Advanced Class
The advanced class is a formal one hour class. This class focuses upon advanced application of Upper and Lower Body Charts, kata forms, sparring techniques and ippon training. The four elements of training include; basic chart drills and kata forms; ippon training (hands on training with a partner), kumite (controlled sparring with protective equipment), and supplemental training including strength and endurance exercises, and training with focus mitts, kick bags and heavy bags. Isshinryu contains twelve developmental steps (kata forms) to first degree black belt (Shodan). The student progresses from brown, and finally to black belt when the student becomes eligible for certification from the Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA) in Okinawa. We teach Isshinryu in the traditional way with focus upon self-defense and personal development. While we are not a "tournament school", traditionally we have sponsored one tournament per year, support two other tournaments of our sister schools here in Ohio, and the IWKA World Tournament which occurs every other year.
