The Story of National Karate Chicago – Part 2

The First Advertisement – Finding Our Voice

First Advertisement was featured in the Daily Herald Newspaper fall of 1995

Reaching out to the community meant introducing ourselves the right way. Our first ad ran in the Daily Herald in the fall of 1995, featuring a smiling karate family from our Minnesota schools. It was a departure from the traditional “macho” advertising style of men kicking each other in dramatic poses. This was different—it was friendly, approachable, and family-focused.

One other notable detail from that ad? The phone number only had seven digits because, back then, every Illinois number had a 630 prefix. It’s a small reminder of just how much has changed over the past 30 years—but also how much has stayed the same.

The First Student – John Mazzola (1995)

First Chicago National Karate Student – John Mazzola (front right)

Opening the doors was one thing—getting students to walk through them was another. In those early days, I remember wondering if anyone would come. Not only did we get students, but our very first was a young man named John Mazzola.

John wasn’t just our first student—he became one of our first black belts and our first employee.  Still with us today, John Mazzola is now the co-owner of the Aurora and Naperville National Karate schools. Seeing him grow from that first student into a leader has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

The First Year Students – Laying the Foundation (1996)

Mr. Nelson teaches the first students at the new Illinois school

I have so many special memories of those first year students. They were the building blocks of what we have today. By God’s grace, we grew faster than most new schools, and soon the mats were full of eager students learning their first kicks and punches. That early success was critical—without it, we might not be here today.

The First Competition Team – Making Our Mark

First Competition Team returns from the Diamond Nationals (Mr. Mazzola far left, Mr. Nelson far right, Mrs. Nelson front)

In those first years, I wanted our students to understand that they were part of something bigger. National Karate began in Minnesota, where we had 20 schools and a reputation for excellence. To give our Illinois students a taste of that tradition, we brought them to the Diamond Nationals—the largest and most prestigious tournament in North America and produced by the National Karate schools.

Walking into the venue and seeing over a thousand National Karate uniforms was an unforgettable moment for our students. They realized they weren’t just part of a local school—they were part of a legacy. And they held their own, bringing back plenty of trophies. That first competition team laid the foundation for the success we still enjoy today.

The First Newspaper Article – A Welcome Boost

Not long after opening, the Daily Herald ran a series of articles about the new National Karate schools and the positive impact we were already making on our students. The articles highlighted how martial arts training was building confidence and discipline in our students, and how the family-friendly environment was encouraging parents to get involved. It was a real blessing—a huge boost that helped the community get to know our school and made parents feel confident about enrolling their kids. That early exposure played a big role in our fast growth and helped set the foundation for the strong community we have today

The First Tournament – Creating a Legacy

First tournament held in the Roselle / Elk Grove School. (Mrs. Nelson was the Center Judge)

First Tournament (Mr. Mazzola is the judge 3rd from right)

Not all of our students could travel to Minnesota, so we decided to host our own tournament right here at home. It wasn’t glamorous—we couldn’t even afford trophies at the time—we awarded ribbons to the winners.

It didn’t matter that there weren’t trophies—what mattered was the experience. The energy, the competition, the camaraderie. That first tournament was the blueprint for the streamlined, family-friendly events we run today where we host over 700 competitors and have a few hundred judges and officials.

The First Kids Party – More Than Just Karate

First Kids Party – Building Relationships

Karate has always been about more than just kicking and punching—it’s about building community. I helped organize the very first National Karate kids party back in Minnesota in 1984, and I knew we had to bring that same energy to Chicago.

That first year, we had enough students to pack the school for a kids party, filled with games, snacks, and laughter. The bonds formed during those parties created friendships that lasted beyond the dojo. Even 30 years later, National Karate kids parties are still a highlight for our students.

The First Black Belt – John Mazzola (October 1997)

First Student, First Black Belt and First Employee

In October of 1997, John Mazzola and a few other students became National Karate of Illinois’ first black belts!  His test was incredible, and it marked a major milestone for National Karate Chicago.

The First Visit from Grand Master Worley

Visit from a Martial Arts Icon, Grand Master Worley

National Karate is proud to have one of the most distinguished martial arts legacies in America. Founded in 1973 in Minnesota, the organization was co-founded by Grand Master John Worley—a true pioneer in the martial arts world. Grand Master Worley earned his black belt under a panel that included Chuck Norris, performed demonstrations alongside Bruce Lee, and later served as a respected fight commentator for ESPN television. His experience and leadership have helped shape National Karate into the premier martial arts organization it is today.

So when Grand Master Worley visited our school in those early days, it was a huge moment for our students. He taught inspiring seminars, met with students, and reinforced that we were part of something bigger than just one school—we were part of a martial arts legacy.

Now, 30 years later, we celebrate these firsts, knowing they laid the foundation for the success, champions, and lifelong friendships that define National Karate Chicago today. As we turn the pages of our “Baby’s Book of Firsts,” we invite you to reminisce with us and relive the moments that shaped National Karate into what it is today.

But the story doesn’t end here—there’s so much more to tell! In Part 3, we’ll explore the remarkable growth of National Karate Chicago, the important milestones we’ve reached, and the incredible students and instructors who have shaped our legacy over the years. Don’t miss it!