Breakthrough Karate was created in 2017 by Dr. Steven Eisenstein, a family practice physician in Northbrook, IL who holds a sandan (3rd degree black belt) rank and is a head instructor of the Traditional Karate Club of Wilmette and a certified Rock Steady boxing coach.
Dr. Eisenstein launched the program for very personal reasons.
“When I lost my brother Bob to Parkinson’s disease in 2017, I was driven to do something to try and help others avoid the pain and disability he experienced,” he explains.
“As I practiced karate, it seemed to be the polar opposite of Parkinsonism; karate is dynamic, smooth, loud and balanced, where Parkinson’s makes a person shaky, slow, quiet and unsteady. I began a weekly class at my karate school (dojo) using these principles of martial arts to help offset the neurologic problems that tend to progress in Parkinson’s.
“Breakthrough karate is a joy for me as it helps those with Parkinson’s fight back without using more medications.”
Sensei Steve began his Shotokan training in 2005. He is devoted to the study, practice, and teaching of self defense and other applications of traditional karate techniques. Breakthrough Karate teaches students to use traditional Shotokan karate methods to help fight the effects of Parkinson’s disease and improve their health.
What is Breakthrough Karate?
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