-defense)

Ten Enso Students and Instructors Advanced to Dan Ranks

Ten Enso students and instructors were advanced to the ranks of Shodan or higher in November 2014. We congratulate these karateka for having the discipline, courage and perseverance to advance further down the path, and we hope that karate training has strengthened their bodies and minds and enriched their lives with friendship and joy.

Special Guest Judge Sensei Dwight Holley (8th Dan) traveled to Chicago from Cincinnati to help administer an exam to Marco Martina and Jason Laufenburg (of Cincinnati Shotokan Karate-do), testing for Nidan, as well as seven students testing for Shodan: AJ Cesar, Elaine Cesar, Katie Coleman, Rahmil Magsino, Maile Nacu, Jojo Nierras and Toby Nierras. Each of these students reflected on their dan ranks in the exam booklet, which is available for download as well as at the front desk.

Additionally, Sensei Holley advanced Sensei Jay Nacu to 5th Dan and Sensei Denise Nacu to 4th Dan during his visit. These advancements represent their long-time commitment to practicing and teaching the art of karate at Enso and around the world. Congratulations, to all!

Kaminari Zoku 2014 Strikes at Tribune Tower!

Over 100 Enso Karate students surprised Downtown Chicago on Saturday, October 11th with their annual flash mob – Kaminari Zoku! This year marks the fourth flash mob Enso Karate has been part

it’s an opportunity for us to share our love of Shotokan Karate with Chicago!

Want to know what we’ve done in the past? Check out our past flash mobs here: 2011, 2012, and 2013.

The Art of Breaking with Kid Jungle

Enso Open House Highlights Fun, Friendship, and Fitness at the Chicago Dojo

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On Saturday, May 10, 2104, guests from all over Chicagoland visited Enso’s Chicago dojo to get a taste of our current offerings and NEW fitness programs launching this summer. Among the fun festivities and raffles, the event offered free trial classes and demos for:

  • Tai Chi & QiGong
  • Shotokan Karate
  • The Real YOUga
  • The Art of Breaking (hip-hop and breakdancing)
  • Zumba
  • Cardio Fit Karate

Familiar and new faces spent the day trying new activities that help promote great health and fitness — two very important aspects for us at Enso. Many left with new-found interests and new friends!

Summer 2014 Class Registration

Still want to sign up for our programs? It’s not too late! Get more information about each program and find out how you can register here. Sign-up before May 20th and receive $20 OFF! Offer expires: May 20, 2014. Not valid for drop-in rates. Offer not valid for Zumba session rate. For karate and Tai Chi program, offer is valid for new students only. ONLINE PROMO CODE: SUMMERFIT