Karate Returns to ISM with Familiar Instructors: Alumnus Shonal Gangopadhyay ‘13 and Senior Ian Looser ‘25

   Ian Looser ‘25 (left) instructing Martial Arts at ISM.

After a few-year hiatus, martial arts has returned to ISM’s after school programming thanks to the renewed partnership with Eden Prairie National Karate. “The program that we had ISM years ago was a successful one, and it is my goal to not only repeat that success, but to grow the program beyond what we had before,” says Mr. William Hill, owner and director of Eden Prairie National Karate. 

The familiar faces of alumnus Shonal Gangopadhyay ‘13 and senior Ian Looser ‘25 can be found teaching at the head of the class.  Several years ago, as kindergarteners, Shonal and Ian stood in the same spot as their current students and discovered martial arts for the first time. Over the years, they continued pursuing martial arts and developed their skills further through karate. “It is a great feeling to see both Ian and Shonal teaching at ISM. They have both been with me since they were young kids, and it has been a privilege to be a small part of their success in life,” says Mr. Hill. 

Shonal has been teaching karate since he was in high school, “I think the main reason is that I can be a role model for the next generation and teach skills that students won’t necessarily get elsewhere,” he says. “Focus, discipline, respect, commitment, sportsmanship, work ethic, and leadership are just some of the skills that I gained from the program,” says Shonal. 

Shonal is currently a 4^th degree black belt and is planning to test for a 5^th degree at the end of the year. He has competed in around 100 tournaments over the past two decades. “The number one skill that I got from tournaments was confidence. Now when I compete, I don't get nervous anymore,” he says.  When he’s not teaching karate, Shonal can be found working as a teaching specialist at the University of Minnesota within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. 

Ian continued with karate over the years as he wanted to learn self-defense. “My mentor in karate is Mr. Hill. He has been my instructor for 13 years and he has helped me the entire way. I believe that I can be a mentor for other young students at ISM,” says Ian. Currently a 2^nd degree black belt, Ian also helps judge at tournaments and through that experience he has developed a better understanding of how the scoring works. 

Learning a new skill can be both exciting and intimidating; Ian’s advice to his students is to “just keep going. If you practice, you will get better, and if you quit just remember: black belts were white belts; they just never quit.” Shonal adds, “show up, listen, and have fun.” 

Martial Arts is currently offered after school for students in preschool through 6^th grade. Karate classes are beneficial for developing physical strength, increasing flexibility, and self-confidence. Our youngest students just starting out get to learn the “dojo” rules governing how to behave in class and learn martial arts skills. Students also develop respect for one another through structured karate lessons tailored to their age group and skill levels. 

 “I want to thank ISM and the families for giving us the opportunity to work with your kids. We believe the lessons that come from National Karate training are lessons that will stay with them for their lifetimes. It's a responsibility we take very seriously. We are truly honored!” says Mr. Hill.