If You're Looking for a Healthy Summer Activity, Consider ISKC Karate

If you are looking for a healthy, summertime activity that increases balance, coordination and strength, consider karate classes offered through Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs (ISKC).

Classes are taught by chief instructor and founder John Di Pasquale (learn more about DiPasquale here in a Daily Herald article www.dailyherald.com/article/20151206/business/151209384), in addition to an array of other instructors who have a combined 50 years of experience teaching martial arts.

Class locations are at park districts in the North and Northwest suburbs, the north shore, as well as the south and southwest suburbs.

"I'm proud of the fact that we have created a real sense of community through our karate programs, and a foundation for lasting relationships that begins in our classes," Di Pasquale said. "Respect is an integral part of what we teach here at ISKC."

Students develop self-discipline and self-defense skills, and parent/child classes are also available for those who want to learn alongside their child, or children.

In addition to being popular with young people, more adult women and men are getting involved in the sport, which is an excellent form of exercise and improves muscle tone and cardiovascular conditioning.

Shotokan is a specific type of karate, which originated in Japan and derived from Okinawa Arts. The martial art places an equal emphasis on hand and foot techniques, and utilizes the body instead of weapons for self-defense.

Karate is an individual sport, and students of all skill levels are welcome.

Registration for the summer session will be held during the first three weeks of June. For more information, visit www.ISKC.com or call (847) 359-0666.

Park district locations include: Palatine, Glenview, Morton Grove, LaGrange, McHenry, Naperville, Oak Park, St. Charles, Woodridge, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Buffalo Grove, Clarendon Hills, Crystal Lake, Darien, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Dundee, Oswego, Schaumburg, Wheeling, Plainfield, Alsip, Glen Ellyn, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Morton Grove, Mt. Prospect, Park Ridge, Round Lake, Wheaton, Geneva, Highland Park, Tinley Park, Arlington Heights, Crystal Lake, Des Plaines, Lombard, Orland Park, Gurnee, Lindenhurst, Vernon Hills, Burr Ridge, Dundee, Batavia, Oak Lawn, Bartlett, Elmhurst, Hickory Hills, St. Charles, Wilmette and Lockport. For additional information, visit www.ISKC.com/locations.