Welcome to
Midwest karate
Sensei Mark Minarik is a 6th degree black belt registered with the International Traditional Karate Federation, under Hidetaka Nishiyama.
He is currently ranked as a Provincial Level A, National level A, and an International Level B official with the respective Traditional Karate governing bodies. He is a Provincial and National team coach and Provincial, National, and International seminar Instructor.
As an athlete, our instructor has been involved in the art of Traditional Karate since 1978. Provincially he held the title of kumite champion for 10 consecutive years, 1990 -1999, as well as kata champion for numerous years. Nationally, he has been kata and kumite champion for multiple years, and a National Team member from 1986 to 2004. Internationally, Mark was selected as a World Cup Athlete. and received gold medals in Pan American and silver medals in the World Championships.
Sensei Minarik is also a well established Registered Massage Therapist. This background gives him an innate understanding of the human body, how it works, how to create power and energy, and how to minimize the chance of injury through correct movement and proper core stabilization.
MARK MINARIK
MEET YOUR SENSEI
Kelly Watts
Bryce Nagy
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS
- Joseph
Midwest Karate has been a big part of my life these past 8 years. The training that I have received here has benefited me both mentally and physically. A challenge every day that keeps you coming back for more.
- Rob Miller
I was immediately impressed with Sensei Minarik and the assistant instructors, all are positive influences and great with the students.
What Students Say
Traditional Karate is a beautiful, ancient, weaponless art of self defense thought to have originated is Okinawa during the Middle Ages, and was influenced by Chinese martial arts. In the early seventeenth century the Japanese Satsuma clan occupied Okinawa and imposed severe restrictions on the native population, including a ban on weapons. Karate was practiced in secret, and the art became essential to the survival of many Okinawans, who had no other means of protecting themselves and their families from bandits and occupying forces. In 1922 Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate to Japan, demonstrating in Tokyo at the National Athletic Champianships. In the early 1930's Master Funakoshi had established his own school in Tokyo. Funakoshi practiced calligraphy under the pen name Shoto, and his students referred to the school as Shotokan, which means "Shoto's School". Eventually, Funakoshi's system of Karate came to be known as Shotokan-ryu , and is one of the four major systems of traditional Karate practiced today.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO JOIN?
WILL I TRAIN WITH PEOPLE MY OWN AGE?
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO STUDENTS DO IN A TYPICAL CLASS?
IS KARATE A CONTACT SPORT?
WHAT STYLE OF KARATE DOES MIDWEST TEACH?
WHAT IS KARATE?
At Midwest Karate we teach traditional Shotokan Karate.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO JOIN?
WILL I TRAIN WITH PEOPLE MY OWN AGE?
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO STUDENTS DO IN A TYPICAL CLASS?
IS KARATE A CONTACT SPORT?
WHAT STYLE OF KARATE DOES MIDWEST TEACH?
WHAT IS KARATE?
At Midwest Karate, we train in a style of Karate that is non-contact.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO JOIN?
WILL I TRAIN WITH PEOPLE MY OWN AGE?
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO STUDENTS DO IN A TYPICAL CLASS?
IS KARATE A CONTACT SPORT?
WHAT STYLE OF KARATE DOES MIDWEST TEACH?
WHAT IS KARATE?
Most training consist of three main things, Kihom (basics), Kata (Logical arrangements of blocking, punching, striking and kicking techniques in certain set sequences.) and Kumite(sparring). Training will always start with a warm up and stretching. Some strength training, self defence and other activites will also be included.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO JOIN?
WILL I TRAIN WITH PEOPLE MY OWN AGE?
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO STUDENTS DO IN A TYPICAL CLASS?
IS KARATE A CONTACT SPORT?
WHAT STYLE OF KARATE DOES MIDWEST TEACH?
WHAT IS KARATE?
Classes are divided into age groups. we also offer beginner and advanced classes, as well an all age class on Saturdays so that families can train together 😊
Check out our class schedule HERE >
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO JOIN?
WILL I TRAIN WITH PEOPLE MY OWN AGE?
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO STUDENTS DO IN A TYPICAL CLASS?
IS KARATE A CONTACT SPORT?
WHAT STYLE OF KARATE DOES MIDWEST TEACH?
WHAT IS KARATE?
Anyone ages four and older are able to join. We have a wide range of classes to support many different ages.
Check out our classes HERE >
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO JOIN?
WILL I TRAIN WITH PEOPLE MY OWN AGE?
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO STUDENTS DO IN A TYPICAL CLASS?
IS KARATE A CONTACT SPORT?
WHAT STYLE OF KARATE DOES MIDWEST TEACH?
WHAT IS KARATE?
FAQ'S
FAQ'S
WHAT IS KARATE?
WHAT STYLE OF KARATE DOES MIDWEST TEACH?
Is Karate a contact sport?
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO STUDENTS DO IN A TYPICAL CLASS?
WILL I TRAIN WITH PEOPLE MY OWN AGE?
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO JOIN?
Traditional Karate is a beautiful, ancient, weaponless art of self defense thought to have originated is Okinawa during the Middle Ages, and was influenced by Chinese martial arts. In the early seventeenth century the Japanese Satsuma clan occupied Okinawa and imposed severe restrictions on the native population, including a ban on weapons. Karate was practiced in secret, and the art became essential to the survival of many Okinawans, who had no other means of protecting themselves and their families from bandits and occupying forces. In 1922 Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate to Japan, demonstrating in Tokyo at the National Athletic Champianships. In the early 1930's Master Funakoshi had established his own school in Tokyo. Funakoshi practiced calligraphy under the pen name Shoto, and his students referred to the school as Shotokan, which means "Shoto's School". Eventually, Funakoshi's system of Karate came to be known as Shotokan-ryu , and is one of the four major systems of traditional Karate practiced today.
At Midwest Karate we teach traditional Shotokan Karate.
At Midwest Karate, we train in a style of Karate that is non-contact.
Most training consist of three main things, Kihom (basics), Kata (Logical arrangements of blocking, punching, striking and kicking techniques in certain set sequences.) and Kumite(sparring). Training will always start with a warm up and stretching. Some strength training, self defence and other activites will also be included.
Classes are divided into age groups. we also offer beginner and advanced classes, as well an all age class on Saturdays so that families can train together 😊
Check out our classes HERE >
Anyone ages four and older are able to join. We have a wide range of classes to support many different ages.
Check out our classes HERE >
