Who we are
Who we are
What is shidokan?
Pronounced ‘She – Doe – Khan’
Translated as “…The group that lives and trains in the way of the Samurai”.
Shidokan emphasizes three types of disciplines: Karate, Kick Boxing and Grappling, commonly referred to as the Original Mixed Martial Art (MMA).
An extremely effective form of self-defense for men and women, Shidokan classes at CFC have instructed multiple members of various law enforcement units, including:
Chicago Police Department Hostage Barricade and Terrorist Unit
Cook County Department of Corrections Special Operations Response Team
Cook County Homeland Security
CPD Crisis Negotiations Unit CPD High Risk Entry Team
CPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
The History of Shidokan
The U.S. Shidokan was the first organization to promote professional fights that evolved from traditional full-contact “knockdown” karate, to incorporate Thai boxing as the next phase of competition, and then finish with the third and final phase of our “Triathlon of Martial Arts”: submission grappling/MMA.
UFC legend Royce Gracie, who attended one of our events, stated that this was the most difficult type of competition to fight in, and that our fighters are “tough and definitely crazy.” Another UFC champion, Dan “The Beast” Severn, who served as our commentator on multiple ESPN/ESPN2 TV shows and is a huge Shidokan fan, stated that he would only fight in such an event if we started it in reverse order—and even then, he would really have to think about it. (He was referring to the amount of punishment a fighter may endure during the karate and Thai boxing rounds.)
Our Shidokan events required that a champion not only excel in the three different fighting disciplines, but also fight and win three matches in the same evening to be crowned champion.
Cung Le, the very popular San Shou, Strikeforce, and K-1 fighter and champion, stated that without a doubt, this is the most hard-fought and difficult competition he has ever competed in.
In summary, whether you wish to compete, learn a proven and functional method of self-defense, or simply want to get in great shape, Shidokan can and will enable you to fulfill and eventually exceed your goals.
MEET Grandmaster Kancho
From an early age, Yoshiji Soeno showed a strong passion for martial arts, training in judo, kendo, karate, and kickboxing, and earning recognition as the “Tiger of Johsai” after winning national and international championships.
His journey led him to study different disciplines around the world, including legendary Muay Thai bouts in Thailand that tested his endurance and convictions.
In 1981, he officially founded Shidokan, a style that blends the best of his experiences and traditions, inspired by the spirit of Bushido and designed as a complete and progressive martial art.
Today, Kancho Soeno continues traveling and overseeing dojos worldwide, keeping Shidokan alive and evolving as a globally recognized martial art system.
MEET SHIHAN EDDIE
Shihan Eddie combines his 33+ years in Law Enforcement & 55+ years in Martial Arts when teaching & training CFC’s great members! His classes include the SHIDOKAN Martial Arts program, Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics, Women Self Defense & Advanced Shido-Integrative Combatives
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