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Monday 5:30pm - 7:30pm Wednesday 5:30pm - 7:30pm Friday 5:30pm - 7:30pm Saturday 9am - 11am

International Traditional Karate Association

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International Traditional Karate Association

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"Offering world-class instruction in Shotokan Karate, Japanese Karate, self-defense, stress management, and personal development.
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At ITKA Karate, we focus on cultivating discipline, confidence, and lifelong skills for both mind and body." Instrucions in martial arts, stress managment, and personal developmen

10/18/2026

Discover the Power of Traditional Karate-Do at ITKA
Are you looking for a martial arts program that teaches more than just kicks and punches? At ITKA, we focus on classical Shotokan Karate—building real self-defense skills, physical longevity, and unwavering mental focus.
Programs available for:
🥋 Children & Youth: Focus, respect, confidence, and anti-bullying mindset.
🥋 Teens & Adults: Strength, stress relief, functional fitness, and self-mastery.
Experience the discipline and tradition of authentic martial arts.
📍 Location: 5945 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
🗓 Class Schedule & Info: Direct Message us or drop by the dojo!

10/16/2026

In trying to please everyone, we abandon ourselves. That is the ultimate self-betrayal.
— Kancho Bambouyani
True discipline begins with honoring your own mind, body, and path. When we scatter our energy trying to satisfy every expectation around us, we compromise our integrity and focus. Stand firm, honor your purpose, and remain true to yourself—on and off the mat.
🥋 ITKA Karate Global | Building strength, focus, and character through traditional discipline.

10/15/2026

ITKA's commitment to community building, mental discipline, and leadership.
Traditional martial arts teach us that true strength begins from within—through breath (Kokyu-ho), posture (Shisei), and total awareness (Zanshin). But true mastery extends far beyond the dojo mat.
This week, Kancho Mahmoud Bambouyani hosted our community Leadership Roundtable, uniting local educators, business owners, and law enforcement officers to foster resilience, well-being, and collaboration. At ITKA Karate Global, we are deeply committed to partnering with our schools and community to support youth development, character building, and neighborhood safety.

Thank you to our esteemed guests and dedicated volunteers. When we unite to serve, we build a stronger community for tomorrow. 🥋💪

10/11/2026

🥋🌿 The Spirit of Karate Beyond the Dojo

Today, enjoying the peaceful beauty of Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois.

Traditional Japanese karate teaches us much more than physical techniques. It teaches harmony, patience, self-discipline, respect, and balance between mind, body, and spirit.

Japanese gardens beautifully reflect these same principles. Every stone, tree, and pathway reminds us of the importance of patience, simplicity, and harmony with nature.

True karate is not limited to the dojo. Its lessons accompany us throughout life.

At ITKA Karate Global, we believe in developing not only stronger karate practitioners, but healthier, more thoughtful, and compassionate individuals.

Karate Without Borders — A Way of Life.

🌐 itkakarate.com

10/10/2026

🥋 FROM THE DOJO TO THE COMMUNITY — LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE!

For six decades, ITKA Karate has promoted more than physical strength. Our foundation includes discipline, character, respect, perseverance, and responsibility toward others.

Now, we are bringing these timeless values to the Leadership Breakfast Roundtable, in collaboration with the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce.

Join Grand Master Mahmoud Bambouyani, 9th Dan – Kancho, for an inspiring morning connecting traditional Japanese leadership principles with today's challenges.

🌿 Topics include:
• Health, breathing, and mental focus
• Patience, respectful communication, and listening
• Leadership through humility and service
• Building stronger schools, businesses, and community partnerships

📅 Wednesday, October 14, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM
📍 EGGSperience Restaurant
4925 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago

☕ Complimentary Breakfast — Reservations Requested

📞 773-308-3528
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 itkakarate.com

Building Unity. Strengthening Community. Leading Chicago Forward Together.

10/08/2026

🥋 CHICAGO KARATE — BUILDING CONFIDENCE, CHARACTER & STRONGER FAMILIES!
New students. New friendships. A lifelong journey begins!
At International Traditional Karate Association (ITKA Karate Global), every student matters.
These photographs capture what makes our Chicago dojo special: new students beginning their karate journey, families sharing meaningful experiences, and students training together with dedication and respect.
Proudly serving Chicago's Northwest Side for six decades, ITKA offers authentic Traditional Shotokan Karate under the leadership of Grandmaster Mahmoud Bambouyani, 9th Dan.
🌟 MORE THAN KARATE — SKILLS FOR LIFE
✔ Confidence and self-esteem
✔ Focus, discipline, and respect
✔ Self-defense and personal safety
✔ Fitness, coordination, and flexibility
✔ Leadership, perseverance, and friendships
✔ A welcoming, supportive community
From young beginners to adults and seniors, everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their potential.
🎁 NEW STUDENT WELCOME SPECIAL
2 Weeks of Karate Training + FREE Karate Uniform (Gi) — Just $50!
🏡 VISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL CHICAGO DOJO
We warmly invite you and your family to visit us for a complimentary consultation. Meet our instructors, explore our training facility, and discover how Traditional Karate can benefit you or your children.
📍 ITKA Karate Global Headquarters
5945 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60634
📞 Call: 773-283-8200
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: itkakarate.com
📅 Introductory classes:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday — 5:30 PM
Saturday — 9:30 AM
Your journey begins with one visit. Contact us today and reserve your spot!
🥋 World-Class Karate. Neighborhood Roots. Six Decades of Dedication.
Karate Without Borders

10/04/2026

🥋 ITKA KARATE GLOBAL — TRAINING, SERVICE & COMMUNITY IN CHICAGO
What a wonderful day at the Portage Park Farmers Market!
Our ITKA team—Kancho Bambouyani, Ronnan, Leanne, and Wren—enjoyed a beautiful day of traditional Shotokan karate practice, friendship, and community engagement.
During our practice of Heian Godan, we emphasized Shin (mind and spirit), Dachi (stance), and Waza (technique), integrating controlled breathing, concentration, and mindfulness.
These principles extend far beyond the dojo. They encourage discipline, balance, respect, and personal growth.
For six decades, ITKA's mission has included serving Chicago families and sharing the lifelong benefits of Traditional Karate.
We enjoyed meeting our neighbors, supporting local vendors, and connecting with community leaders, including State Representative Lindsey LaPointe.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Friends of Portage Park for their continued efforts to make our neighborhood park a beautiful, welcoming place for everyone.
Traditional Karate. Community Service. Lifelong Learning.
📍 ITKA Karate Global
5945 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago
🌐 itkakarate.com

09/15/2026

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER!
Give your child the gift of confidence, focus, and discipline! 🥋✨ For a limited time, get 2 Full Weeks of Karate Training + FREE Official Karate Uniform for ONLY $50!
At ITKA KARATE GLOBAL, we offer personalized instruction in a supportive environment to help every young student thrive.
Why Parents Choose ITKA Karate:
Bully-Proofing & Safety: Practical self-defense skills for real life.
Focus & Concentration: Better attention at school and home.
Character & Respect: Building true self-esteem and discipline.
Healthy Fitness: Fun, active training tailored for growing kids.
🗓️ Kids Class Schedule:
Wednesdays & Fridays: 5:30 PM
Saturdays: 9:30 AM
📍 Location: 5945 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
🔥 Limited spots available per class to ensure personal attention!
👉 Claim Your Child's Spot Today:
📲 Tap "Send Message" below
📞 Call/Text: 773-308-3528
📧 Email: officeitka@gm

09/12/2026

🇯🇵🥋 My Journey to Okinawa — Returning to the Roots
For decades, I have been fortunate to return to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, almost every year.
For the International Traditional Karate Association, these journeys are about much more than training.
We return to the roots of Karate-dō to learn, preserve, and better understand the culture and traditions from which our art developed.
Sometimes learning takes place inside a dojo. Other times, it happens through conversation, sharing a meal, walking through a neighborhood, experiencing local customs, or simply spending time with the wonderful people of Okinawa.
These photos from 2024 capture some of those moments away from the karate uniform.
As instructors and students, we should never believe that our education is complete. The deeper our roots become, the more we should remain curious, humble, and willing to learn.
Okinawa gave karate to the world. Our responsibility is not only to practice it, but to understand, respect, and preserve its spirit for future generations.
The journey continues...
押忍 Osu
International Traditional Karate Association

🇯🇵

09/07/2026

🌊 *A HEALTHY MIND MUST FLOW*

In Traditional Karate, practicing kata with mindfulness, clear intention, proper breathing, and intense focus teaches us a profound life lesson: a healthy mind must always have movement.

Like a flowing river, the mind learns to move smoothly around obstacles without losing its direction or becoming stagnant.

When we train, we observe, we learn, and we adjust. We hold onto the lesson without carrying unnecessary burdens forward.

Protect your health by protecting what you allow to remain in your mind. Keep the lesson. Release the burden. Keep flowing.

— *Kancho Mahmoud Bambouyani*
_International Traditional Karate Association (ITKA)_

📍 *Train with us at our Global Dojo*: 5945 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
📞 *Contact/Message*: Call or text 773-308-3528 or send us a direct message to learn more.

Address

5945 W Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL
60634

Opening Hours

Monday	5:30pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday	5:30pm - 7:30pm
Friday	5:30pm - 7:30pm
Saturday	9am - 11am

Telephone

+17732838200

Website

http://www.itkakarate.com/

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