thedrifter
06-25-08, 07:25 AM
Karate class trains with master
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:51 PM CDT
Special to the Star-News
On June 7th, Andalusia Isshinryu Karate members had the opportunity to train with Grandmaster Ed Johnson, a 10th degree black belt from Ft. Worth, Texas.
Johnson is one of the original U.S. Marines who was trained in Isshinryu karate in Okinawa, Japan, during the 1950s and 1960s by the founder of the system, Tatsuo Shimabuku.
Tenth degree is the highest level of black belt attainable in Isshinryu karate and requires more than 40 years of continuous training along with many other requirements, and only a handful of individuals have ever achieved this level in Isshinryu.
Johnson taught Andalusia students seminars in kata, Bunkai and self-defense.
Johnson's insight into historical information regarding Isshinryu karate will prove valuable to students in their continued study of the martial arts.
Johnson brought pictures and other memorabilia from Okinawa for the students to see and told of what it was like to train outdoors with a teacher who spoke very little English.
Johnson, along with the other U.S. Servicemen from that era, brought back his knowledge of karate and began teaching Isshinryu in the United States.
Today, Isshinryu is practiced worldwide, and has schools in all 50 U.S. states.
While here, Johnson also tested and certified one local black belt, Gregory Faulkner, for second degree black belt.
Traveling with Johnson was Sensei Ronnie Brasher from Cabot, Ark., a sixth degree black belt. Other special guests included Sensei Kevin Taylor, fifth dan, Steve Collins, fourth dan, and Lee Collins, first dan, all of Atlanta, Ga.
Isshinryu karate is taught locally at the USA Gym and Fitness Center by Mark Rudd.
Ellie
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:51 PM CDT
Special to the Star-News
On June 7th, Andalusia Isshinryu Karate members had the opportunity to train with Grandmaster Ed Johnson, a 10th degree black belt from Ft. Worth, Texas.
Johnson is one of the original U.S. Marines who was trained in Isshinryu karate in Okinawa, Japan, during the 1950s and 1960s by the founder of the system, Tatsuo Shimabuku.
Tenth degree is the highest level of black belt attainable in Isshinryu karate and requires more than 40 years of continuous training along with many other requirements, and only a handful of individuals have ever achieved this level in Isshinryu.
Johnson taught Andalusia students seminars in kata, Bunkai and self-defense.
Johnson's insight into historical information regarding Isshinryu karate will prove valuable to students in their continued study of the martial arts.
Johnson brought pictures and other memorabilia from Okinawa for the students to see and told of what it was like to train outdoors with a teacher who spoke very little English.
Johnson, along with the other U.S. Servicemen from that era, brought back his knowledge of karate and began teaching Isshinryu in the United States.
Today, Isshinryu is practiced worldwide, and has schools in all 50 U.S. states.
While here, Johnson also tested and certified one local black belt, Gregory Faulkner, for second degree black belt.
Traveling with Johnson was Sensei Ronnie Brasher from Cabot, Ark., a sixth degree black belt. Other special guests included Sensei Kevin Taylor, fifth dan, Steve Collins, fourth dan, and Lee Collins, first dan, all of Atlanta, Ga.
Isshinryu karate is taught locally at the USA Gym and Fitness Center by Mark Rudd.
Ellie