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US SHIDOKAN

4.6 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Kids & teens Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule usshidokan.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 224-347-7120

Hours

Monday 5:15–8 pm
Tuesday 5:15–8 pm
Wednesday 5:15–8 pm
Thursday 5:15–8 pm
Friday 6–8 pm
Saturday 9 am–12 pm
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 US SHIDOKAN, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 4 mentions

“My son and I started together when he was 6 years old and earned his black belt at 14.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Other martial arts here

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

🥊 Kickboxing

“Amazing place to train, learn good all around kickboxing and karate strikes, and mma.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🏟️ MMA

“Amazing place to train, learn good all around kickboxing and karate strikes, and mma.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

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 11 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“All my family and friends were stunned because I was the least likely person to do exercise or play sports, let alone martial arts.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions
great workout & fitness 3 mentions

“Very intense workout combined with competitive students in a great environment.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 5 mentions

“Training at the Matsumoto's Dojo has significantly benefited my son's confidence, fitness, focus, and athletic ability.”

From the reviews

Several years ago in my mid 40s, wanting to start something new, I was looking for a jazz piano lesson, but somehow ended up joining U.S. Matsumoto Shidokan Karate instead. All my family and friends were stunned because I was the least likely person to do exercise or play sports, let alone martial arts.

★★★★★ — Takeshi, Dec 2020

Great place for training. Everyone is very friendly and I learn a lot when I actually have time to go to class! Would definitely recommend - be prepared to work HARD.

★★★★★ — Rafael, Jan 2018

Shihan Matsumoto and Sensei Etsuko emphasize family and family values at their dojo. Karate is less about learning how to fight, rather it's about self discipline, hard work and showing respect to others. It's a sport that transcends it's martial roots.

★★★★★ — Seiji, Dec 2020

My son has been training here for over 3 years. Training at the Matsumoto's Dojo has significantly benefited my son's confidence, fitness, focus, and athletic ability.

★★★★★ — Daniel, Mar 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 11 reviews →

Your first Karate class at US SHIDOKAN

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 US SHIDOKAN

950 W Northwest Hwy, Arlington Heights, IL60004

Get directions

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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.