Isshinryu

[WhiteBeltNoStripe]

I stumbled across an Isshinryu dojo in Orange City, FL that seems great for anyone in Central Florida that may be looking for a place to train. The owner/main instructor is an 8th dan and the senior student, who actually outranks the owner is a 9th dan. It is a small dojo, with only 8-10 students I was told, all black belts (1st - 4th dans) and one colored belt. With the credentials of the dojo/students, it appears it would be an excellent place to train with a wealth of knowledge in Isshinryu Karate. The name of the dojo is Isshinryu Karate Do & Self Defense.

 

[Buka22]

I stumbled across an Isshinryu dojo in Orange City, FL that seems great for anyone in Central Florida that may be looking for a place to train. The owner/main instructor is an 8th dan and the senior student, who actually outranks the owner is a 9th dan. It is a small dojo, with only 8-10 students I was told, all black belts (1st - 4th dans) and one colored belt. With the credentials of the dojo/students, it appears it would be an excellent place to train with a wealth of knowledge in Isshinryu Karate. The name of the dojo is Isshinryu Karate Do & Self Defense.

Welcome to MartialTalk, bro. Sounds like an interesting place, I've always like Isshinryu.

Let us know what happens.

 

[WhiteBeltNoStripe]

Welcome to MartialTalk, bro. Sounds like an interesting place, I've always like Isshinryu.

Let us know what happens.

Oh, I've been a lurker for years on here and made a few posts from time to time. Most of my posts revolve around finding a school...All this talk and I still haven't landed on a school due to travel. I'm finally back in town full time and am seeking out the school and style for me. I need to stop researching, going to schools and watching classes and just commit...I've wasted enough time!

 

[Bill Mattocks]

I stumbled across an Isshinryu dojo in Orange City, FL that seems great for anyone in Central Florida that may be looking for a place to train. The owner/main instructor is an 8th dan and the senior student, who actually outranks the owner is a 9th dan. It is a small dojo, with only 8-10 students I was told, all black belts (1st - 4th dans) and one colored belt. With the credentials of the dojo/students, it appears it would be an excellent place to train with a wealth of knowledge in Isshinryu Karate. The name of the dojo is Isshinryu Karate Do & Self Defense.

I am a student of Isshinryu in SE Michigan. Did you have questions we can help you with?

 

[WhiteBeltNoStripe]

I am a student of Isshinryu in SE Michigan. Did you have questions we can help you with?

It sounds as if this school is extremely traditional. It was mentioned there are written tests, essays and books to be read at every level in addition to the actual testing in the dojo, which includes random questions during. Is that normal?

 

[isshinryuronin1]

I Googled the school WhiteBelt referred to and read of their "Grand Master." I have not heard of Sensei Holubecki and could find no info about his lineage (perhaps I didn't dig deep enough, though it seems to me that credit and respect should be given to one's teacher on their website.) I find this odd. There are (way too) many 9th and10th degrees in Isshinryu, a situation that, IMO, is not beneficial to the system.

The lack of a unified organizational structure in the system, dating from the late1960's in the USA, has led to a plethora (finally got a chance to use this word) of "Grand Masters." Each splinter organization has their own 9th and 10th degree, and there are many splinter organizations. Not to say some are not actually deserving of such rank and title, but there are some I would not recognize as such. I don't know where Sensei Holubecki would fit in as I'm not familiar with him and his background, but lost track of all the Isshinryu masters long ago. Too many now to count.

My perspective is based on there being only one Soke (equivalent to "grand master" and is the proper title) when I started, and that was Isshinryu's founder, Tatsuo Shimabuku, himself. (Yeah, I'm old, having started in the mid 60's.) After he died, his son, Kichiro, assumed the role, and soon after, Tatsuo's son-in-law, Angi Uezu was acclaimed by many as a/the Master of Isshinryu. After that, the dam burst and there began a flood of masters here in the USA. Currently, I claim Angi's (and I use his first name with the utmost of respect) protoge, Tsuyoshi Uechi, as my master and his senior student as my sensei.

There have been, and are, some great American Isshinryu sensei who are called soke or grand master by their students and have earned their loyalty and respect. But the main thing in my book is to retain the teachings and principles of the original intent of Okinawan karate and not pay much attention to who calls himself a "Grand Master." I think my lineage allows me to do that.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

It sounds as if this school is extremely traditional. It was mentioned there are written tests, essays and books to be read at every level in addition to the actual testing in the dojo, which includes random questions during. Is that normal?

I can't say what's normal or not. Every dojo is different. Our dojo has written tests in addition to performance requirements for each belt under black. First degree black belt requires an essay. Past that it's just physical requirements. However, nothing wrong with the requirements you mentioned.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

I Googled the school WhiteBelt referred to and read of their "Grand Master." I have not heard of Sensei Holubecki and could find no info about his lineage (perhaps I didn't dig deep enough, though it seems to me that credit and respect should be given to one's teacher on their website.) I find this odd. There are (way too) many 9th and10th degrees in Isshinryu, a situation that, IMO, is not beneficial to the system.

The lack of a unified organizational structure in the system, dating from the late1960's in the USA, has led to a plethora (finally got a chance to use this word) of "Grand Masters." Each splinter organization has their own 9th and 10th degree, and there are many splinter organizations. Not to say some are not actually deserving of such rank and title, but there are some I would not recognize as such. I don't know where Sensei Holubecki would fit in as I'm not familiar with him and his background, but lost track of all the Isshinryu masters long ago. Too many now to count.

My perspective is based on there being only one Soke (equivalent to "grand master" and is the proper title) when I started, and that was Isshinryu's founder, Tatsuo Shimabuku, himself. (Yeah, I'm old, having started in the mid 60's.) After he died, his son, Kichiro, assumed the role, and soon after, Tatsuo's son-in-law, Angi Uezu was acclaimed by many as a/the Master of Isshinryu. After that, the dam burst and there began a flood of masters here in the USA. Currently, I claim Angi's (and I use his first name with the utmost of respect) protoge, Tsuyoshi Uechi, as my master and his senior student as my sensei.

There have been, and are, some great American Isshinryu sensei who are called soke or grand master by their students and have earned their loyalty and respect. But the main thing in my book is to retain the teachings and principles of the original intent of Okinawan karate and not pay much attention to who calls himself a "Grand Master." I think my lineage allows me to do that.

Agreed. I think we are very much of like mind.

However, GM Holubecki is a member of the Isshinryu Hall of Fame, a couple years before my Sensei. That has some value, in my estimation. I've seen a performance of his Seiunchin kata on YouTube, nothing outlandish or weird. Different than us, yes, because isn't that always the way.

My lineage is Mitchum and Harrill sensei. I used to work with Master Angi in Okinawa, in 1983, but did not train with him. Much respect.

 

[isshinryuronin1]

Agreed. I think we are very much of like mind.

However, GM Holubecki is a member of the Isshinryu Hall of Fame, a couple years before my Sensei. That has some value, in my estimation. I've seen a performance of his Seiunchin kata on YouTube, nothing outlandish or weird. Different than us, yes, because isn't that always the way.

My lineage is Mitchum and Harrill sensei. I used to work with Master Angi in Okinawa, in 1983, but did not train with him. Much respect.

There are a lot of hall of fame members, some probably should not be there and many who are not but should be. I do not personally put a lot of value to it, thinking it more of a social club thing, but that's just my impression. I did see Holubecki's Seiunchin kata and it was pretty solid for the most part. Still, I wonder who promoted him to "GM", or for that matter, 9th, 8th, or even 7th degree black. I still think one's master and main sensei should be noted in any biography of someone claiming high rank, not only to establish credentials, but out of respect, but again, that's just my opinion.

Sensei Mitchum was one of the first of Tatsuo's American blackbelts - a tough and solid practitioner, but he may not have been, like most of those early Marine pioneers, privy to many of the deeper elements of the style. But that's just the way it was. Sensei Harrill, coming later on, had the opportunity to delve deeper into the essence of Okinawan karate and took advantage of it, getting into realistic bunkai. Both men were giants of Isshinryu in their own way.

I have seen many videos of Angi throughout his career and love the personality he put into his karate. I would have loved to spend time with him. He is quite old and infirmed now, though Master Uechi, his protoge, visits him regularly as does my sensei on his yearly trips to Okinawa. Such is respect.

 

[Buka22]

I Googled the school WhiteBelt referred to and read of their "Grand Master." I have not heard of Sensei Holubecki and could find no info about his lineage (perhaps I didn't dig deep enough, though it seems to me that credit and respect should be given to one's teacher on their website.) I find this odd. There are (way too) many 9th and10th degrees in Isshinryu, a situation that, IMO, is not beneficial to the system.

The lack of a unified organizational structure in the system, dating from the late1960's in the USA, has led to a plethora (finally got a chance to use this word) of "Grand Masters." Each splinter organization has their own 9th and 10th degree, and there are many splinter organizations. Not to say some are not actually deserving of such rank and title, but there are some I would not recognize as such. I don't know where Sensei Holubecki would fit in as I'm not familiar with him and his background, but lost track of all the Isshinryu masters long ago. Too many now to count.

My perspective is based on there being only one Soke (equivalent to "grand master" and is the proper title) when I started, and that was Isshinryu's founder, Tatsuo Shimabuku, himself. (Yeah, I'm old, having started in the mid 60's.) After he died, his son, Kichiro, assumed the role, and soon after, Tatsuo's son-in-law, Angi Uezu was acclaimed by many as a/the Master of Isshinryu. After that, the dam burst and there began a flood of masters here in the USA. Currently, I claim Angi's (and I use his first name with the utmost of respect) protoge, Tsuyoshi Uechi, as my master and his senior student as my sensei.

There have been, and are, some great American Isshinryu sensei who are called soke or grand master by their students and have earned their loyalty and respect. But the main thing in my book is to retain the teachings and principles of the original intent of Okinawan karate and not pay much attention to who calls himself a "Grand Master." I think my lineage allows me to do that.

I knew Chester (Holubecki) back in the day. He ran an open Karate tournament every year that I used to go to.
He was a pretty nice guy and did well with what he had to work with.

 

[WhiteBeltNoStripe]

I asked the Sensei some general questions regarding advancement and testing standards at the dojo. He mentioned a student must have a minimum 40 classes between tests, usually requiring more to fully know and understand the material. With regular attendance and testing, one could prepare to test for black in 5-6 years. It sounds like this truly is a great school, with a lot of experienced practitioners as I mentioned previously. Most of them are retired military and train regularly at three days a week.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

I asked the Sensei some general questions regarding advancement and testing standards at the dojo. He mentioned a student must have a minimum 40 classes between tests, usually requiring more to fully know and understand the material. With regular attendance and testing, one could prepare to test for black in 5-6 years. It sounds like this truly is a great school, with a lot of experienced practitioners as I mentioned previously. Most of them are retired military and train regularly at three days a week.

Seems reasonable. I'd definitely consider it if I were in your position. Maybe attend some classes as a spectator if you can. Much can be seen about a Dojo's culture by watching and listening to how they interact with each other. Good luck!

 

[JMB-78]

I Googled the school WhiteBelt referred to and read of their "Grand Master." I have not heard of Sensei Holubecki and could find no info about his lineage (perhaps I didn't dig deep enough, though it seems to me that credit and respect should be given to one's teacher on their website.) I find this odd. There are (way too) many 9th and10th degrees in Isshinryu, a situation that, IMO, is not beneficial to the system.

The lack of a unified organizational structure in the system, dating from the late1960's in the USA, has led to a plethora (finally got a chance to use this word) of "Grand Masters." Each splinter organization has their own 9th and 10th degree, and there are many splinter organizations. Not to say some are not actually deserving of such rank and title, but there are some I would not recognize as such. I don't know where Sensei Holubecki would fit in as I'm not familiar with him and his background, but lost track of all the Isshinryu masters long ago. Too many now to count.

My perspective is based on there being only one Soke (equivalent to "grand master" and is the proper title) when I started, and that was Isshinryu's founder, Tatsuo Shimabuku, himself. (Yeah, I'm old, having started in the mid 60's.) After he died, his son, Kichiro, assumed the role, and soon after, Tatsuo's son-in-law, Angi Uezu was acclaimed by many as a/the Master of Isshinryu. After that, the dam burst and there began a flood of masters here in the USA. Currently, I claim Angi's (and I use his first name with the utmost of respect) protoge, Tsuyoshi Uechi, as my master and his senior student as my sensei.

There have been, and are, some great American Isshinryu sensei who are called soke or grand master by their students and have earned their loyalty and respect. But the main thing in my book is to retain the teachings and principles of the original intent of Okinawan karate and not pay much attention to who calls himself a "Grand Master." I think my lineage allows me to do that.

Grand Master Holubecki is a 10th Dan. He trained under Lewis Lizotte , whom he himself learned under Master Shimabuku starting in 1955. Mr. Lizotte further his studies under "Don Nagle" , who was one of the pioneers of the Isshin-Ryu artform in the United States. It's also important to note that Mr. Lizotte was the very first "full contact" KARATE "world champion" in 1963. By 1967 , Mr. Lizotte trained under "Steve Armstrong" whom at that time was the director and chairman over the AOKA and pretty much the head of Isshin-Ryu in the United States. Mr. Lizotte himself eventually became a director and chairman. He was a (Hall of Famer) and had sadly passed in 2018.

As for Sensei Holubecki , he had opened his very first dojo in Holyoke , Massachusetts in 1971. He had directed over several tournaments and had public defense programs for the public in conjunction with the Holyoke Police Department. He relocated and opened a dojo in Orange City , Florida by 1983. He was an active community member with the Orange City Chamber of Commerce , and the Four Townes Rotary Club , he was also a youth mentor / motivator and phys ed. substitution coach for such schools as Enterprise Elementary. He was a certified law enforcement defense instructor and held annual central FL tournaments for over the course of 10 years. He'd eventually close the Orange City Dojo in 1996 and returned to his native home of Holyoke and resumed operations there. Sensei Holubecki remained very active in Isshin-Ryu and even served as "Chairman" for the promotions board over the AOKA. He was inducted into the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame in 2005 and the reason he holds the Grand Master title is because he is a senior highest-ranking 10th Dan in the Isshin-Ryu artform. Sensei Holubecki has long since retired and resides in a senior living facility to my understanding now.

I personally trained under Sensei Holubecki from 1987 to 1994. Was promoted to Sho-Dan in September of '93. By the turn of 1994 I held various degrees in Isshin-Ryu , Hapkido & Kobojutsu. I left the dojo and furthered my studies in Shorin-Ryu under Sensei Reyes , and had also studied Qigong , and Chuan artforms such as Shé Quán & Fu Jow Pai. I excelled in the arts and invested over 20+ years to training and study. Sensei Holubecki was a truly amazing man and martial artist who followed the (more traditional method) of the artform. A lot of what you've read in the commentary out here about essays , textbooks , history and written exams , is 100% accurate. Martial Arts wasn't all about the artform or discipline to him , but also about knowledge and wisdom in the artform itself. He heavily emphasized on such components as self-awareness , self improvement , improving your inner focus , concentration , behavioral patterns , and essentially focused on the centralization of making mind , body and spirit as one. It just wasn't all about the art , but about bettering ones self. He was a great teacher and I deeply miss him to this day. I had very great teachers and tutors through the years and credit the martial arts to sculpting my life and making me what I am today. Most people don't realize that the martial arts is just not a form , but it's a way of life. Unfortunately most martial arts schools today I consider as jokes or frauds , and are not properly teaching the root foundations behind these artforms and misrepresenting them.

Holubecki's legacy still thrives in Orange City , Florida today , a "newer" and present location was built and under the direction of Sensei Crowthers whom I had also trained with back in the day. Sensei Crowthers is also a remarkable man and the Isshin-Ryu Karate Do School still runs strong to this day.