About the West Bank Karate Club
NEW MEMBERS: $30 your first month!
The West Bank Karate Club (WBKC) was formed in 1979 on the University of Minnesota West Bank campus by Sensei Nina Chenault. Karate class met three times a week for men and women interested in learning self defense and Traditional Shotokan Karate. In 1989 Chenault traveled to Japan to further her studies and upon return established a full time dojo becoming one of the first women in United States to head an organization. Individuals who train at WBKC are looking for meaning in martial arts - skill and technique are key to becoming a black belt. Adult classes meet Monday - Saturday and focus on increasing flexibility, core stability, balance and coordination of techniques. Kihon (basic moves), Kata (form) and Kumite (partner drills) are included in each class. Children's classes meet four times a week in a program designed for their age group and develop skills in self defense, mental concentration, and coordination.
We welcome new members to start anytime and enjoy the benefits of Shotokan Karate-do regardless of age or fitness level. No contracts or sign up fees. Uniforms are recommended but the first month not required. Our members come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. They include business men & women, school teachers, auto mechanics, food industry servers, college students, graphic designers, musicians, etc.
Under the guidance of Sensei Chenault the West Bank Karate Club has grown to nearly 90 members, with classes meeting three hours a day, six days a week. In 2004 a new dojo was built to house the WBKC and expand programming that includes Pilates and Hatha Yoga. Private lessons are available for peolpe who want specialized classes to meet their schedule. Please call for details: 612.333-8635
Sensei Chenault is unique in the Shotokan community and has traveled extensively to pursue her knowledge of Karate including two trips to Japan to study at the Japan Karate Assoc. in Tokyo. Her main travels for the past 25 years have been to Los Angeles to study with Master Hidetaka Nishiyama . She began training in 1970 while a freshman in college and in 1972 passed her Shodan test, graded by Master Yaguchi from Denver, Colorado. On his tour to the United States in 1974 Master Nakayama, director of the Japan Karate Federation was the primary instructor at the ITKF training camp in San Diego. Ms. Chenault studied with Master Nakayama that year; tested and passed her Nidan (2nd degree black belt) under his direction. She received her Sandan (3rd Drgree black belt) from Master Matsura and her Yondan (4th degree black belt) and Godan (5th degree) from Master Hidetaka Nishiyama.