2016

  • Wed
    23
    Dec
    2015
    Sun
    03
    Jan
    2016

    Winter Break (No Karate Classes)

  • Sun
    10
    Jan
    2016

    Self-Defense Workshop

    Chicago dojo

    Time

    1:00-2:30pm  Introductory Workshop

    2:30-4:00  Continuing Self-Defense Workshop

    Fee

    $25 for one Workshop

    $90 for Workshop Series (4 sessions). Series dates: January 10, February 7, March 13, April 17

    Learn more and register.
  • Mon
    18
    Jan
    2016

    Winter Session Intro B Begins

  • Fri
    22
    Jan
    2016

    Make-Up Belt Exams

  • Sun
    07
    Feb
    2016

    Self-Defense Workshop

    Chicago Dojo

    Time

    1:00-2:30pm  Introductory Self-Defense Workshop

    2:30-4:00  Continuing Self-Defense Workshop

    Fee

    $25 for one Workshop

    $90 for Workshop Series (4 sessions). Series dates: January 10, February 7, March 13, April 17

    Learn more and register.
  • Sat
    20
    Feb
    2016

    Black Belt Exam and Seminars!

    Chicago dojo
    A special day for the dojo! We’re hosting black belt exams, two special seminars, and a black belt awards dinner. The 10am and 11am classes will not be held because of these specially scheduled events. Please see below for the schedule for Feb. 20.
    • 9:00 – 10:00am: Family Karate class. 
    • Karate Seminars. This is a great opportunity for all of us to learn from two outstanding instructors who exemplify excellence in karate technique, knowledge, and character. Register for the Seminars Here.
      • 10:00 – 11:30am: Kata Applications with Sensei Dwight Holley. $10 for Enso students. $20 for Enso guests. Open to students of all ages, yellow belts and up.
      • 12:00 – 1:30pm: Kumite Drills with Sensei Morris Lawrence III. $10 for Enso students. $20 for Enso guests. Open to all ages and ranks.
    • 1:30pm: Black Belt Exam. All are invited to watch and support our group of examinees! This will be our biggest black belt exam yet.  We have more than 20 students taking this significant step – please come and support them!  We have invited Sensei Dwight Holley from Cincinnati, OH, and Sensei Morris Lawrence III from Ann Arbor, MI, to help serve as judges for these exams.
    • 5:30pm: Black Belt Dinner at Ming Hin restaurant. $15 per person. Please RSVP by Feb. 13th and pay at the Chicago dojo (cash/check only). All are invited.
  • Sun
    21
    Feb
    2016

    Tournament Prep Session

    1:00 - 2:30 pm

    Chicago dojo

    Many first-time, or relatively inexperienced, competitors feel intimidated or overwhelmed by the tournament atmosphere. Enso is offering four special training sessions focused on the etiquette, procedures and rules that are unique to tournaments. One session will take place before the Chicagoland Karate-Do Challenge, and we recommend (but don’t require) participation.

    WHEN: Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 1-2:30 p.m.
    WHERE: Enso Dojo
    WHO: Any student who has not competed with Enso Elite Tournament Team
    WHAT: Tournament etiquette, procedures and rules
    FEE: $20

    REGISTRATION: Click here to register online, or pay in person, or email us to give permission to charge your card on file.
  • Sat
    27
    Feb
    2016

    Karate and Kobudo Seminars

    Chicago Dojo

    • Karate Seminar with Sensei Jo Mirza: 11:00am-1:00pm

    • Bo Seminar with Sensei Kiyoshi Nishime: 1:15pm-2:45pm

    • Sai Seminar with Sensei Kiyoshi Nishime: 3:00pm-4:30pm

    Register online or download the registration form.
  • Sun
    28
    Feb
    2016

    Chicagoland Karate-Do Challenge

    Mozart Park District
    2036 N. Avers Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60647

    Chicagoland_KarateDo_Challenge_Logo_Color_Low-ResThe 2016 Chicagaoland Karate-Do Challenge is an invitational karate tournament presented by Nisei Dojo, co-organized by Enso, and licensed by AAU USA. 

    Registration is due by Feb. 5th.  Detailed event information and registration forms can be found on the tournament website: 

    http://chicagolandkaratedo.wix.com/2016challenge
  • Sat
    12
    Mar
    2016

    Tournament Prep for New Competitors

    3:30 - 5 pm

    Enso Chicago Dojo
    Many first-time, or relatively inexperienced, competitors feel intimidated or overwhelmed by the tournament atmosphere. Enso is offering special training sessions focused on the etiquette, procedures and rules that are unique to tournaments.
     
    WHEN:

    Saturday, March 12th, 3:30-5 p.m. – This session is tentative since we haven’t received registrations for this event.
    Saturday, April 16th, 12:30-2 p.m.
    Sunday, May 22nd, 1-2:30 p.m.
    WHO: Any student who has not competed with the Enso Elite Tournament Team
     
    WHAT: Tournament etiquette, procedures and rules
    FEE: $20 per session
     
    REGISTRATION: Click here to register online, or pay in person, or email us to give permission to charge your card on file.
     
  • Sat
    12
    Mar
    2016

    Belt Exams

    9:00am - See arrival times

    Chicago dojo
    Date 
    Saturday, March 12, 2016
    Regular classes will not be held due to this event. 
     
    Eligibility
    See Eligibility List sent to students by email. Eligibility is determined by instructors, who consider Training Time Requirements, consistency of attendance, effort, performance, attitude, and ability to perform exam requirements. The most important factors are meeting the minimum required training times, and consistency and frequency of training. If you have questions about your eligibility, please do not hesitate to ask Sensei Jay or another instructor. If you are eligible to test but choose not to test, please email info@ensokarate.com so that we can update the exam roster.
     
    Time
    Exam starts at 9:00 AM; arrival times vary according to rank. See Eligibility List (emailed to students) for arrival times.
     
    Location
    Enso Chicago, 412 S. Wells, 7th floor, Chicago, IL 60607
     
    Fee
    $35 for students who are currently white through purple belts; $50 for students who are currently 3rd and 2nd kyu (brown belts). Any outstanding fees must be paid before taking the exam.
     
    Registration
    Registration by March 11, 2016. Register online, pay in person, or respond to this email with permission to charge your account.
     
    Make-up Exam
    A make-up exam will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016.  $45 for white through purple belts; $60 for 3rd and 2nd kyu (brown belts). Pay in person,  register online, or provide permission to charge your account by  April 20, 2016. We ask students to make their best efforts to take the regular exam, and only take the make-up exam if necessary. We especially encourage brown belts to take the regular exam.
  • Sun
    13
    Mar
    2016

    Self-Defense Workshop

    Chicago dojo

    Time

    1:00-2:30pm  Introductory Self-Defense Workshop

    2:30-4:00  Continuing Self-Defense Workshop

    Fee

    $25 for one Workshop

    $90 for Workshop Series (4 sessions). Series dates: January 10, February 7, March 13, April 17

    Learn more and register.
  • Sun
    13
    Mar
    2016

    Farewell Dinner for Sensei Luca

    5:30pm

    Pizzeria da Nella
  • Fri
    18
    Mar
    2016
    Sun
    27
    Mar
    2016

    Spring Break (no karate classes)

    Enso karate classes will be on break from March 18 to March 27, 2016.

    Chicago Tai Chi will be hosting a major Tai Chi event at the dojo from March 18-20, Bruce Frantzis – Yang Style Tai Chi in Chicago. We are happy to help Enso’s Tai Chi program bring such an important master of Tai Chi to the midwest. Due to this event and the Windy City Karate Tournament on March 25 (seminars) and 26 (tournament) that will be attended by many Enso Karate students, this year’s Spring Break from regular classes will be slightly longer than usual.
  • Sat
    26
    Mar
    2016

    Windy City Karate Tournament

    Crowne Plaza Hotel
    5440 N. River Road
    Rosemont, IL  60018

    We have attended the Windy City Karate tournament for many years, and it is a great tournament for those new to competition or interested in competing for the first time! We hope everyone — youth and adults ages 5 and up — will consider joining us to represent Enso at this year’s Windy City Karate Tournament!

     
     
    Fee: $90 for 2 events, $120 for 3 events, and $130 for 4 events 

    Note: Students are responsible for forming their own teams for team events.  

    Registration: Registration forms can be downloaded here.  

    Deadline to submit your form and payment (check payable to “Joe Gonzalez”) to Sensei Jay is Tuesday, March 15th. Please note that this is a special deadline for Enso and we cannot submit any later.  

    Hotel Reservation: Call (877) 337-5793 for room availability at The Crowne Plaza Hotel. Special rate of $89 may still be available. Please mention The Windy City 24th Traditional Karate Tournament or Code Number K24 upon booking.

    Download the full tournament packet for more details and information here.  
  • Sun
    17
    Apr
    2016

    Self-Defense Workshop

    Chicago dojo

    Time

    1:00-2:30pm  Introductory Self-Defense Workshop

    2:30-4:00  Continuing Self-Defense Workshop

     

    Fee

    $25 for one Workshop

    $90 for Workshop Series (4 sessions). Series dates: January 10, February 7, March 13, April 17

     

    Learn more and register.
  • Sat
    23
    Apr
    2016
    Sun
    24
    Apr
    2016

    AAU Regional Karate Championships

    College of Lake County
    Grayslake, IL

    Members of the Enso Elite Karate Team will compete at the AAU Regional Karate Championships. Open only for team members, but all students are welcome to attend and cheer us on!
  • Fri
    29
    Apr
    2016

    Make Up Belt Eam (Kyu levels)

    7:00 PM

    412 S. Wells Street, 7th Floor

    Cost: $45 for white through purple belts; $60 for 3rd and 2nd kyu (brown belts)

    Registration: Pay in person,  register online, or provide permission to charge your account by  April 20, 2016.

    We ask students to make their best efforts to take the regular exam, and only take the make-up exam if necessary. We especially encourage brown belts to take the regular exam.
  • Mon
    16
    May
    2016

    Fonseca Spring Challenge

    Wilmette, IL

    Fonseca Spring Challenge
  • Fri
    27
    May
    2016
    Mon
    30
    May
    2016

    Memorial Day Weekend Break

    All dojo locations

    Enso karate classes will be on break for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
  • Sun
    29
    May
    2016
    Mon
    30
    May
    2016

    ITKA World Friendship Tournament

    St. Benedict Prep School
    3941 N. Bell Street
    Chicago, IL

    We have attended this local tournament for many years, and it is a great opportunity for those new to competition. We hope everyone — youth and adults ages 5 and up — will consider joining us to represent Enso.

    Learn more about events, fees and registration on the tournament website.  Submit forms and check made payable to “ITKA” to Sensei Jay by no later than Monday, May 2nd.
  • Sat
    04
    Jun
    2016

    Belt Exams

    Regular classes will not be held due to this event. 
     
    Eligibility: See Eligibility List sent to students by email. Eligibility is determined by instructors, who consider Training Time Requirements, consistency of attendance, effort, performance, attitude, and ability to perform exam requirements. The most important factors are meeting the minimum required training times, and consistency and frequency of training. 
     
    Fee: $35 for students who are currently white through purple belts; $50 for students who are currently 3rd and 2nd kyu (brown belts). Any outstanding fees must be paid before taking the exam. Register online or email us with permission to charge your account.
     
    Make-Up Exam: A make-up exam will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016 (new date). We ask students to make their best efforts to take the regular exam, and only take the make-up exam if absolutely necessary. An extra $10 fee is assessed to make-up exams. Register online or email us with permission to charge your account.
  • Mon
    04
    Jul
    2016
    Sun
    10
    Jul
    2016

    Summer Break I - Independence Day Holiday

    There will be no karate classes at the Chicago, Oak Park or South dojos during Summer Break. Enjoy the holiday!
  • Sat
    23
    Jul
    2016

    Self-Defense Workshop

    3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Enso Chicago Dojo
    Introductory self-defense workshop open to women and men ages 11 and up. Families are welcome to take the workshop together.
     
    No martial arts experience 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. Topics covered in the workshop include:
    • Basic awareness
    • Effects of fear and ways to handle fear
    • Personal safety tips
    • Physical drills practice
    • Simple footwork and self-defense techniques

    Learn more and register
  • Sat
    06
    Aug
    2016

    Beach Training 2016

    9:30am

    31st Street Beach
    Instead of our regularly scheduled Saturday classes, Enso students of all ages and ranks are invited to train at the 31st Street Beach starting at 9:30 a.m. Bring your families and friends along!
     
    We recommend planning to get there at 9:00 am or earlier so you have plenty of time to find parking, find the group, and roll up your gi pants! Paid parking is available near the beach.
     
    We will hold a group class for about one hour, then take some pictures. Stick around for as long as you like afterwards for fun at the beach! Please bring your own drinks and snacks.
     
    Beach training has been a great opportunity for us to enjoy the beautiful, summer weather without sacrificing time to practice karate. Plus, it’s a really cool photo-op! 
     
    In the case of thunderstorms, classes will be held as usual in the downtown Chicago dojo. Please check our website and Facebook page by 8:30am. 
  • Mon
    08
    Aug
    2016
    Fri
    12
    Aug
    2016

    Summer Camp 2016

    Chicago Dojo

    Kids ages 5-12 will love our fun-filled camp which will be held this year from August 8-12, 2016.  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!

    Learn more and register.
  • Mon
    29
    Aug
    2016
    Mon
    05
    Sep
    2016

    Summer Break II

    There will be no karate classes at the Chicago, Oak Park or South dojos during Summer Break. Enjoy the holiday!
  • Fri
    16
    Sep
    2016
    Sun
    18
    Sep
    2016

    2nd Annual Enso Karate Retreat Weekend

    George Williams College, Williams Bay, WI
    This event is for adults who are currently training at Enso. A great opportunity for training and bonding together!

    DETAILS

    Location:
    George Williams College, Williams Bay, WI
    (approximately 90 miles from Chicago, near Lake Geneva)

    Cost:

    • $110 if you register before by June 30th.
    • $140 if you register on July 1st or later.
    REGISTER ONLINE

    What’s Included:
    Training topics will include weapons, exposure to other martial arts, Shotokan katas, and other new and exciting activities. A tentative schedule is below. Included in the cost is:

    • Buffet breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
    • Lunch on Saturday
    • 7 hours of training on Saturday
    • 2 hours of outdoor conditioning on Sunday morning
    • Campfires and games on Friday and Saturday nights

    Room Reservations:
    Rooms are being held for Enso’s Retreat until July 18th. For $139/night (including all taxes and fees), you can get either one king/queen bed at Lakefront Cottages or two double beds at Winston Paul Lodge. To reserve a room, call (262) 245-8520.

    Transportation:
    If you do not have a car and need a ride to and from the retreat, there will be a sign-up list at the dojo for people looking for rides and willing to give a ride.

    TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

    Friday
    4PM check-in time
    Dinner on your own
    7PM campfire and games

    Saturday
    7:30-9AM buffet breakfast
    9AM-12PM training
    12-1PM buffet lunch
    1-5PM training
    7PM group dinner
    9PM campfire and games

    Sunday
    7:30-9AM buffet breakfast
    9-11AM conditioning and outdoor game
    12PM check-out time
    Optional lunch together in Lake Geneva and/or golf on the way home

     
  • Sat
    24
    Sep
    2016

    Punok Open

    Indianapolis, IN

    This youth competition (ages 4-17) is expected to draw athletes from all over the world, with the top competitors vying for a spot on Punok’s sponsored team.  Register online.
  • Sat
    01
    Oct
    2016

    Belt Exams

    Begins at 9:00am

    Chicago dojo
    Regular classes will not be held due to this event. 
     
    Eligibility: See Eligibility List sent to students by email. Eligibility is determined by instructors, who consider Training Time Requirements, consistency of attendance, effort, performance, attitude, and ability to perform exam requirements. The most important factors are meeting the minimum required training times, and consistency and frequency of training. 
     
    Fee: $35 for students who are currently white through purple belts; $50 for students who are currently 3rd and 2nd kyu (brown belts). Any outstanding fees must be paid before taking the exam.
     
    Payment & Registration: Students who are eligible can register online, email info@ensokarate.com with permission to charge your account on file, or pay in person at the front desk.
     
    Make-Up Exam: There will not be a make-up exam this session. The next regularly scheduled exam is on December 10, 2016.
     
  • Sun
    02
    Oct
    2016

    Focus Junior Tournament

    Lake in the Hills, IL
    This youth competition (ages 4-15) in the Chicago suburbs follows AAU rules and is a local tournament Enso has attended for many years. Download the tournament packet.
  • Sat
    15
    Oct
    2016

    Fonseca Cup

    Evanston, IL
    This nearby all-ages tournament offers cash prizes for elite divisions (black belts 18-24).  Rules and registration available online.
  • Sat
    12
    Nov
    2016

    Enso Elite Informational Meeting

    1:30 pm

    Chicago dojo

    Parents and karate students (adults and youth) are invited to learn more about our competition team.  Youth athletes are not required to attend. We will provide information about the competition schedule, special training, and fees. There will also be opportunities to ask questions of coaches and other parents.

  • Wed
    23
    Nov
    2016
    Sun
    27
    Nov
    2016

    Fall Break - Thanksgiving Holiday

    There will be no karate classes at the Chicago, Oak Park or South dojos during Fall Break. Enjoy the holiday!
  • Wed
    23
    Nov
    2016

    Winter tuition due/Auto-renew date

    Winter Session Tuition Due. Auto-renew payments will be processed on this date. We are glad to be able to offer the auto-renew option as a convenience to students, and we’re grateful that it helps make our administrative process more efficient. Learn more about auto-renew and pricing options (Chicago dojo schedule • Oak Park dojo schedule).
  • Sat
    10
    Dec
    2016

    Belt Exams

    Regular classes will not be held due to this event. 
     
    Eligibility: See Eligibility List sent to students by email. Eligibility is determined by instructors, who consider Training Time Requirements, consistency of attendance, effort, performance, attitude, and ability to perform exam requirements. The most important factors are meeting the minimum required training times, and consistency and frequency of training. 
     
    Fee: $35 for students who are currently white through purple belts. Any outstanding fees must be paid before taking the exam.
     
    Make-Up Exam: A make-up exam will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017. We ask students to make their best efforts to take the regular exam, and only take the make-up exam if absolutely necessary. An extra $10 fee is assessed to make-up exams. Brown belts need to take the Saturday exam.
     
  • Sun
    11
    Dec
    2016

    Enso Karate Holiday Potluck

    12:00 PM TO 3:00 PM

    Chicago dojo
    We hope you can join us for some holiday fun on Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 12:00pm – 3:00pm at the downtown Chicago dojo. This will be a time for Enso students, families and friends to visit and celebrated to the end of a great year and the beginning of a new one. 
     
    This will be a pot luck event so we ask attendees to bring a dish or drink to share. And, kids, adults, and groups are invited to take part in a talent show! It will be lots of fun and we hope to see you there. Details TBA via email.
     
  • Fri
    23
    Dec
    2016
    Mon
    02
    Jan
    2017

    Winter Break - Christmas/New Years Holiday

    Karate classes will not be held at the Chicago, Oak Park or South dojos during Winter Break. Enjoy the holidays!

Unless otherwise noted, Enso’s events are for current students only.