Martial Arts

Overview

I began practicing Isshin-Ryu Karate in September 2000 at Breeden's Isshin-Ryu. My instructor is Rick Breeden (Roku-Dan, 6th degree). Mr. Breeden was a student of Master Harold Long. Master Long was a student of the Founder of Isshin-Ryu, Master Tatsuo Shimabuku. As a school, we now work closely with Master Pete Mills (Ju-Dan, 10th degree).

Isshin-Ryu is a relatively new style of Karate. Master Tatsuo Shimabuku created it in the mid 1950's by combining what he believed to be the best of Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu and making a few modifications.

Master Long founded the International Isshin-Ryu Karate Association in 1975. He also co-authored several books which can be purchased from Isshin-Ryu Productions. He retired from teaching in 1995.

Much information about Isshin-Ryu can be found on the internet. The Everything Isshinryu page is a great place to start your explorations.

I have found that a lot of good information can be found in the U.S. Army Field Manuals. I have found FM 21-150 to be very helpful as well as FM 21-50.

For a bit of humor, check out this training session in Ti Kwan Leap http://www3.pair.com/mtfaco/personal/boottothehead.html.

My History/Achievements in Isshin-Ryu and other Martial Arts

Date	Event
July 3, 2012	Promoted to the rank of San-Dan (3rd degree Black Belt).
June 9, 2007	Promoted to the rank of Ni-Dan (2nd degree Black Belt).
February - March 2003	Learned a little about Tai Chi at the Hwa Fu Chapter in the Washington, DC area.
October 19, 2002	Promoted to the rank of Sho-Dan (Black Belt) (Here's a copy of my certificate). Here are some photos from the evening when I got my belt.
August 25, 2001	Promoted to the rank of Ik-Kyu (Brown Belt)
July 3, 2001	Promoted to the rank of San-Kyu (Blue Belt)
May 5, 2001	Participated in all three events; Empty-Hand Kata (Seiuchin), Weapons Kata (Tokomeni No Kon Bo) and Kumite) at the Kelly's Heroes IIKA Karate Tournament
April 3, 2001	Promoted to the rank of Go-Kyu (Green Belt)
	Promoted to the rank of ????? (Orange Belt)
September 2000	Began Studying Isshin-Ryu with Rick Breeden
	Practiced Kempo Karate under the instruction of the Warner family (Jr. Warner, Charla Warner and Shawn Warner) in Sevierville. I was ultimately promoted to 4th Kyu before the school closed.
May 23, 1995	Promoted to the 7th rank (Green Belt) in Tae Kwon Do Under Steve Brown at the American Tae Kwon Do Class, West Park Recreation Center, Irving, Texas
1994	Began studying Tae Kwon Do