Parents Magazine has always been an advocate for inspiring kids to pursue their passions. John DiPasquale is one such example of a young man who followed his dreams to the top. At the age of 13, John was already passionate about karate. He began taking lessons at a small dojo in Des Plaines and developed a love for martial arts. John’s passion for martial arts didn’t stop there. He decided to pursue his love for karate and make it a career. In 1978, he created his own karate dojo and from that small space in his basement, the Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs (ISKC) have grown to serve more than 75 park districts throughout the Chicagoland area. ISKC is open to students of all ages and abilities. With a thriving dojo of 7,000 students, it’s clear that John DiPasquale achieved his dream. His story is an inspiration for all parents and children alike, showing that following your dreams can lead to amazing success.