National Karate Blog

  As 2025 comes to a close, we are filled with gratitude as we reflect on a truly meaningful year at National Karate Chicago. This year marked our 30th anniversary, a milestone that gave us [...]

National Karate & Martial Arts of Illinois has been named one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce! Out of millions of businesses nationwide, our schools were chosen [...]

30 Years of Growth, Expansion, and Key Events By Cristian Nelson Part 3 of our 30th Anniversary series is dedicated to the people—the extraordinary team that has made our success possible. For three decades, National [...]

The Story of National Karate Chicago – A Book of Firsts! By Cristian Nelson Every proud parent cherishes the "firsts"—the first step, the first word, the first day of school. At National Karate Chicago, our [...]

  The Story of National Karate Chicago - The Journey Begins By Cristian Nelson   Thirty years ago, I packed my bags, tightened my belt, and stepped onto a path that would shape the lives [...]

For over four decades, Master Cristian Nelson has been a driving force behind the success and growth of National Karate & Martial Arts. As the owner of five thriving Illinois locations in Aurora, Bartlett, Elk [...]

Meet Mr. Reginald Wilkins: A National Karate Veteran Inspiring Students in South Elgin, Bartlett, Elk Grove & Roselle, IL Grand Master Worley, Mr. Wilkins & Mr. Nelson Mr. Reginald Wilkins, a 5th Degree [...]

Congratulations to Our National Karate Students on an Amazing Showing at the Diamond Nationals! We are thrilled to congratulate our National Karate students from across Chicagoland for their outstanding achievements at the largest and [...]

  Bartlett National Karate Classroom   National Karate in Bartlett is as family-friendly as our other locations. Karate classes instill the historical disciplines martial arts to the young and young at heart while [...]

A Journey Fueled by Family and Determination Rachel Choice's journey into the world of martial arts began in 2018, just a few months after graduating from college. At the age of 22, her path [...]