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Imazaki Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 40 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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule imazakidojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (312) 256-5484
Hours
| Monday | 5:15–10:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5:15–10:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:15–10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5:15–10:30 PM |
| Friday | 8–9 AM, 7:30–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter, who is now 7, has been at this dojo for over 4 years and it is the one thing she stuck with.”
“And I've taken adult classes for over a year, and Sensei's teaching skills are just as good for adults.”
“My oldest started in the tots class when he was 4, and shows up more committed and locked in every single day.”
“Whether it's Kata (skills demonstration) or Kumite (sparring), the dojo performs well across the board at all tournaments--children and adults included!”
“Whether it's Kata (skills demonstration) or Kumite (sparring), the dojo performs well across the board at all tournaments--children and adults included!”
“Both my kids trained here and I took private lessons, and the experience was outstanding for all of us.”
Other martial arts here
“Furthermore, instructors from several important partner organizations also teach at the school regularly, so Muay Thai, BJJ, and Yoga training are also available.”
“Many fitness kickboxing and MMA gyms abound nowadays, but there are few places that teach quality, traditional martial arts, which still pack a punch.”
What students say
“Kyokushin Karate is the hardest form of Karate, and Sensei Seijo teaches it with great resolve and thoughtfulness.”
“As parents themselves, Sensei Seijo and Sensei Joy have fostered an incredibly safe and welcoming space for everyone.”
“Whether it's Kata (skills demonstration) or Kumite (sparring), the dojo performs well across the board at all tournaments--children and adults included!”
“This Dojo helped my son built up confidence.”
“It’s incredible to be with all the youth and families at tournaments and fabulous to watch all the youth and adults take on challenges and learn from them.”
“Kyokushin Karate is the hardest form of Karate, and Sensei Seijo teaches it with great resolve and thoughtfulness.”
From the reviews
I am an experienced martial artist, having practiced TKD, Wing Chun, and Kickboxing in previous days, and I've been continuing my martial arts training at Imazaki Dojo for almost a year now.
My son and daughter has going to this dojo for 2 years now. Sensei is so encouraging and supportive. This dojo is clean and the staffs are super friendly. My daughter tried dancing, ice skating, piano lesson, etc. and karate is the only thing that she loved.
My son has been taking karate at the Imazaki dojo since he was 3 (he's now almost 7) and he LOVES it. Sensei Seijo teaches the kids respect and discipline in addition to karate skills, and he also makes it fun. I have seen such positive growth in my son; it's amazing to watch.
Sensei Seijo offers excellent karate classes that are a blend of karate techniques, sparring, kata, and general fitness. I have been attending for nearly a year now and love it. There is a great sense of community here and other students are always extremely helpful and friendly.
New to Karate? Start at Imazaki Dojo
Imazaki Dojo 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 Imazaki Dojo
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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