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Isshinryu

Isshinryu karate has its roots firmly planted in Okinawan karate. It consist of eight open hand kata and seven weapons kata. The open hand kata are for defending in close quarters and are rich with history. The kata are practical and avoid any excess movement. The weapon kata are for the Roku Bo (6 foot staff), Sai (Spiked dagger) and Tuifa (pronounced Tweefa or referred to as the Tonfa) and help teach dexterity, balance, control and confidence.

You will also learn history, sparring techniques, and self-defense while learning discipline and building confidence.

You will be given the opportunity to compete in tournaments and inter-school competitions.

Isshinryu has grown into a large family, and knows no age barrier. Students with R.G.I.K.K. range in age from five to early fifties.

If learning an authentic Okinawan martial art while increasing your reaction time, mental ability, health, self control, and confidence sounds like something your interested in, then keep reading.

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Welcome to the world of Isshinryu Karate! We are excited about martial arts and look forward to teaching new Karate-ka (students). I know that most prospective Karate-ka wonder the same things. What will you learn , how many belts can you earn, how much does it cost and is it practical? We will answer these questions one by one.

What will I learn?
You will learn how to defend yourself in close quarters. You will start by learning the basic upper body exercises consisting of punches, uppercuts, blocks and hold breaks. You will then learn the lower body movements consisting of stretching exercises, knee smashing, stomping, thrusting, and kicking techniques.

After the basics you will move directly into your first kata. Seisan kata is believed to be around 400 years old and very effective in basic hand to hand combat. You will learn the kata, the bunkai (what it is used for) and the kumite (how it is applied in self-defense). This is the formula for all of the kata. You will learn basics, eight empty hand kata, seven weapons kata, with bunkai and kumite, along with over 100 self-defense moves, and finally sparring for adults. Youth will be able to spar only with verifiable parental consent.

How many belts can I earn?
This is not a "buy a belt" program and any and all rank is earned. The belt color is actually unimportant. It is the rank (Kyu or Dan) it represents that counts.

The belt structure is simple.
White
Green
Brown
Black 1 ..(Shodan)
Black 2 ..(Nidan)
Black 3 ..(Sandan)
Promotions above Sandan will be tested by the AIKA Board of Directors.
Black 4 ..(Yondan)
Black 5 ..(Godan)
Master (Black belt 6th. - 8th. Dan) has the option of wearing Black or Red and White Barred belt
Black 6..Rokudan
Black 7..Shichidan (some use nanadan)
Black 8..Hachidan
Master Black belt 9th. - 10 th. Dan has the option of wearing Black or Red belt
Black 9..Kudan
Black 10..Judan

*Weapons kata will be taught to youth under the age of twelve who have shown exceptional maturity, and then only with written parental consent. To earn a black belt, a student must learn at least two weapons kata. Sensei reserves the right to wave the age for weapons on a case by case basis.

How much does it cost?
Approximately 1/2 the price per lesson that other karate dojos charge. Pay by the class, week or month. If you don’t have a uniform one can be purchased through R.G.I.K.K. or we can direct you to where you can purchase one. If you provide your own uniform, all necessary patches can be purchased separately.

All students are to join the A.I.K.A. and have the option of joining the I.W.K.A. upon earning their Green belt.

Is it practical?
For the adult it is very practical. We cannot always control the situations in which we are placed. Isshinryu is a no nonsense way for women to protect themselves against attackers quickly and efficiently, while allowing an avenue for escape. For men, it is a way to provide protection for youself and your family by giving you the knowledge and confidence needed to either defuse or overcome difficult situations.

Youth can develop confidence, drive, and determination, while belonging to organizations that span many continents. They will have obtainable goals and can feel pride in their achievements.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
This will always have a positive effect on how you look and how you feel both physically and emotionally. We emphasize stretching to help you to become or remain limber. The upper and lower body movements render an aerobic workout and, yes, there is some running.

Who is it for?
Absolutely everyone between the ages of 5 and 75! If your not sure about karate classes then sign up for our Self-defense classes! Over 100 self defense moves that can mean the difference between life and death. We can all use this.

Weapons classes
Private or group- call for more information

Shihan Ray Glass is a veteran of the USAF and started his training in martial arts while in Viet Nam. Shihan Glass is a certified Karate Instructor in Okinawan Isshinryu Karate. Shihan Glass earned his Isshinryu rank from Shihan Phill Furgason and still trains with him. He has trained with such respected masters as: Ed McGrath, Toby Cooling, Phil Little, William Duessel, and Nick Adler. Sensei Glass has also trained in other disciplines, such as: knife, cane,and Arnis. Shihan Glass is the vice-president of the American Isshinryu Karate Association (A.I.K.A.).

Shihan has a no nonsense philosophy on training that is effective and an asset to the true martial artist.

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Call for locations, times and days Shihan Ray Glass............................281-482-2985

Email: RGIKK