Sensei Mark Szalajko obtains Shodan in Isshinryu Karate Do

I was never interested in training Isshinryu Karate, but Robert my RyuKonKai teacher asked me to study with him, so I agreed to help support my teacher and to help continue his legacy. Since starting I have really enjoyed it and learnt a lot.

Robert Sensei passed a few years back.

Andy Sloane Sensei who has been living in Okinawa for well over a decade agreed to be my new Isshinryu teacher. I am very grateful for that.

So I joined his organisation Okinawa Isshinryu Karate Do Koryukan (Old School Isshinryu).

On Saturday the 26th November 2022, whilst in Okinawa I undertook my Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) examination.

It was a 3 hour process that involved a short speech on my history and the history of Isshinryu.

All lower body basics

All upper body basics

10 self defence techniques

The following katas;

Seisan

Seiunchin

Naihanchi

Wansu

Chinto

Kusanku

Sunsu

Sanchin

Toma no Kon

Tukumini no Kon

Chan no Sai

Kusanku Sai

Two man basics

Kumite consisted of:

2 x 2 minute rounds against 1 opponent

1 x 1 minute round against 2 opponents

1 x 1 minute round against 3 opponents

1 board break

I am extremely grateful to my teacher Sloane Sensei and everyone in Okinawa who supported me through this process.

I will spend the next week or two considering how I can incorporate Isshinryu Karate classes into Bujutsu.