Program in Kihon, Kata, Kumite, Bunkai and Self-Defense
The best of Japanese, Okinawan, Chinese combined with physical education.
The best of Japanese, Okinawan, Chinese combined with physical education.
Our youth karate program focuses on training in both the karate values of self-control, discipline, and respect as well as the physical challenges of increased strength, stamina, balance and flexibility with an increased focus on goal setting skills.
The Little Tigers Karate program teaches children ages 4-6 to karate basics in a fun, disciplined setting that provides a foundation to the future karate training. Students focus on character development, concentration, and coordination.
Adult karate training provides focus on the three elements of Shotokan Karate: kihon (basics), kata (patterned forms) and kumite (sparring) while building strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination. Karate helps to release stress and improve life balance.
Families are encouraged to train together in our multi-age classes. It is a wonderful way to share time together and encourage one another throughout your training,
Our silver karate classes are offered to those age 65+ who are looking for a supportive community to build strength, stamina and flexibility in an encouraging atmosphere.
ITKA offers self-defense classes, teaching students how to fend off an attacker resulting in increased self-confidence for students.
We teach the best of Okinawan, Japanese, Chinese Martial Arts combined with physical education. We teach Kihon, Kata, Kumite
Kihon is the basic fundamentals of karate. They are taught to fine tune how to stand, block, punch and kick to develop muscle memory to perform these movements without thinking.
Kata is a sequence of movements that demonstrate precision in form and technique.
Kumite is when two karate students face off using both offensive and defense techniques demonstrating power, speed and control.
Our ITKA instructors average 30 years of experience training in Shotokan Karate, most 5th degree Dan or higher with expertise ready to share
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: What does ITKA stand for? Answer: ITKA stands for International Traditional Karate Association.
Question: Please tell me about ITKA Karate. Answer: ITKA was established in the mid-1970s at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It follows traditional Japanese style Shotokan training.
Question: Is iTKA an International organization? Answer: ITKA is well-known across the globe.
Question: How does ITKA stand out? Answer: ITKA’s chief instructor Kancho Bambouyani 9th Dan is the highest-ranking Karate Master in the world. Kancho travels the World and teaches in many different countries, also many Karate Masters come to ITKA Headquarters to train and advance their karate to a higher level.
Question: Do I have to commit to always coming on the same days of the week for training? Answer: Discipline is an important part of Karate. It is best to have a set schedule. In cases where you have a conflict, you can get permission to come to training another day that fits your schedule best.
Question: Do I need to be in a certain physical shape to start Karate? Answer:Always consult with your doctor, then start slowly and progress at your own pace.
Question: Does ITKA accept beginners? Answer: Yes, we welcome beginners to advanced students.
Question: Is there an ideal age to start training in karate? Answer: No, all ages are the perfect age to start. All ages can benefit from physical fitness, emotional balance, intellectual challenges, spiritual uplifts, and the rewards karate can bring.
Question: Can I start karate if I have already studied another Martial Art form? Answer: Yes! Many Martial Art forms complement each other and basics can be built on and refined during your karate training.
Question: How often can I test for a belt promotion? Answer: Every three months. If you train once per week, you can test for a stripe promotion and if you train twice per week or more you can test for a full belt-level promotion. Students will pre-qualify for belt exams. This is to make sure the student is prepared for the next belt level.
Question: What is the belt promotion order? Answer: All students begin as a white belts or 9th kyu. They can then be promoted with a stipe or full-colored belt in the following order: 9th Kyu-white, 8th Kyu-yellow, 7th Kyu-orange, 6th Kyu-green, 5th Kyu-blue, 4th Kyu-purple, 3,2,1 Kyu-brown (three different kyu levels of brown belt), and then black (10 Dan levels of black belt).
Question: Why do we bow when we start and end class? Answer: Karate is Japanese culture, we start the class with an open ceremony, which consists of meditation and a salute. Bowing is also a sign of respect (for traditions and those we train with), reminding us to be aware of our humility and peaceful intentions.
Question: How long does a typical karate student study karate? Answer: Karate is a way of life. Karate students train for their entire lives, striving to always improve.
Question: Can I visit or take a free introductory class? Answer: Yes, visitors are welcome, and we do offer a free trial.