My History in Isshin-Ryu and other Martial Arts
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 about Isshin-Ryu. He retired from teaching in 1995.
I have not limited my martial arts training to just what I find in the dojo. One of the most interesting sources of information that I have found has been U.S. Army Field Manuals, specifically FM 21-150 and FM 21-50.
For a bit of martial-arts humor, check out this training session in Ti Kwan Leap http://www3.pair.com/mtfaco/personal/boottothehead.html.
Timeline of my Achievements
| 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 TaiChi 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 |
