The USA-NKF Para Karate Committee

The USA-NKF Para Karate Committee is dedicated to helping dojos and senseis across the country recruit, instruct, and support individuals to compete in para karate from beginner through to elite levels.

Sensei Jeff Kohn, Head Coach of TEAM USA’s Para-Karate program and Sensei of Northshore Dojo outside Chicago, Illinois is working to create more para karate opportunities, to help mentor instructors, and to encourage individuals living with disabilities to try karate and to compete in the para divisions of kata and weapons. The USA-NKF Para-Karate Committee wants everyone to be able to experience the many gifts karate brings to an individual’s life.

Sensei Kohn has spent a lifetime working with individuals living with mobility impairment, blindness, and developmental/intellectual disability.  He welcomes questions via phone call or email from anyone seeking information about the USA-NKF Para-Karate program, how it works, how to encourage individuals living with disability to join a dojo and begin instruction and how to work with these athletes. 

As the  USA Open Karate Championships scheduled for March 29-31, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas approaches, Sensei Kohn is happy to answer your questions about the different para divisions, registering to compete, and how the para divisions work.  

Please contact Sensei Kohn at: 847.721.2423 or northshoredojo@hotmail.com

Be sure to watch the athletes competing in the Para Divisions at the USA Open Karate Championship. Sensei Kohn will be available immediately after to answer questions and share information. Karate changes the lives of people who participate in it. This is true for those living with any type of disability. Please join us in spreading the word, in welcoming these athletes and in helping them participate fully in our amazing sport.