Looking at Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs, you’d never know that this thriving dojo of 7,000 students, all began in the small space of a young man’s basement. Unlike most adolescent boys who turn to football, baseball or other traditional American sports to fill their free time, John DiPasquale developed a love for martial arts. He began taking karate lessons at a small dojo in Des Plaines at the age of 13. Looking at Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs, you’d never know that this thriving dojo of 7,000 students, all began in the small space of a young man’s basement. 

Choosing inspiration over competition for a stronger community and a healthier way to do business.

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JOHN DI PASQUALE, the founder and Chief Instructor of Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs, holds the rank of Sichi-Dan (7th degree black belt). Mr. DiPasquale is highly regarded in the Martial Arts Community serving in the following positions at the National and International level.

• President of USA Karate, which is the National Governing Body for Karate in the United States

• Executive Commitee World Karate Federation

• Vice President of Pan American Karate Federation

• Regional Director of North America World Shotokan Karate-Do Association

He was a member of the U.S. Karate Team for eight years and a Coach of the U.S.A. National Team for five years. Mr. DiPasquale won the National Championship four times and the U.S. team trial three times. On a state level, he won the title of State champion eight consecutive years.

Mr. DiPasquale’s first love is teaching others, which in turn has lead to several International, National and State Champions. He is a former faculty member for A.C.E.P. (American Coaches Effectiveness Program).

LIZ PICHIOTTI began training in 1979. Currently she holds the rank of San-Dan (3rd degree black belt), and has the distinction of being ISKC’s first female black belt. From 1981-1985 she was the Illinois State Kumite Champion and has competed at various National and International Competitions. She has been teaching since 1982 and she was instrumental in the development of the Pre-Karate Program.

BRIAN MERTEL is a San Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt) and has been training with ISKC since 1986. He began teaching in 1996, becoming a full-time instructor in 2002.  Mertel has won 9 consecutive gold medals in the Men’s Sr. Kumite division at the U.S. Nationals; was a gold medal winner at the 2005 Shotokan World Championships; placed 5th at the 2008 WKF World Championships in Japan; and won a gold medal at the 2009 Pan American Championships. Mr. Mertel was also elected and is a current Athlete Representative to the United States Olympic Committee.

PREDRAG BAJIC began his karate training in 1987. He currently holds the belt rank of Yon Dan (4th degree black belt). Since 1995 he has been a member of the Serbian National Team for both karate and Kumite. A few of his accomplishments include: 13 time National Champion; 16 individual Senior Kumite medals including 2003 Balkan Champion; 2002 University European Champion; and 2000 Mediterranean Champion. In 2009 Mr. Bajic won the Gold Medal and was named World Champion at the Shotokan World Championships in Cancun, Mexico. Mr. Bajic also possesses a national coaching license, a referee certificate and is a member of ISKC’s coaching staff for the Competition Team.

Unified by a love for the Earth and the people who live in it.

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