About the West Bank Karate Club
NEW MEMBERS: $30 your first month!
You can start learning Shotokan Karate today ! Adult classes meet Monday - Friday evenings and Saturday afternoon. This is a safe, effective Japanese system that develops core stability, flexibility, balance and coordination. A perfect activity for men, women and teens who are looking for skill based fitness and self defense movements.
The West Bank Karate Club was founded in 1979 on the U. of M. West Bank campus by 5th degree black belt Sensei Chenault. Our new studio is now located in the Seward-Longfellow, and offers free parking, dressing rooms/lockers/ sprung wood floor, and air conditioning in summer. 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. 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 of all ages and fitness levels. Everyone can enjoy the benefits of Shotokan Karate-do! No contracts or sign up fees. No equipment to purchase. Uniforms are recommended but the first month not required. Our members come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. They include business people, 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. Private lessons are available for peolpe who want specialized classes to meet their schedule. Please call for details: 612.333-8635
About Sensei : Nina 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 Association in Tokyo. Her main travels for the past 25 years have been to Los Angeles to study with Master Hidetaka Nishiyama . In 1989 Chenault became a full time Karate Sensei and is one of few women in the U. S. head a traditional Shotokan Karate dojo. 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.