the ISKC difference

Shotokan is a more traditional, Japanese form of karate derived from Okinawan Arts by its founder Gichen Funakoshi. Shotokan places an equal emphasis on hand and foot techniques and is characterized by low strong stances and explosive power. Shotokan utilizes ones body rather than using weapons.

Less than half of store front karate schools last more than 5 years. Illinois Shotokan karate has been in business for over 40 years and offers 60+ locations throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. We have been around a long time and plan to keep it that way. Our club is also well known both Nationally and Internationally, and is one of the largest karate organizations in the United States. ISKC has consistently been one of the top performing karate schools at the Nationals every year and have multiple instructors and students on the US National Karate Team.

ISKC is also a more cost effective option. With ISKC there are no contracts. You register through your park district, and each semester usually lasts 9-15 weeks. Classes typically cost around $12 per class. This gives the students (and parents) the ability to evaluate the class at the end of each semester as they are a not tied to a long-term contract or recurring monthly charges like many storefront karate schools.

ISKC classes are held at safe park district approved facilities and all lead instructors are background checked and CPR and AED certified.

With consistent training and practice, it takes an average of 5-7 years to obtain a black belt. There are eleven (11) belt levels you must pass before earning a black belt. They are:

White Belt

Red Belt

Orange Belt

Yellow Belt

Blue Belt

Green Belt

Low Purple Belt

High Purple Belt

3rd Brown Belt

2nd Brown Belt

 1st Brown Belt

 Black Belt

Our program offers classes for children starting at the age of 4 through adults, with our oldest student currently 76 years young! Karate is a really great sport to everyone of all ability levels as it allows you to progress at your own pace. Karate helps develop coordination, balance, poise and flexibility which builds one’s athletic ability and self-esteem regardless of age or ability.

For your first day of class, we ask you to come wearing comfortable workout clothing like a t-shirt and sweat pants. You will take class barefoot, no shoes needed. The first day of classes, your Sensei will chat with you about a uniform which is optional and can be purchased in class. Many students are very excited after their first class and do end up getting the uniform, but it’s up to you!

While our main location and dojo is in Palatine, our full time karate instructors teach in 60+ locations. We run our classes primarily at Safe Park District locations and registration for our classes is done through the Park District directly! To view a full list of our locations & links to register, click HERE.