An excellent Pekin-area karate class begins at the Boys & Girls Club of Pekin on April 29! Central Illinois Shotokan Karate instructors have offered fall and spring introductory Karate classes for many years. These classes teach intro-level karate skills, stranger-danger and self-defense, emphasize good citizenship, boost self-esteem, and success in school! Classes have been so popular that size is restricted to the first 30 enrolled. The lead instructor is Tim Kerrn, a 3rd Degree black belt who has spear-headed Boys and Girls Club of Pekin classes since the COVID days. Assisting Kerrn, are 3rd Dan ranked, Pamela Hemp, and Dennis Jurewicz, and 1st Dan, Emily Griffin. They are experienced black belts, tested and certified by “American Shotokan Karate.” All instructors and volunteers have worked with karate students of all ages! 

This spring introduction class is modeled after adult classes with a wide range of skills taught using scientific principles. We teach simpler movements at first, and soon, students do more complex movements. Younger students are more flexible than adults. Adults tend to be stronger. At the completion of this intro-level course, those hungry for even more karate may join year-around karate classes at the YWCA of Pekin (Karate…Part 1) or across the Pekin Bridge in our Hollis P.D. karate classes. Long-term karate programs for all ages offer karate belt tests, participation in large seminars, etc.

Karate is a very inclusive martial art that can be incorporated into your lifestyle like golf, hiking, running, tennis, archery, football, or fishing, etc. The more effort you put into it, the more benefits you get back out! Karate instills confidence to help improve many other areas of our lives. As an unarmed method of self-defense, you always have it with you! Other karate lessons like situational awareness, for example, are always important for children to use when going to and from home or school, for teens driving and socializing, and for senior citizens in their homes or shopping. We even urge students to keep their attention out of their cell phones! Karate-learned awareness can help in avoiding a mugger in hiding or prevent you from getting run over by a truck! Karate is an asset in our modern world.

There are three general areas of technique practice: kihon, kata, and kumite. Basics, kihon, are comprised of weaponless hand or foot techniques; blocking, punching, sweeping, kicking, etc. Participants learn to perform techniques slowly and correctly, and how to effectively apply them. Large groups and one-on-one partner training are used in class. Karate is not always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding, and class time goes fast!

Kata consists of prearranged movements combined into a formal routine, like competitive gymnastics, but using karate techniques. Many combative arts use kata for training and competing in national and international competition like the recent Summer Olympics in Japan. Kata demonstrates mental concentration and physical finesse. They are an excellent way to practice at home for joy and personal fitness!

Another popular area of traditional karate training is kumite or the technique application. Students learn in a very structured safe fashion with role-playing. One person attacks, as their partner is the “victim” who neutralizes or evades the attack. Then they switch roles. Gradually, the pace is stepped up. Subsequently, partners may take turns attacking however they wish. No worries. Karate classes also stress calm, self-disciplined behavior.

Building better character is another major objective. The founder of Shotokan karate, Gichin Funakoshi, was a schoolteacher in Okinawa. He said, “Without courtesy, the true essence of karate is lost.” Funakoshi’s teachers were cultured and well-educated. Many were instructors and bodyguards for the Okinawan royal family. Traditions of self-discipline, courtesy, goal setting, hard work, etiquette, and humility became strong foundations in traditional karate worldwide.

Karate is not just physical training, but mental training as well. Typically, instructors and students are seen formally bowing to each other, demonstrating mutual respect. In competition and demonstrations, participants bow respectfully toward judges and spectators. Building a high-spirited attitude and a determination to succeed is vital!

We often recognize great work in school, as quarterly grades come out, with our Karate Honor Roll certificates. Karate, remember, encourages a strong body and mind!

Since its inception, karate has been valuable for the whole family. Not surprisingly, many who started decades ago in our Pekin area, are still karate active, and are even now teaching others around the country. 

If you’d like more information on the Boys & Girls Club of Pekin, Introduction to Karate Classes, you may call 309-346-5437. Sorry, no telephone registrations.

For information about regular Karate classes at the YWCA of Pekin, you may call 309-347-2104!