Imazaki Dojo
About
Imazaki Dojo in Chicago offers comprehensive training in mixed martial arts and karate, led by a team of experienced instructors including owners Seijo Imazaki and Joy Nakayama. The coaching staff holds various black belt rankings across karate and Japanese ju-jutsu, providing students with diverse martial arts expertise. The dojo emphasizes a balanced approach that combines traditional techniques, sparring, kata practice, and general fitness conditioning in their training programs.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the dojo for building confidence in children and helping them develop social skills and discipline. Parents highlight how their children have become more outgoing and focused through the training. Adult students appreciate the challenging workouts that improve fitness while emphasizing safety, with many noting significant weight loss and improved physical condition. Reviewers specifically mention Sensei Seijo and Sensei Joy for their excellent teaching that balances technical skill with character development, creating a strong community where both kids and adults feel supported and motivated to continue training long-term.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Chi
9 years ago
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 used to be shy, but after two years of karate with Sensei and other children, my son speak up for himself more often. This Dojo helped my son built up confidence. I really like this place and the knowledge my children learn from Sensei, will follow them for rest of their life.
raju singh
7 years ago
My sons have been training at Imazaki Dojo for nearly four years. Out of all their activities, karate has been the one that has had the greatest impact. Sensei Seijo and Sensei Joy are an incredible team and they have instilled confidence, determination and discipline in both my sons.
Antoinette Choate
a year ago
My son started his first class here when he was 4 (almost 5) with the tots. He adored it. He has learned not just martial arts, but there is an emphasis on kindness, focus, and being the best person you can be. He is surrounded by role models, mentors, and friends. 3.5 years later and he is still going. Some days are hard but he doesn't want to quit. I have been so inspired that I have trained here just over a year and plan on pushing myself until I can't anymore. While it is a hard art, there is an emphasis on safety. They have created a community with real friendship and Sensei and the Sempais all push you to be your best.
Jacob Cogar
7 years ago
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. The workouts here are intense, but they are designed help you to continuously improve and get better. Thanks to training at Imazaki Dojo, I am in the best shape of my life now and have even shed 20 lbs since joining. I plan on staying for years to come! OSU!
Laura Gilligan
7 years ago
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. And I've taken adult classes for over a year, and Sensei's teaching skills are just as good for adults. I highly recommend Imazaki Dojo as a place not only to learn Kyokushin karate and improve your confidence and athletic abilities, but also to join a strong and supportive community, full of like-minded kids and adults who believe in hard work, dedication and fun.
Contact
1620 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 5:15 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:15 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 5:15 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:15 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 – 9:00 AM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Seijo Imazaki
Owner & Head Instructor
2nd Dan Black Belt in Karate, UCL Champion, North American Kyokushin-kai Champion
Started training in wrestling at age 10. Trained in Tae Kwon Do, World Oyama Karate, and Kenwakan Karate. Competes in Full Knockdown Karate and MMA. Currently studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Joy Nakayama
Owner & Head Instructor, Program Director
1st Dan Black Belt in Karate
Co-founder of Imazaki Dojo. Trained under Shihan Michelle Gay of KenWaKan Karate-do. Founder of GIRL POWER CIRCLE™. Teaches adult yoga with over 20 years of experience.
Sage Imazaki
Instructor
Black Belt in Karate
Trained in karate for 12 years. First child at Imazaki Dojo to receive his black belt. Has won countless tournaments. Volunteers teaching younger students.
Adam Orlov
Instructor
4th Dan Black Belt in Japanese Ju-jutsu
Former police officer. Studied and taught Ju-jutsu for over 30 years. Also studied western boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, police tactics, and advanced pistol marksmanship.
Ciprian Sava
Instructor
Shodan (Black Belt) in Karate
Started practicing karate in Romania. Leads adult classes and helps with kids' classes. Business professional by day.