Karate Seminar this Weekend with Sensei Iain Abernethy (May 2-4, 2014)

We are happy to welcome Sensei Iain Abernethy who will be travelling from the UK to Enso’s Chicago dojo this weekend, May 2 through 4, 2014. Space is still available for all or selected sessions. 

Iain has written a number of critically acclaimed books on the practical application of traditional martial arts and is well known for his work on the pragmatic use of the techniques and concepts recorded in the traditional kata.  He has written many articles and produced videos on these subjects.  This seminar provides a chance to learn and practice with Sensei Abernethy in person.

Students are sure to gain new insights and skills to apply kata-based techniques to practical situations. Participants will be attending from around the midwest, from out of state.

Please email us at info@ensostudio.com with any questions.  All are invited to attend this unique training opportunity!

 

Schedule

Friday, May 2, 2014.  6 – 8 pm

  • Foundational Bunkai

Saturday, May 3, 2014.  9 am – 5 pm
Sunday, May 4, 2013. 9 am – 1 pm

  • Historical Development/Background of Kata
  • The 4 stage Approach to Kata
  • How to Analyze the Movements of Kata
  • The Nature of Live Conflict
  • How to Create Effective Bunkai Drills
  • Karate Grappling (throws, locks, chokes, strangles, groundwork)
  • Kata Applications (Heian/Pinan series, Tekki/Naihanchi, Kushanku/Kanku-Dai, Passai/Bassai-Dai,Gankaku/Chinto, others as time allows)
  • Kata-Based-Sparring (live bunkai drills)

 

Fees

  • $175 All Sessions (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
  • $35 Friday Night ONLY

Prorated fees to attend selection sessions is available. Please contact us for more information.

Participation

Open to adults 7th kyu and above, and teens 3rd kyu and above

Registration

Pay online through our online store or mail a check to Enso: 412 S. Wells Street, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL  60607.

 

Enso Elite Brings Home 55 Medals from AAU Regional Championships!

GroupOn April 26th – 27th, our tournament team, Enso Elite, competed in the 2014 AAU Regionals in Grayslake, IL. With 45 members on our team, we took home 55 medals in total: 20 gold, 22 silver, and 13 bronze!

Competing among top athletes from all over the region, our students left this experience feeling inspired and filled with excitement as Nationals quickly approaches! We are thankful for the amount of support we receive and effort put forth from our parents and coaches as without them, none of this is possible. We are also proud of the commitment and hard work from our athletes. We understand that preparing and competing for tournaments is never easy, but it is our hope that our athletes continue to become motivated and humbled by the experiences they have.

Way to go, team! With only 2 months left, the countdown to Nationals begins!

Enso Open House – May 10, 2014

To showcase the wonderful community and programs we have at Enso, we are having an OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, May 10th from 11 am – 5pm. Bring your family and friends to this event open for all!

Date: Saturday, May 10th, 2014
Time: 11 am – 5 pm (detailed schedule TBA)
Location: Enso Chicago Dojo, 412 S. Wells, 7th floor, Chicago, IL 60607

Our open house will include demonstrations and free classes. Come try a class, including some exciting, new programs launching this summer!

  • Enso Karate Classes with Enso Karate instructors
  • Enso Tai Chi with Chris Cinnamon
  • Cardio Fit Karate with Linda Donner
  • Bag Slam with Linda Donner
  • The Art of Breaking (hip-hop and break dancing) with Kid Jungle
  • Zumba with Jasmine
  • The Real Youga with Sandria

 

Detailed schedule will be released soon.

 

Current Students/Parents

Would you like to volunteer and/or be part of a demonstration?

We would love for you to be part of this event.  Please let us know by completing this volunteer form, if you (or your child) can participate in the Open House.

Looking for a fun activity? Try out our Zumba class!

This class is sure to deliver a fun workout incorporating elements of dance and aerobics. Our Zumba class is open to the public so bring a friend or two!

The next classes will meet from 7:15 – 8:15 PM on:

  • Friday, April 11
  • Friday, April 25
Location:
412 S. Wells, 7th floor
Chicago, IL 60607

Price:
$10/class (for Enso students or family members)
$12/class (for Non-Enso students)

For questions or informational requests, contact us at info@ensostudio.com.

Enso Karate Summer Camp

Enso Karate Summer Camp 2014!

Karate Camp at Enso is back for 2014!

Kids ages 5-12 will love our fun-filled camps which will be held in August.  Open to current karate students as well as kids new to martial arts, this camp involves learning new skills; practicing basics, kata, and kumite; fitness games; and more.

Sensei Jay and his amazing team of instructors will keep all campers moving in a positive, social setting.  The highlight is the “Camp Show” and Pizza Party on Friday to showcase their camp experience!

Camp dates:

  • August 4-8, 2014
  • August 11-15, 2014

Time:  9:00am-12:30pm

Cost: $250 per week

We are also happy to continue our Junior Camp Counselor program for brown and black belt youth, which gives them the chance to build their leadership and teaching skills.  Parents: please assist your child in applying online by May 18, 2014.

Learn more and register.

 

Creating "Enso" Art at Summer Camp

Enso Tai Chi

Energy is flowing for Enso Tai Chi

Enso Tai Chi Instructor Chris Cinnamon, also an Enso Karate Nidan (2nd degree black belt), is continuing to build an active Tai Chi program. Learn about classes and the great energy and activity in Enso Tai Chi!

Enso Elite Brings Home 66 Medals from AAU District Championships!

Enso Elite athletesOn Sunday, February 9th, 2014, we sent 43 of our athletes to compete at a local state tournament, AAU District Championships, held in Grayslake, IL. With the help of our hardworking coaches and supportive families, we brought home 66 medals in all: 25 gold, 23 silver, and 18 bronze!

At AAU tournaments, our students are fortunate to compete among elite athletes and are challenged to perform at their best. It is our hope that these tournaments not only serve as wonderful experiences in their karate journeys, but also as learning lessons that they can apply in their everyday life.

Congratulations to all athletes! We are grateful to kick off the tournament season on the right foot and we look forward to the rest of the season to come. The road to nationals is well underway!

Over 100 Students Compete in Enso Dojo Tournament 2014

On Saturday, January 25, 2014, Enso held it’s annual dojo tournament with over 100 competitors and were joined by guests from Fonseca Martial Arts, Midwest Shotokan Karate, and Hu Shin Kai. With the help and support of our volunteers and judges, the tournament ran smoothly from 9 o’clock in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. At this special event, it is our goal and hope that our students are able to gain tournament experience, develop good sportsmanship, and challenge their abilities. At the end of the day, many competitors went home with happy faces and a new story to add to their karate journey!

More pictures can be viewed on our Facebook page.

Dojo Tournament

Enso Karate Dojo Tournament 2014 is Coming!

We are kicking off 2014 with a small, friendly karate tournament that will be held in our Chicago dojo on Saturday, January 25, 2014! We hope that you can join us for a great event that aims to help build healthy competition, good sportsmanship, and tournament experience. This tournament is open to all of our students, ages 4 and above.

In addition to the Saturday tournament, we will also be holding Black Belt Exams on Friday, January 24th, and Training Seminars on Sunday, January 26th.  Details to be announced.

Enso Dojo Tournament 2014 Info

Register online list of domains . three domains of learning .

Kaminari Zoku 2013 – Enso’s Friendly Flash Mob

On Saturday, October 5th, 2013. Enso Karate Students delighted tourists and Chicagoans with their Kaminari Zoku (“thunder clan”), a surprise kata performance, at Buckingham Fountain.

2013’s Buckingham Fountain Flash Mob
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE5QbPZSaHQ

 

Previous Kaminari Zoku events:

2012’s Union Station Flash Mob
Behind the Scenes: http://vimeo.com/105764341
Spectator’s View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlR4FLMM_fM

2011’s Cloud Gate Flash Mob
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QorrLa7wBf0