Who we are
Who we are
SHIDŌKAN: The Triathlon of Martial Arts
(pronounced “She–Doe–Khan”)
Translated as “The group that lives and trains in the way of the Samurai,” Shidōkan is an eclectic, full-contact style of knockdown karate founded in 1978 by Grandmaster Sosai Yoshiji Soeno. Headquartered in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, the World Karate Association Shidokan currently has official branches in over 60 countries across the globe.
The U.S. Shidokan is responsible for the international recognition of the “Triathlon of Martial Arts”. From the 1980s to the 2000s, U.S. Shidokan took the tradtional ‘Full Contact Knock Down Karate’, and added two more fighting disciplines, Thai Kickboxing and Grappling with Submission / MMA. This concept evolved into the now famous “Triathlon of Martial Arts”. Each match consist of one round each of Full-contact Karate, Muay Thai, and Submission Grappling/MMA —To date, The Triathlon of Martial Arts is recognized as one of the most grueling and hard fought competitions in all of Martial Arts and is commonly referred to as ‘Old School MMA’. The entire Martial Arts Community world was able to view these exciting event on ESPN and Eurovision, with fans from all corners of the globe - Asia, Latin America, Europe, Canada and the USA .
The History of Shidokan uSA
The Triathlon of Martial Arts
Approximately forty years ago, Shihan Eddie Yoshimura traveled to Japan to meet the Grandmaster and Founder of Shidokan, Yoshiji Soeno. The birth of Shidokan USA originated from that meeting. Shihan Eddie and Kancho Soeno shared their life stories and adventures, their vision of Shidokan and their mutual passion and respect for the Samurai Ethos. Kancho Soeno and Shihan Eddie began a friendship that Kancho refers to as his ‘Samurai Tomadachi (brother). Kancho Soeno agreed to support Shihan Eddie 100%.
Shihan Eddie then returned to the U.S. to found U.S. Shidokan / Shidokan USA. The rest is history.
U.S. Shidokan Charter members consist of an extremely high percentage of Law Enforcement, Military, and life-long Martial Artists from multiple disciplines.
U.S. Shidokan became the first organization to promote professional fights evolving from traditional knockdown karate to include Muay Thai boxing and submission grappling. UFC legend Royce Gracie described Shidokan as “the most difficult type of competition to fight in,” while UFC Champion Dan “The Beast” Severn, a commentator for multiple Shidokan events on ESPN, famously said he’d only compete “if the order were reversed”—a nod to the extraordinary demands placed on each competitor.
To earn the title of Shidokan Champion, a fighter must win three matches in one night, mastering all three styles of combat. Renowned martial artists such as Cung Le have called it “the hardest competition I’ve ever faced.”
Whether your goal is to compete, learn a proven system of self-defense, or reach elite physical conditioning, Shidokan—The Triathlon of Martial Arts—will challenge you, strengthen you, and reveal the warrior within.
A highly effective form of self-defense, Shihan Eddie also oversees a program for LEO, Millitary and professionals aka: Urban Integrative Combatives.
Chicago Fitness Center (CFC), is home to the U.S. SHIDOKAN where daily classes are taught. All Levels, Men, Women and Children are welcome.
Because of many of the instructors’ backgrounds, SELF DEFENSE classses and seminars are extremely popular and are highly recommended.
Stop by CHICAGO FITNESS CENTER!
MEET Grandmaster Sosai Yoshiji Soeno
Founder, The World Karate Association Shidokan
From an early age, Yoshiji Soeno displayed a rare dedication to martial arts, training in judo, kendo, karate, and kickboxing. His fearless fighting style and early championship victories earned him the title “The Tiger of Johsai.” A student of the famed Kyokushin-kaikan school, Soeno gained international recognition before founding his own system.
His journey led him across the world—most notably to Thailand, where his legendary Muay Thai bouts tested his endurance, conviction, and understanding of martial combat. Drawing from these global experiences, he created a new, integrated martial art grounded in the Bushidō spirit of honor, discipline, and perseverance.
In 1981, Grandmaster Sosai Yoshiji Soeno officially established Shidōkan, blending the best of traditional karate, Muay Thai, and grappling into a complete and progressive system. Today, he continues to travel the world, overseeing dojos and inspiring generations of fighters to live by the Shidokan ideal.
“More than fighting — it is a way of life.”
MEET Shihan Eddie Yoshimura
Owner, Chicago Fitness CenterPresident, U.S. Shidokan Association
“Would you rather do it and know that you at least tried, regardless of the outcome, or regret not trying at all?”
Shihan Eddie Yoshimura, owner of Chicago Fitness Center, is the President of the U.S. Shidokan Association and a fifth-degree black belt instructor who brings over 55 years of martial arts experience and more than 33 years in law enforcement to his teaching and training.
“Some people want the discipline, for others it’s the self-defense,” he says. “When people come into our school for the training and discipline, it becomes a one-on-one thing with yourself. Some people want to learn the forms; others want to hit the bags.”
Yoshimura’s own workout—a primer on the link between fitness and Shidokan—consists of martial arts training and fighting five days a week. On alternate days he lifts weights and follows a rigorous cardiovascular regimen. Having been involved in the martial arts for more than half a century, he understands that every student’s motivation is unique. “People think about the fights, but that’s only the competition aspect,” he explains.
At Chicago Fitness Center, Yoshimura teaches both students and professional fighters, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes:
SHIDOKAN Martial Arts Program
Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics
Women’s Self-Defense
Advanced Shido-Integrative Combatives
Learn MMA and real-world self-defense from top instructor Shihan Eddie Yoshimura, whose decades of experience in both the dojo and the field make his classes an exceptional fusion of traditional discipline and modern practicality.
“People think about the fights, but that’s only the competition aspect. What’s truly powerful about Shidokan is that everyone finds their own personal reason for being here.”
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