Our Mission
We recognize that your location or busy schedule may keep you from traveling to a traditional dojo for classes. Midwest Shito Kai can help you meet your goals of getting traditional Japanese karate instruction while at home or away from the dojo. Instead of watching non-interactive videos, you get LIVE online classes with instructors who are watching you and providing you with real-time, personal input. In addition to our weekly class, you have the opportunity to book online personal training sessions to focus on areas you want to improve. Online instruction gives you the knowledge and confidence to begin or grow your karate journey. We encourage you to continue your karate journey with physical training at our home dojo Springfield Karate and Fitness.
Our head instructor, Sensei John Nelson, is a certified 5th degree black belt with the World Shito-Ryu Karate-do Federation and trains at Springfield Karate and Fitness. He has been studying karate since 1987 and has extensive experience with Olympic style karate competition. Currently working for the Illinois Department of Corrections, Mr. Nelson, continues his pursuit of martial arts education for both self-defense and sport karate.
Come join us as we help each other achieve our goals through karate at the Midwest Shito Kai.
Current LIVE online classes:
Jr Class - Saturdays 10:30-11am
Teens and Adults (Jr midranks and above with permission) - Saturdays 11:15-noon
Head sensei
Mr. John Nelson
5th degree black belt
Word Shito-Ryu Karate-do Federation
John Nelson was born in Cagayan De Oro, Philippines, educated in the United States, and currently resides in the Midwestern United States. He completed his undergraduate studies at Millikin University and graduate studies in Asian American History and Culture at the University of Illinois at Springfield
Mr. Nelson started studying karate in 1987. He received his first black belt in 1995 in Shudo-kan karate. He went on to earn a Sho-Dan from the World Shito-Ryu Karate-do Federation (WSKF) in 2000, and most recently promoted to Go-Dan in 2018. He is currently training and instructing at Springfield Karate and Fitness in Springfield, IL. He has participated in local, national and international competitions through the WSKF, AAU Karate, and USA-NKF.
Outside of karate Mr. Nelson works for the Illinois Department of Corrections, has completed multiple Ironman triathlons, served as a para-athlete assistant racer, and has run several marathons while raising awareness for various charities. He has over 20 years in private and public sector EEO compliance, professional level recruiting, and corporate consulting.
John Nelson has received accolades for his philanthropy, work with inner city youth, cultural diversification and inclusion efforts.
Noteable accomplishments
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Teaching Karate since 1993
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Undefeated in kata competition 2004
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2019 3rd place USA-NKF National Championships
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2020 1st place AAU Karate National Championships
Certifications:
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WSKF Go-dan (5th degree black belt)
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AAU Coach
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Positive Coaching Alliance coach
pictured:
Mr. Nelson (center) with 7th Dan Teddy Rabino (left) and 8th Dan Shihan Kunio Murayama (right)