Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Chicago
At Imazaki Dojo, we believe martial arts training extends far beyond physical techniques. Founded in 2014, our Chicago-based dojo has cultivated a community where students of all ages develop discipline, confidence, and character through Kyokushin karate, Brazilian jujitsu, and MMA. Our instructors bring decades of competitive experience, including championship titles and formal training under renowned masters like Shigeru Oyama and Michelle Gay. We emphasize holistic growth, integrating mental focus, respect, and self-awareness into every class.From our Little Ninja program for toddlers to advanced adult training, our curriculum balances rigorous technical instruction with life skills development. Our team works closely with families to reinforce values beyond the mat, ensuring students embody the principles of karate in daily life. With a proven track record of producing champions and fostering leadership, we maintain affiliations with global organizations like So-Kyokushin to ensure our teachings remain at the forefront of traditional martial arts.
Services
Kids Karate
Adult Karate
Private Lessons
Brazilian Jujitsu
MMA Training
Little Ninja Classes
Yoga Instruction
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Our instructors include championship fighters with decades of competitive experience
- We offer age-specific programs from toddler classes to advanced adult training
- Affiliated with global martial arts organizations like So-Kyokushin
- Holistic curriculum develops physical skills and character simultaneously
- Proven track record of producing tournament champions since 2014
What people say
Best Dojo in the city
Great dojo for kids
Loved the experience
Amazing program
Great people
Services
Kids Karate
Our Kids Karate program develops physical coordination, discipline, and self-confidence in children aged 4+. Through structured training in punches, kicks, and kata forms, students learn respect, focus, and self-defense fundamentals while building lifelong character traits.
Adult Karate
Adult karate classes combine traditional Kyokushin techniques with modern fitness training. Participants improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health while mastering practical self-defense skills in a supportive, goal-oriented environment.
Brazilian Jujitsu
Our Brazilian jujitsu instruction focuses on ground fighting techniques for self-defense and sport competition. Students learn leverage-based submissions, positional control, and strategic defense applicable to real-world scenarios.
MMA Training
MMA classes integrate striking, grappling, and conditioning techniques from multiple disciplines. Designed for competitive fighters and fitness enthusiasts, our program emphasizes practical application and tournament preparation.
Private Lessons
Private lessons offer one-on-one training tailored to individual goals. Whether preparing for competitions, refining techniques, or focusing on specific areas, students receive dedicated instructor attention to accelerate progress.
People
Seijo Imazaki
Owner & Head Instructor
20-year martial arts veteran with multiple championship titles. Trained under World Oyama masters and holds black belts in Kyokushin karate and Brazilian jujitsu. Specializes in competitive fighting and youth development.
Joy Nakayama
Co-Founder & Program Director
First-degree black belt with 15+ years of karate instruction experience. Founded Girl Power Circle program and oversees curriculum development. Combines martial arts with yoga and mindfulness practices.
Sage Imazaki
Instructor
Black belt since age 12 with extensive tournament experience. Specializes in youth instruction, balancing discipline with engaging teaching methods. Son of head instructors, trained since childhood.
Adam Orlov
Instructor
Fourth-degree black belt in Japanese ju-jutsu with 30+ years teaching experience. Former police officer specializing in real-world self-defense applications and tactical training.
Ciprian Sava
Instructor
Black belt Shodan with background in competitive Romanian karate. Combines technical precision with endurance training. Holds advanced degrees in philosophy and business management.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Kyokushin karate, Brazilian jujitsu, and MMA. Our curriculum also incorporates elements of traditional dojo etiquette and character development.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide a Two Day Free Trial allowing prospective students to experience our training environment and teaching methods before committing.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our head instructors hold black belts in multiple disciplines, with decades of competitive experience including championship titles and formal training under renowned masters.
Are there programs for different age groups?
We offer age-specific programs from Little Ninja classes for toddlers to advanced adult training, ensuring appropriate skill development at every stage.
Do you participate in martial arts competitions?
Yes, we actively compete in regional and national tournaments. Our dojo has produced multiple champions in Kyokushin karate and MMA divisions.
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