Business Details
16 Years
experience
Master Shotokan Karate in Springfield, IL
Kaizen Shotokan Karate was founded in 2010 by Chief Instructor Steve Harvey, a 6th dan black belt with over 25 years of martial arts experience. Our dojo emphasizes Shotokan Karate as a holistic discipline that develops physical strength, mental resilience, and character through structured training in kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, we focus on continuous improvement and applying martial arts principles to everyday life. With a lineage tracing back to Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate, our curriculum blends traditional techniques with practical self-defense applications.We serve students of all ages and abilities, offering family-friendly classes, senior programs, and rank testing opportunities. Our instructors have trained under internationally recognized masters and maintain active participation in seminars to ensure technical excellence. The dojo culture prioritizes respect, discipline, and community, with a proven track record of helping students achieve black belt status through dedicated training. We maintain rigorous standards while fostering an inclusive environment where personal growth is as valued as technical proficiency.
Services
Shotokan Karate
Rank Testing
Martial Arts Seminars
Children's Programs
Adult Classes
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined instructor experience from internationally recognized martial arts masters
- Our curriculum integrates traditional Shotokan techniques with modern self-defense applications
- We maintain a structured ranking system with proven progression pathways to black belt
- Our family-friendly classes accommodate all ages and physical abilities
- We emphasize character development alongside technical proficiency in every lesson
Services
Shotokan Karate
Our Shotokan Karate program develops physical strength, mental discipline, and character through traditional training methods. Students learn kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) in a structured environment that emphasizes safety and proper form. The curriculum accommodates all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners seeking black belt certification.
Rank Testing
Structured rank advancement system with quarterly testing opportunities for kyu grades and annual black belt examinations. Students progress through colored belt ranks with specific requirements for physical fitness, technical proficiency, and philosophical understanding. Our testing process maintains traditional standards while accommodating individual learning paces.
Martial Arts Seminars
Specialized training events featuring guest instructors from the Independent Shotokan Alliance and other recognized organizations. These seminars provide opportunities to learn advanced techniques, refine existing skills, and network with martial artists from different dojos while maintaining focus on Shotokan principles.
Children's Programs
Age-appropriate karate instruction for children aged 7 and up that emphasizes character development, discipline, and basic self-defense. Classes incorporate games and activities to maintain engagement while teaching fundamental techniques, proper etiquette, and perseverance through structured challenges.
Adult Classes
Comprehensive karate instruction for adults with separate beginner and advanced classes. Focus areas include physical conditioning, practical self-defense applications, and technical refinement. Specialized senior classes accommodate mature students with modified training approaches while maintaining traditional standards.
People
Steve Harvey
Chief Instructor, 6th dan
Steve Harvey began martial arts training in 1977 under Tatsuo Suzuki Hanshi. After studying multiple disciplines, he focused on Shotokan Karate in 1998 and established Kaizen Shotokan in 2010 following extensive training with global instructors.
Questions
What is karate?
Karate is a Japanese martial art developed from Okinawan traditions, focusing on empty-hand self-defense through strikes, blocks, and controlled movements. Shotokan Karate emphasizes character development alongside technical proficiency.
Should children take karate?
Yes, 75% of our students are under 15. Karate develops self-confidence, discipline, and etiquette in children while improving physical coordination and focus through structured training programs.
What will my training involve?
Training includes kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Beginners start with fundamental techniques before progressing to complex combinations and practical applications in a safe, supervised environment.
What do I wear when training?
Students wear a traditional karate gi (uniform) consisting of jacket, pants, and belt. The uniform should be clean and properly maintained as a sign of respect for the art and training environment.
How will I measure my progress?
Progress is measured through quarterly rank testing with colored belts indicating achievement. Students can expect to reach black belt level within 4-5 years of consistent training with proper dedication.
