Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Degnan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began studying Tang Soo Do (Korean karate) in 2001. Up till then, I had never stuck with any kind of exercise before. Karate quite literally changed my life. I quit smoking and lost weight. I trained all the way through both of my pregnancies and my karate family supported me when my father passed away. I took up running when friends at the karate school signed up for a 5K and, 6 years later, have run two Chicago Marathons and am signed up for a third.
The only thing I found I loved more than training in karate was teaching it. I started out substituting for my instructor. When I reached 2nd degree black belt, I began an official teaching and training period to earn my instructor certification. For the next few years, I taught (and learned) in after-school programs and summer camps. I spent two years as head instructor for the University of Chicago Tang Soo Do Club. I enjoyed that, but the club didn’t meet in the summer. I had a colleague and fellow student who had a year-round school in an athletic facility on the north side. I convinced him to bring me on as a second instructor, and together, we were able to offer twice as many classes. Teaching there for two years gave me the experience and confidence to go out and start my own school, 606 Karate & Self-Defense, in 2014. I’ve been in Wicker Park ever since and my school has grown from 5 students to more than 40!
In addition to our regular classes, last year, I began offering summer camp sessions for kids and self-defense courses for adults. These have been great ways to attract students, build my visibility in the neighborhood, and help the community to be a safer place.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s totally worth it! It’s hard work, I’m drained at the end of the night, especially if I ran a camp that day! It’s always difficult to juggle family and work. My own children (14 and 11) have some special education needs and that requires me to be fairly deeply involved in their school careers. Most of my classes take place in the afternoon and evening, after my students get out of school and work. That means I get home from work later than most people. I still need to help my own kids with their homework and make sure they have everything they need for the next school day. That can be exhausting. However, I love, love, love having my own business, making all the decisions, and having total responsibility for its success or failure. I never expected it to be a smooth road. What’s fun is seeing the changes I’ve gone through, the challenges I’ve met or worked around, and the confidence and character lessons I’ve earned.
Please tell us about 606 Karate & Self-Defense.
At 606 Karate & Self-Defense, I teach karate and self-defense! The karate is a Korean form, called Tang Soo Do, and includes kicks, blocks, punches, joint locks, and sparring. I teach children (starting about age 4), teenagers, and adults. My focus is on practical techniques which can be used for self-defense, rather than sport. The training process requires dedication and discipline, but these characteristics are built in the karate school. These are traits that students carry into the real world, to school and work, and personal relationships. So, I am proud of maybe being a small part of the production of conscientious, productive members of society!
I offer self-defense classes, at a very affordable rate, to community members, usually every month or every other month. I believe strongly that everyone should have the tools to be able to defend themselves. Training for years in karate is not for everyone. However, anyone can commit to a few hours to learn a small number of techniques that could save their life.
Part of what sets 606 Karate apart is that I’m a woman. I don’t know how important it really is, but I do think it makes people take a second look. I would hope that my being a female would encourage more girls and women to take martial arts. If my being a female is what makes someone feel comfortable enough to come in and give karate a try, I’m all for it!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Many of my favorite childhood memories involve visiting my mother’s family in downstate, rural Illinois. My grandmother had 13 brothers and sisters and practically everybody in town was related to me. We still have massive family reunions where each branch has their own t-shirt.
Pricing:
- $85 per month for 3 classes per week.
- $65 per month for 2 classes per week.
- Family rates available
- Self-Defense classes are $40-50 per 3-4 hour class.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1500 N. Hoyne
Chicago, IL 60622 - Website: www.606karate.com
- Phone: 773-490-4882
- Email: krdegnan@me.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/606karate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fmawickerpark/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/606karate
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/606-karate-and-self-defense-chicago-3
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
