12/19/25
Want to learn Karate this Winter? Want to learn but don't know how to start? Do you know Karate and want to get a higher color belt? Urbana Park District can help.
Urbana Park district is offering beginning and advanced Karate classes this year. The first session begins January 12. The second session begins March 3.
Karate is an empty-handed self-defense martial art that focuses on fundamentals, partner drills, kata, and impact work. Training uniform and white belt are not required for the first class. Instructors will provide training manuals and other documentation.
Call (217) 255-8601 for more information or to sign up. Or sign up at the link below.
Everyone of all abilities is invited to sign up for Karate class at Urbana Park District!
Karate - Advanced
Experience Level: Intermediate and above (or invite from sensei)
The advanced class delves deeper into the development and application of fundamentals, body mechanics, advanced kata, and weapon work. Students are expected to train independently and with partners, adapting to the class dynamics. This class is for experienced students at the orange belt level or higher. Participation requires at least one session of the beginner’s class or an invitation from the sensei. Students must wear a training uniform and the appropriate belt color. Weapon training is reserved for those assessed and approved by the sensei. Training manuals and documentation will be provided.
Karate is an empty-handed self-defense martial art which originates in Okinawa, Japan. Our karate classes focus on fundamentals of movement, impact work, kata and partner training. Advanced training introduces students to traditional Okinawan Weapons such as the bo and the sai.
Training in Karate has proven to be beneficial to its students outside of self-defense for centuries. Through the practice of those exercises, drills, and techniques found in Karate, the student can develop longevity in their practice. Improvements occur both in the student’s physical strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health as a result of dedication to hard work and training. Additionally, the student finds that they develop a stronger sense of being and a higher level of self-esteem.
About the instructor: Sensei Sal Belahi has been teaching karate and kobudo in Urbana for 25 years, working with students of all ages. His teaching style is centered on developing functional karate tailored to each student, bringing his passion for learning and self-improvement to every class.
261.683
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
262.677
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
Karate - Beginner
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
This class is ideal for those new to martial arts or looking to refresh their skills. It focuses on fundamentals, partner drills, kata, and impact work. While students are encouraged to acquire a training uniform and white belt, these are not required for the first class. Students with prior experience should wear a white belt until evaluated by the sensei. Training manuals and documentation will be provided.
Karate is an empty-handed self-defense martial art which originates in Okinawa, Japan. Our karate classes focus on fundamentals of movement, impact work, kata and partner training. Advanced training introduces students to traditional Okinawan Weapons such as the bo and the sai.
Training in Karate has proven to be beneficial to its students outside of self-defense for centuries. Through the practice of those exercises, drills, and techniques found in Karate, the student can develop longevity in their practice. Improvements occur both in the student’s physical strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health as a result of dedication to hard work and training. Additionally, the student finds that they develop a stronger sense of being and a higher level of self-esteem.
About the instructor: Sensei Sal Belahi has been teaching karate and kobudo in Urbana for 25 years, working with students of all ages. His teaching style is centered on developing functional karate tailored to each student, bringing his passion for learning and self-improvement to every class.
262.674
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
Karate - Beginner Session 1
This class is ideal for those new to martial arts or looking to refresh their skills. It focuses on fundamentals, partner drills, kata, and impact work. While students are encouraged to acquire a training uniform and white belt, these are not required for the first class. Students with prior experience should wear a white belt until evaluated by the sensei. Training manuals and documentation will be provided.
Karate is an empty-handed self-defense martial art which originates in Okinawa, Japan. Our karate classes focus on fundamentals of movement, impact work, kata and partner training. Advanced training introduces students to traditional Okinawan Weapons such as the bo and the sai.
Training in Karate has proven to be beneficial to its students outside of self-defense for centuries. Through the practice of those exercises, drills, and techniques found in Karate, the student can develop longevity in their practice. Improvements occur both in the student’s physical strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health as a result of dedication to hard work and training. Additionally, the student finds that they develop a stronger sense of being and a higher level of self-esteem.
About the instructor: Sensei Sal Belahi has been teaching karate and kobudo in Urbana for 25 years, working with students of all ages. His teaching style is centered on developing functional karate tailored to each student, bringing his passion for learning and self-improvement to every class.
No class May 25.
Early Bird Discount ends April 26 for Session One.
262.675
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
Open
Health and Wellness Center
Age:
15+
Fees
$68 (R) $102 (NR)
Mon: May. 11 - Jun. 22
5:30 pm: 1h
Karate - Advanced Session 1
Experience Level: Intermediate and above (or invite from sensei)
The advanced class delves deeper into the development and application of fundamentals, body mechanics, advanced kata, and weapon work. Students are expected to train independently and with partners, adapting to the class dynamics. This class is for experienced students at the orange belt level or higher. Participation requires at least one session of the beginner’s class or an invitation from the sensei. Students must wear a training uniform and the appropriate belt color. Weapon training is reserved for those assessed and approved by the sensei. Training manuals and documentation will be provided.
Karate is an empty-handed self-defense martial art which originates in Okinawa, Japan. Our karate classes focus on fundamentals of movement, impact work, kata and partner training. Advanced training introduces students to traditional Okinawan Weapons such as the bo and the sai.
Training in Karate has proven to be beneficial to its students outside of self-defense for centuries. Through the practice of those exercises, drills, and techniques found in Karate, the student can develop longevity in their practice. Improvements occur both in the student’s physical strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health as a result of dedication to hard work and training. Additionally, the student finds that they develop a stronger sense of being and a higher level of self-esteem.
About the instructor: Sensei Sal Belahi has been teaching karate and kobudo in Urbana for 25 years, working with students of all ages. His teaching style is centered on developing functional karate tailored to each student, bringing his passion for learning and self-improvement to every class.
Early Bird Discount ends April 26 for Session One.
262.678
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
Open
Health and Wellness Center
Age:
15+
Fees
$91 (R) $137 (NR)
Tue: May. 12 - Jun. 23
5:30 pm: 2h
Karate - Beginner Session 2
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
This class is ideal for those new to martial arts or looking to refresh their skills. It focuses on fundamentals, partner drills, kata, and impact work. While students are encouraged to acquire a training uniform and white belt, these are not required for the first class. Students with prior experience should wear a white belt until evaluated by the sensei. Training manuals and documentation will be provided.
Karate is an empty-handed self-defense martial art which originates in Okinawa, Japan. Our karate classes focus on fundamentals of movement, impact work, kata and partner training. Advanced training introduces students to traditional Okinawan Weapons such as the bo and the sai.
Training in Karate has proven to be beneficial to its students outside of self-defense for centuries. Through the practice of those exercises, drills, and techniques found in Karate, the student can develop longevity in their practice. Improvements occur both in the student’s physical strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health as a result of dedication to hard work and training. Additionally, the student finds that they develop a stronger sense of being and a higher level of self-esteem.
About the instructor: Sensei Sal Belahi has been teaching karate and kobudo in Urbana for 25 years, working with students of all ages. His teaching style is centered on developing functional karate tailored to each student, bringing his passion for learning and self-improvement to every class.
Early Bird Discount ends June 14 for Session Two.
262.676
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
Open
Health and Wellness Center
Age:
15+
Fees
$68 (R) $102 (NR)
Mon: Jun. 29 - Aug. 03
5:30 pm: 1h
Karate - Advanced Session 2
Experience Level: Intermediate and above (or invite from sensei)
The advanced class delves deeper into the development and application of fundamentals, body mechanics, advanced kata, and weapon work. Students are expected to train independently and with partners, adapting to the class dynamics. This class is for experienced students at the orange belt level or higher. Participation requires at least one session of the beginner’s class or an invitation from the sensei. Students must wear a training uniform and the appropriate belt color. Weapon training is reserved for those assessed and approved by the sensei. Training manuals and documentation will be provided.
Karate is an empty-handed self-defense martial art which originates in Okinawa, Japan. Our karate classes focus on fundamentals of movement, impact work, kata and partner training. Advanced training introduces students to traditional Okinawan Weapons such as the bo and the sai.
Training in Karate has proven to be beneficial to its students outside of self-defense for centuries. Through the practice of those exercises, drills, and techniques found in Karate, the student can develop longevity in their practice. Improvements occur both in the student’s physical strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health as a result of dedication to hard work and training. Additionally, the student finds that they develop a stronger sense of being and a higher level of self-esteem.
About the instructor: Sensei Sal Belahi has been teaching karate and kobudo in Urbana for 25 years, working with students of all ages. His teaching style is centered on developing functional karate tailored to each student, bringing his passion for learning and self-improvement to every class.
No Class June 30.
Early Bird Discount ends June 14 for Session Two.
262.679
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
Open
Health and Wellness Center
Age:
15+
Fees
$78 (R) $117 (NR)
Tue: Jul. 07 - Aug. 04
5:30 pm: 2h
