2020

  • Mon
    23
    Dec
    2019
    Sun
    05
    Jan
    2020

    Winter Break - Christmas / New Years Holiday

    There will be no karate classes at the Chicago or Oak Park dojos during Winter Break. Enjoy the holiday!

  • Sat
    04
    Jan
    2020

    Kangeiko

    9:00AM - 12:30PM

    Chicago dojo

    What is Kangeiko?
    Kangeiko is a Japanese term meaning “cold training” or “winter training.” The purpose of this tradition is to start the New Year with a high level of effort, renewed excitement and spirit, and a commitment to carry on for the rest of the year!!
     
     
    What’s the plan for Enso’s Kangeiko 2020?
    This special training event will include an intense combination of kata, kihon (basics), and conditioning exercises. Our goal is to complete a total of 2,020 techniques to welcome in the year 2020! 
     
    9:00-9:20 AM – OUTDOOR RUN. This optional 20-minute warm-up run will honor the spirit of Kangeiko’s ‘cold weather training.’ We’ll circle the block from Wells to Congress to Financial to Van Buren while wearing our gi!
     
    9:30-11:00 AM – ALL LEVELS TRAINING. Students of all levels (ages 6+) are welcome to participate in this session, which will center on heian kata and beginner/novice basics.
     
    11:00 AM-12:30 PM – ADVANCED TRAINING. Students with a purple belt rank or higher are welcome to participate in this session, which will center on advanced kata and advanced basics. We encourage our advanced students to attend both sessions to push the limits of their endurance and demonstrate their fighting spirit!
     
  • Sat
    01
    Feb
    2020

    Enso Karate Demo at OPRF JapanFest

    Oak Park River Forest High School
    Student Center, Gym 1West, Cafeteria South

    • JapanFest: 12:00-4:00 PM
    • Enso Demo Practice Session: 1:15 PM
    • Enso Demo: 2:20-2:40 PM

    Enso Karate has been invited to perform at the JapanFest event at Oak Park and River Forest High School! We’ve participated in this event for several years, and it’s a great chance to be part of a popular community gathering, learn about Japanese culture, and demonstrate Enso’s strong martial arts tradition. 

    We strongly encourage our Oak Park students and Enso Elite Tournament Team members to participate in our demo — all ages and ranks are welcome.
     
    Practice Session Info
    To participate, we’re asking students to complete a brief practice session before the demo. Students should meet us in the hallway in front of the Faculty Cafeteria on the second floor, in their gi, by 1:15 PM.
     
    Parking Passes
    No parking passes are required this year – yay!
     
  • Sat
    15
    Feb
    2020
    Sun
    16
    Feb
    2020
  • Sat
    22
    Feb
    2020

    Belt Exams

    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.
  • Fri
    28
    Feb
    2020

    Make-Up Belt Exams

    Chicago dojo

    We ask students to make their best efforts to take the regular exam, but if you can’t make it, the make-up exam provides a second opportunity to test before the next regular exam. An extra $10 fee is assessed to make-up exams.
     
    Note: Brown belts cannot take the make-up exam.
  • Fri
    13
    Mar
    2020

    Black Belt Practice Exam

    7:00 PM Chicago dojo

    The Practice Exam simulates the physical part of the Black Belt Exam. The purpose of this step is to give students the opportunity to not only experience a full-length exam, but also to receive feedback from a panel of senseis. This feedback will likely include a list of items that the candidates must work to improve before the next step.

    Learn more about the exam process.

  • Mon
    23
    Mar
    2020
    Sun
    29
    Mar
    2020

    Spring Break

    There will be no karate classes at the Chicago or Oak Park dojos during Spring Break. Enjoy the holiday!

  • Wed
    08
    Apr
    2020

    Virtual Adult Happy Hour (Ages 21+)

    8-9 PM
    All our adult students are invited to gather and enjoy some time together. Our inaugural Adult Virtual Happy Hour was a blast – we hope everyone will join this next one! Please log into the Online Dojo to access the private Zoom link.
  • Fri
    10
    Apr
    2020

    Virtual Meet-up for Black Belt Candidates

    7:30-8:15 PM
    For those students testing for their dan ranks in 2020, let’s get together to discuss the exam schedule and review exam requirements. We won’t be putting our gi on for this one, but we might spring a fun Karate Trivia Pop Quiz on you… Please log into the Online Dojo to access the private Zoom link.
  • Sat
    11
    Apr
    2020

    Virtual Meet-up for Enso Elite Team

    1-2 PM

    Who are we?! ENSO!! Team members will get together to discuss the remainder of the 2020 tournament season and to have some fun together. Please log into the Online Dojo to access the private Zoom link.

  • Mon
    20
    Apr
    2020

    Virtual Meet-Up for Kids (Ages 6-12)

    4:30-5 PM
    Remember our Friday Fun Nights at the dojo? This meet up will be just for kids to see each other and have some fun. Sensei Jay and assistants will organize some games for everyone to play. Please log into the Online Dojo to access the private Zoom link.
  • Fri
    24
    Apr
    2020

    Virtual Adult Happy Hour (Ages 21+)

    7:30-8:30 PM
    All our adult students are invited to gather and enjoy some time together. Our previous Adult Virtual Happy Hours were a blast – we hope everyone will join this next one! Please log into the Online Dojo to access the private Zoom link.
  • Fri
    08
    May
    2020

    '90s-themed Happy Hour (21+)

    7:45-9:00 PM

    Wear your favorite '90s outfit or 'do, play us your favorite '90s song, or bring with a photo of you from the '90s for show-and-tell. Our previous Adult Virtual Happy Hours were a blast - we hope everyone will join this next one! Sign into the Online Dojo to get the Zoom link.

  • Mon
    18
    May
    2020

    Kids-Only Meet-Up

    4:30-5:00 PM

    Are you a LEGO fan? Show us your LEGO skills and build something karate related. Bring it to our meet-up to show us what you made. We may also have a game or two to challenge your creativity! Log into the Online Dojo to access the Zoom link.

  • Fri
    22
    May
    2020
    Mon
    25
    May
    2020

    Memorial Day Holiday

    No karate classes will be held over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Enjoy!

  • Sat
    30
    May
    2020

    Belt Exams

    9:00am

    Online Dojo

    Regular classes will not be held due to this event. 
     
    Eligibility, exam requirements, registration info, and more is now available here.
  • Fri
    05
    Jun
    2020

    The Aughts: A Happy Hour (21+)

    7:45 - 9:00 PM

    Zoom

    After conquering the ’80s and ’90s trivia (and hairdos), we’re moving on to the “aughts” (that’s 2000-2009). Find the link to join us in the students-only Online Dojo.

    Be prepared for 7 rounds of pop culture trivia about the 2000s!!

  • Sat
    13
    Jun
    2020

    All Dojo Spirit Training

    10-10:45 AM Zoom

    From our Kangeiko (winter training) to our Beach Training, Enso students always love our spirit events. Stay tuned for details on our first virtual spirit training. 🙂

  • Mon
    15
    Jun
    2020

    Kids-Only Meet-Up

    4:30-5:00 PM Zoom

    Our little ones have enjoyed scavenger hunts, Lego challenges, and games. We’ll have more fun in store for them in June! The link to join us is in our students-only Online Dojo.

  • Fri
    26
    Jun
    2020

    Virtual Happy Hour (21+)

    7:45 - 9:00 PM

    Zoom

    Stay tuned for details. Find the link to join us in the students-only Online Dojo.

  • Fri
    03
    Jul
    2020
    Sun
    05
    Jul
    2020

    Independence Day Holiday

    There will be no karate classes during the break. Enjoy the holiday!

  • Sat
    18
    Jul
    2020

    Outdoor Training Event

    2:00pm - 3:00pm

    Details sent to students by email.

  • Sat
    08
    Aug
    2020

    Special Outdoor Training Event

    2-3 PM

    Wooded area southwest of Buckingham Fountain (301 S. Columbus Drive)

    Enso Karate students of all ages and ranks are invited to participate in a social-distanced outdoor training. This is a special event to enjoy some training together in one of Chicago’s most picturesque locations!
     

    COVID Safety Rules

    All students and parents/guests must observe these rules during outdoor training:
     
    • Wear a mask at all times. Masks may only be taken off briefly during designated water breaks.
    • Maintain distance. We are limiting the size of our gathering to 30 people so that instructors can place students at appropriate intervals. If parents stay to observe the training, we ask them to also maintain a 6-foot distance from each other, while wearing their mask.
    • No touching. We will not conduct any drills that require touching, and instructors will not be in close contact with students.
    • Help us maintain a safe environment! We all need a little help remembering how to stay safe in these new and changing circumstances. If an instructor, assistant, black belt helper, or even a fellow parent or student reminds you about these guidelines, we ask for your understanding and cooperation.
     

    FAQs

    • When is the registration deadline? We are asking students to pre-register by the Thursday before the event so that we can plan accordingly. If the event fills up, please add yourself to the waitlist. If there is sufficient interest, we will open up an additional session.
    • Is there a fee to participate? There is no fee, and this event does not count as a class taken for the week.
    • What should we wear? Students must wear a mask and closed-toe shoes. Train in comfortable clothing; wearing a karate gi is optional.
    • What to bring? We suggest you bring your own mask/face covering, water bottle, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen.
    • What about restrooms? There is a bathroom adjacent to the training area; HOWEVER, we are not certain it will be unlocked and available during that time. There may be restrooms open in Maggie Daly Park.
    • Where should parents and guests be during the session? This is not a “drop-off” event, so parents/guests should plan to stay nearby during the event. Amenities and benches are located nearby, but if you choose to stay in the immediate training area, you must observe our safety rules.
    • What if it rains? In the case of heavy rain, we will reschedule the event for another time. Check the Enso website or our Facebook page by 12:00pm on Saturday.

  • Sat
    15
    Aug
    2020

    Special Outdoor Training Event

    2-3 PM

    Location TBA

    Enso Karate students of all ages and ranks are invited to participate in a social-distanced outdoor training. This is a special event to enjoy some training together!
     

    COVID Safety Rules

    All students and parents/guests must observe these rules during outdoor training:
    • Wear a mask at all times. Masks may only be taken off briefly during designated water breaks.
    • Maintain distance. We are limiting the size of our gathering to 30 people so that instructors can place students at appropriate intervals. If parents stay to observe the training, we ask them to also maintain a 6-foot distance from each other, while wearing their mask.
    • No touching. We will not conduct any drills that require touching, and instructors will not be in close contact with students.
    • Help us maintain a safe environment! We all need a little help remembering how to stay safe in these new and changing circumstances. If an instructor, assistant, black belt helper, or even a fellow parent or student reminds you about these guidelines, we ask for your understanding and cooperation.
     

    FAQs

    • When is the registration deadline? We are asking students to pre-register by the Thursday before the event so that we can plan accordingly. If the event fills up, please add yourself to the waitlist. If there is sufficient interest, we will open up an additional session.
    • Is there a fee to participate? There is no fee, and this event does not count as a class taken for the week.
    • What should we wear? Students must wear a mask and closed-toe shoes. Train in comfortable clothing; wearing a karate gi is optional.
    • What to bring? We suggest you bring your own mask/face covering, water bottle, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen.
    • What about restrooms? Will share details when we announce location. 
    • Where should parents and guests be during the session? This is not a “drop-off” event, so parents/guests should plan to stay nearby during the event. 
    • What if it rains? In the case of heavy rain, we will reschedule the event for another time. Check the Enso website or our Facebook page by 12:00pm on Saturday.
  • Sat
    22
    Aug
    2020

    Special Outdoor Training Event

    2-3 PM

    Buckingham Fountain

    Enso Karate students of all ages and ranks are invited to participate in a social-distanced outdoor training. This is a special event to enjoy some training together!

    COVID Safety Rules

    All students and parents/guests must observe these rules during outdoor training:

    • Wear a mask at all times. Masks may only be taken off briefly during designated water breaks.
    • Maintain distance. We are limiting the size of our gathering to 30 people so that instructors can place students at appropriate intervals. If parents stay to observe the training, we ask them to also maintain a 6-foot distance from each other, while wearing their mask.
    • No touching. We will not conduct any drills that require touching, and instructors will not be in close contact with students.
    • Help us maintain a safe environment! We all need a little help remembering how to stay safe in these new and changing circumstances. If an instructor, assistant, black belt helper, or even a fellow parent or student reminds you about these guidelines, we ask for your understanding and cooperation.

    FAQs

    • When is the registration deadline? We are asking students to pre-register by the Thursday before the event so that we can plan accordingly. If the event fills up, please add yourself to the waitlist. If there is sufficient interest, we will open up an additional session.
    • Is there a fee to participate? There is no fee, and this event does not count as a class taken for the week.
    • What should we wear? Students must wear a mask and closed-toe shoes. Train in comfortable clothing; wearing a karate gi is optional.
    • What to bring? We suggest you bring your own mask/face covering, water bottle, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen.
    • What about restrooms? Will share details when we announce location. 
    • Where should parents and guests be during the session? This is not a “drop-off” event, so parents/guests should plan to stay nearby during the event. 
    • What if it rains? In the case of heavy rain, we will reschedule the event for another time. Check the Enso website or our Facebook page by 12:00pm on Saturday.
  • Sat
    29
    Aug
    2020

    Special Outdoor Training Event

    2-3 PM

    Buckingham Fountain

    Enso Karate students of all ages and ranks are invited to participate in a social-distanced outdoor training. This is a special event to enjoy some training together! Learn about our COVID safety rules and FAQs.
  • Thu
    03
    Sep
    2020

    Kata Clinic: Heian Sandan

    6-6:45 PM

    Zoom

    One class, one kata, unlimited details! This week, we’ll focus on Heian Sandan. 

    Must be orange belt or above to attend. All ages welcome. 

  • Sat
    05
    Sep
    2020
    Mon
    07
    Sep
    2020

    Labor Day Holiday

    There will be no karate classes during the break. Enjoy the holiday!

  • Tue
    08
    Sep
    2020

    Pop-Up Sensei!

    6-6:45 PM

    Zoom

    We’re welcoming guest instructors from across the nation and the world! Stay tuned for details on who this “pop-up sensei” will be!

  • Sat
    12
    Sep
    2020

    Belt Exams

    9:30 AM

    Zoom

    Check your email for eligibility.
     
    Please visit our dedicated webpage to review our expectations for the online exam, including our testing guidelines, how to prepare your space, and how to register your guests!
     
    Regular classes will not be held due to this event. 
  • Thu
    17
    Sep
    2020

    Pop-Up Sensei!

    6-6:45 PM

    Zoom

    We’re welcoming guest instructors from across the nation and the world! Stay tuned for details on who this “pop-up sensei” will be!

  • Fri
    18
    Sep
    2020

    Make-Up Belt Exams

    7:30 PM

    Zoom

    Check your email for eligibility.
     
    Please visit our dedicated webpage to review our expectations for the online exam, including our testing guidelines, how to prepare your space, and how to register your guests!
  • Sat
    19
    Sep
    2020

    Special Outdoor Training Event

    2-3 PM

    Location TBA

    Enso Karate students of all ages and ranks are invited to participate in a social-distanced outdoor training. This is a special event to enjoy some training together! Learn about our COVID safety rules and FAQs.
  • Thu
    24
    Sep
    2020

    Women's Training

    6-7 PM

    Zoom

    Join Sensei Denise for this women’s-only training event!

    • 6:00-6:30 = All ranks
    • 6:30-7:00 = Brown and Black Belts
  • Sat
    26
    Sep
    2020

    Special Outdoor Training Event

    2-3 PM

    Oak Park, IL - See email for details

    Enso Karate students of all ages and ranks are invited to participate in a social-distanced outdoor training. This is a special event to enjoy some training together! Learn about our COVID safety rules and FAQs.
  • Thu
    01
    Oct
    2020

    Info meeting re: 2020 AAU Karate Virtual National Championships 

    6:30-7:00pm

    Class Zoom Link

    Open to all Enso Karate students (AAU or Enso Elite team membership is not required).
     
    For those looking for a different challenge and opportunity to see how your kata measures up to other karate athletes around the country, consider registering for the the 2020 AAU Karate Virtual National Championships. Registration, including links to video recordings of your kata, are due by October 21. We hope to have strong representation from our dojo!
     
    To answer any questions, we will be holding an informational meeting about participating in this event on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 6:30-7:00pm. We will use the regular class link. All are welcome.
     
  • Sat
    03
    Oct
    2020

    Outdoor training for Brown/Black Belts

    Barrie Park in Oak Park

    • 2-3pm Youth (17 and below) Brown/Black Belts
    • 3-4pm Adult (18+) Brown/Black Belts

    Please see our Outdoor Training Guidelines.

  • Sat
    10
    Oct
    2020
  • Tue
    13
    Oct
    2020

    Pop-Up Sensei

    6:00-7:00pm

    In Fall 2020, Enso is welcoming guest instructors from across the nation and the world. We’ll open registration at least 2 weeks before the event, reveal who the sensei is 1 week out — and give you some hints in-between!

    These events are only for currently enrolled Enso students, and we strongly encourage you to attend as many as possible. Normally, training with these instructors would likely require travel and greater expense. The $15 fee per session will help us reimburse our guest instructors, who are highly credentialed athletes, coaches, and instructors.

    Register

  • Thu
    22
    Oct
    2020
  • Thu
    22
    Oct
    2020
  • Thu
    22
    Oct
    2020
  • Sat
    24
    Oct
    2020
  • Sat
    31
    Oct
    2020
  • Sat
    07
    Nov
    2020

    Outdoor Training

    2:00pm - 3:00pm

    Please see our Outdoor Training Guidelines.

  • Sun
    08
    Nov
    2020

    Kata Clinic: Black Belts

    2:00 - 3:00 PM

    Zoom

  • Tue
    10
    Nov
    2020

    Black Belt Exam Prep

    7:00 - 7:45 PM

    Zoom

  • Thu
    12
    Nov
    2020

    Kata Clinic: Heian Yondan

    6-6:45 PM

    Zoom

    One class, one kata, unlimited details! This week, we’ll focus on Heian Yondan. 

    Must be green belt or above to attend. All ages welcome. 

  • Thu
    19
    Nov
    2020

    Girl Power

    6:00-6:30pm

    Zoom

    Girls-only training event for girls 12 and under!

  • Thu
    19
    Nov
    2020

    Women's Training

    6:30-7:30 PM

    Zoom

    Join Sensei Denise for this women’s-only training event!

    • 6:30-7:00 = All ranks
    • 7:00-7:30 = Brown and Black Belts
  • Tue
    24
    Nov
    2020

    Black Belt Exam Prep

    7:00 - 7:45 PM

    Zoom

  • Wed
    25
    Nov
    2020
    Sun
    29
    Nov
    2020

    Fall Break - Thanksgiving Holiday

    There will be no karate classes during Fall Break. Enjoy the holiday!

  • Sun
    06
    Dec
    2020

    Free Introductory Classes!

    Online

    Curious about what it would be like to start karate online? For a limited time, here’s a chance to get a taste of Enso’s online karate experience. We will introduce you to our dojo community and our martial art style, Shotokan Karate. You (or your child) will take a beginner lesson, and we’ll have time for some Q&A.

    Once registered, we will send Zoom meeting information.
     
    Saturday, December 5
    • KINDER KARATE (ages 4-5) – 1:00-1:25 PM
    • FAMILY CLASS (ages 6 and up) – 1:30-2:00 PM
    • ADULT CLASS (18+) – 2:15-2:45 PM
  • Tue
    08
    Dec
    2020

    Black Belt Exam Prep

    7:00 - 7:45 PM

    Zoom

  • Sat
    12
    Dec
    2020

    Kyu Belt Exams

    9:30 AM

    Zoom

    Check your email for eligibility.
     
    Please visit our dedicated webpage to review our expectations for the online exam, including our testing guidelines, how to prepare your space, and how to register your guests!
     
    Regularly scheduled classes will not be held. 
  • Tue
    15
    Dec
    2020

    Black Belt Exam Prep

    7:00 - 7:45 PM

    Zoom

  • Thu
    17
    Dec
    2020

    Make-Up Belt Exams

    6:00 PM

    Zoom

    Check your email for eligibility.
     
    Please visit our dedicated webpage to review our expectations for the online exam, including our testing guidelines, how to prepare your space, and how to register your guests!
  • Sun
    20
    Dec
    2020

    2020 Black Belt Exams

    Zoom

    We are pleased to announce that we plan to host Black Belt exams before the year is out. Like everything in 2020, they will be different. But like every year at Enso, we will celebrate the students who have traveled a long journey in their path to mastering the basics and earning their Dan rank.
     
    We know you must have a million questions. We’ll try to answer them below.
     
     
    Who is testing?!
    Please join us in congratulating this year’s exam candidates!
     
    Candidates for Shodan (1st degree black belt)
    Raffi Barber
    Sam Ko
    Jakob Sanchez
    Christa Souris
    Evan Sterk
    Gabriel Torres
     
    Candidates for Nidan (2nd degree black belt)
    Ryan Daly
    Lucas Larson
     
    Candidates for Sandan (3rd degree black belt)
    Katie Coleman
    Rahmil Magsino
     
    There are additional eligible candidates who have chosen to test at a later date.
     
     
    What are the COVID safety precautions?
    Of course any indoor activities require strict precautions, which is why we plan to:
    • Limit Capacity: Only 3 candidates will test at a time, and 12 is the maximum number of people who will ever be in the large exam room. That number includes:
      • 3 candidates
      • 3 in-person judges — Sensei Jay, Sensei Denise, and Sensei Saul
      • 6 in-person guests — 2 per candidate; must be from the same household
    • Require Masks: Every person in the room, including the candidates, must wear a mask at all times. Candidates will be allowed brief “mask and water breaks,” one at a time, at designated intervals.
    • Clean Between Groups: We will sanitize floor mats, seating areas, and high-touch surfaces like door handles between each testing group. 
    • Modify the Exam: Each exam group will last 45 minutes. The exam will not include any contact with other candidates or judges. Candidates will experience all the typical requirements for Kihon (basics) and Kata, but Kumite will be restricted to the advanced 1-step sparring combos, conducted at a 6-foot distance.
    We also understand that the COVID situation is fluid, and both official restrictions and our individual comfort zones are changing all the time. Enso may choose to reschedule if the city restrictions change, or if we decide it would not be safe to proceed with our plans. Individual candidates might also choose to test online, or wait to test on a future exam date. We aim to be flexible and supportive of all our students’ choices.
     
     
    Where will the test take place?
    As you know, we don’t have a physical dojo location right now. We’re working on confirming an exam location.
     
     
    How can the Enso community help these candidates?
    Exam dates are always special — for the candidates, obviously, but also for all the instructors, classmates, and parents who helped prepare them along the way. That’s why our exam dates usually include the entire Enso community, from the morning seminars to the well-attended afternoon exam to the evening celebration ceremony (and even to the after-parties). This year, we can’t gather in the same way. But the candidates need us more than ever. Here’s what you can do to support them:
    • Training: Train with them. Hold them to a high standard. Give them helpful comments during class. If you see them struggle, send them an encouraging text after class. If you see them looking awesome, tell them that too.
    • Spectating: Just like you’d show up in-person, show up virtually! Plan to attend the exam via Zoom on Saturday, Dec. 19th. Closer to the date, we’ll release a schedule so you can see when your friends will be testing. You’ll be able to see them, and they’ll be able to see you. Your smiles, your cheers, and your presence will mean the world to them.
    • Celebrating: Just like you’d show up at our traditional banquet in Chinatown, show up for our virtual celebration on Sunday, Dec. 20th. More details TBA.

    Will regularly scheduled classes be canceled?
    Yes. All of our instructors will be busy administering the exam, and we want everyone in the Enso community to tune in to support their classmates and instructors as they take this important step. 

  • Wed
    23
    Dec
    2020
    Sat
    02
    Jan
    2021

    Winter Break

    There will be no karate classes during Winter Break. Enjoy the holidays!

  • Wed
    23
    Dec
    2020

    Kids Holiday Game Night

    6:00-6:45PM

    Zoom

  • Wed
    23
    Dec
    2020

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