Our Program

Midwest Karate Kids (MKK) is the children’s program created by Gina Wood at Shotokan Karate Minnesota (SKM). It is a culmination of two decades of children’s instruction in traditional Japanese karate including more than 15 years of karate camps for kids. Sensei Gina has discovered first-hand how karate training empowers youth to step outside their comfort zones, be more physically active, and learn to trust themselves. Through creative instruction, positive feedback and solid karate fundamentals, Sensei Gina strives to instill in her students the love that she has for karate and the confidence that it has given her. Our programs include regular instruction at SKM, our home base, as well as our camps and some after school programs. Sensei Gina is also a self-defense instructor at Macalester College, so non-karate personal safety classes are also occasionally offered and are always a part of our camps. Go to People under About to see more details about Sensei Gina Wood and some of the other instructors who make this program possible.

What We Offer

Midwest Karate Kids offers week-long karate camps for children ages 6-13 throughout the summer. There are typically three camps held over the summer, all of which have a unique karate theme. Our past camp themes include kata (form), kumite (sparring), team kata, competition, spirit and discipline, create your own kata, enbu (choreographed fighting), and more!

Here is a list of the activities included in each camp:

  • formal and informal bowing-in practices

  • exercise and stretches

  • basic punching and kicking techniques

  • creative karate drills and activities

  • karate games and obstacle courses

  • Japanese crafts

  • dojo-kun (dojo principle) learning session (involves learning Japanese terms)

  • self-defense

  • theme-based activities and classes

  • demonstration session for parents and friends (end of camp)

Each camp will have dedicated lunch, free time, and snack breaks. Snacks will be provided.

If you have any questions, please contact Gina Wood at midwestkaratekids@gmail or at 651-592-0236.