Shotokan Karate Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
Shotokan Karate Minnesota (SKM) continues the legacy of Midwest Karate Association, established by Sensei Robert Fusaro in 1958. SKM is one of the oldest karate schools in the United States. They offer classes for all genders, for all levels of ability, and for ages 7 years and up. Sensei Fusaro’s goal was to teach the art of Karate-do to all willing to learn. Teaching karate has never been an occupation or career to him, it is a way of life. SKM is a martial arts school that teaches Shotokan Karate, a traditional Japanese style known for fast, powerful kicks and punches, and for deep, driving stances. SKM’s dojo is known for the friendly discipline of their classes and for detailed attention to form. They have classes for all ages and skill levels, and we welcome all new students. Whether you are looking for fitness, self-defense, or meeting other active people come in and watch class. SKM came together to create a new future for the dojo. SKM is collectively run by many of Sensei Fusaro’s long time students. Their core mission continues in the tradition of Sensei Fusaro; it is to share the highest quality traditional Japanese karate with our local community and to strengthen and enrich the lives that we touch.
Shotokan Karate Minnesota is located at 1517 Central Avenue NE Minneapolis, MN 55413. For more information call 612-870-1795 or visit their website.
Midwest Karate Association, St. Paul, MN
Senseis Joel Ertl and Anita Bendickson
The Midwest Karate Association is a traditional Shotokan Karate dojo recognized by the Japan Karate Association and the American Amateur Karate Federation. Our instructors, Sensei Joel Ertl, 6th dan and Sensei Anita Bendickson, 5th dan, are internationally respected instructors. Senseis Ertl and Bendickson have each been teaching karate since the mid-1970s.
Midwest Karate Association of St Paul is affiliated with the former Midwest Karate Association of Minneapolis, now called Shotokan Karate of Minnesota. The Minneapolis school was founded by Sensei Robert Fusaro, 10th Dan, who passed away in 2019. Sensei Ertl and Sensei Bendickson are also well known for their instructional videos produced by E/B Productions.
Midwest Karate Association of St Paul, 762 E 7th Street, St Paul, MN 55106. Phone: 651-771-7901 or visit mwkarate.com.
Northfield Karate Club
Sensei Tom Meagher
The YMCA of Northfield offers a traditional dojo that promotes the tenets of the founder of Shotokan Karate, Master Gichin Funakoshi:
- Seek perfection of character;
- Endeavor to excel;
- Be honest and forthright;
- Respect others
- Develop self control and refrain from violent behavior
As a non-contact style, Shotokan is a perfect martial art for individuals interested in traditional karate training without risk of suffering significant injury. The YMCA Northfield dojo is an affiliate dojo of the American Amateur Karate Federation and World Traditional Karate Federation. We welcome all to come train with us regardless of skill level, previous martial arts background, or affiliation! For more information.
Northfield YMCA 1501 Honeylocust Dr, Northfield, MN 55057 (507) 645-0088. Instructor Tom Meagher, PhD, Yondan.
Jamestown Karate Association
Sensei Dean Jensen
Gerry Scherbenske founded the Jamestown Karate Club in1973. He was the first North Dakotan to achieve the level of black belt under the Japanese Karate Association (JKA).
Back in 1973, training was difficult for Sensei Scherbenske as he had to travel back and forth to Minneapolis and train under Sensei Robert Fusaro. Among Gerry’s students was Dean Jensen who after training under a different style of karate joined the Jamestown Karate Club in January 1974. In 1977 Dean began teaching class once a week and gradually took over as Chief instructor in the late 1980s. Currently, Dean teaches almost all adult classes and youth classes. The Jamestown Karate Association has been a member of the AAKF for over 40 years.
Classes are held at: 116 1st Ave S, Jamestown, ND 58401 Phone: 701-269-3008 or visit jamestownkarateassociation/home
Traditional Karate-Do Academy at UMN
Sensei Trung Le
Traditional Karate-Do Academy at UMN is the only sports club on the campus of University of Minnesota teaching the traditional karate taught by Master Hidetaka Nishiyama and Sensei Robert Fusaro who started the karate club teaching on campus since 1967. The club was created to provide students at the University of Minnesota a resource to learn and train in traditional karate-do. The club is dedicated to provide a safe and nurturing environment for students to develop self confidence and self discipline, learn to manage uncertainty and fear, improve mind and body connection, and continue the study of traditional karate-do based on scientific principles developed by Master Hidetaka Nishiyama. The club sensei and advisor is Trung Le.
Club website: https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/umntraditionalkaratedo/
Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/umntraditionalkarateacademy/