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Hu Shin Kai Karate
4.6 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Chicago, Illinois
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule hushinkai.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (312) 834-4636
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“He is shy and usually has a hard time trying new activities, but he has stuck with karate with the help of incredibly supportive instructors and kids in his class.”
“The instruction is tiered with beginners classes 4 days a week at 6:00, with advanced classes at 7:15.”
“Unlike many other places I looked at, this school focuses on all the basics of Shotokan karate, from kihon (basics), kumite (sparring), and kata (forms).”
“Unlike many other places I looked at, this school focuses on all the basics of Shotokan karate, from kihon (basics), kumite (sparring), and kata (forms).”
Other martial arts here
“In a world where there is often a disconnect between traditional martial arts dojos and modern mixed martial arts gyms, Hu Shin Kai is a welcome addition to the roster.”
What students say
“The owner and the main sensei of the dojo, Tony, is a an amazing instructor and communicator.”
“Anyone interested in training holistically in traditional Shotokan karate will enjoy the dojo’s welcoming vibe and its diverse, supportive and earnest community.”
“He is shy and usually has a hard time trying new activities, but he has stuck with karate with the help of incredibly supportive instructors and kids in his class.”
“Nakamura sensei is simply unsurpassed at explaining the minutiae of various techniques, how to move every part of your body to realize the necessary precision and power.”
“My eldest child has been attending this Shotokan karate dojo for about 2 years now and my youngest just began training, and the progress they’ve made has been amazing.”
“Unlike many other places I looked at, this school focuses on all the basics of Shotokan karate, from kihon (basics), kumite (sparring), and kata (forms).”
From the reviews
I moved to the Chicago area from Louisiana over a year ago, and was looking for a place to continue my karate training. Luckily, I found Hu Shin Kai. Great dojo and outstanding instruction.
Auténtico KarateDō en Chicago, recientemente me mudé de México a Chicago, y el dojō Hu Shin Kai bajo la tutela de Nakamura Sensei es la mejor opción para entrenar auténtico Karate JKA.
I Train at Hu Shin Kai along with my kids, instructions by Sensei Nakamura and the seniors is truly very high quality and one of the best in the Chicago land, this is the reason why we drive 40 miles all the way from the north side to attend the dojo.
I live several hours outside of Chicago, but have been coming in to train on a sporadic basis with Nakamura Sensei first at UIC and then Hu Shin Kai for many years. Every time I visit I feel I have learned something important to sharpen my Karate. Definitely a great place to learn traditional Shotokan.
New to Karate? Start at Hu Shin Kai Karate
Hu Shin Kai Karate comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Hu Shin Kai Karate
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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