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Kaizen Shotokan Karate Club

4.8 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Springfield, Illinois

Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule kaizenshotokan.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 217-415-1723

Hours

Monday 5:30–9 pm
Tuesday 6–7:30 pm
Wednesday 5:30–9 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Kaizen Shotokan Karate Club, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 2 mentions

“Learning karate has really helped my daughter gain self-confidence along with self-defense.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Learning karate has really helped my daughter gain self-confidence along with self-defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Kaizen Shotokan Karate Club — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Learning karate has really helped my daughter gain self-confidence along with self-defense.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 8 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“This Dojo has incredible instructors that will challenge their students and push them to be the best martial artist they can be!”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Learning karate has really helped my daughter gain self-confidence along with self-defense.”

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“At his dojo you are going to receive excellent training in Shotokan Karate by a very knowledgeable and passionate instructor.”

From the reviews

I have known Sensei Harvey for several years and have trained at his dojo on several occasions. At his dojo you are going to receive excellent training in Shotokan Karate by a very knowledgeable and passionate instructor. Kaizen is a hidden gem of karate schools in Springfield, Illinois.

★★★★★ — Kevin, Aug 2025

My daughter and I attend this karate club, and we love it. I had not been exercising in years, and this place provided me with a meaningful exercise routine, coordination and memory training, and a great community. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have more movement in their life.

★★★★★ — Anna, Aug 2025

This Dojo has incredible instructors that will challenge their students and push them to be the best martial artist they can be! The students in the class become a family and support each other while learning and going through training sessions.

★★★★★ — Addy, Jan 2022

Great place to learn karate. Best prices in the Springfield area!!!! Wonderful Sensei!!! Learning karate has really helped my daughter gain self-confidence along with self-defense. I recommend this place without any hesitation!!!

★★★★★ — Lori, Apr 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 8 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Kaizen Shotokan Karate Club

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Kaizen Shotokan Karate Club

Red School Mall, 1275 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL62704

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.