Sensei Mark Szalajko obtains Shodan in Isshinryu Karate Do
I started training Isshinryu Karate Do in 2014 under Robert Slywa Sensei who was the man who brought Isshinryu Karate and RyuKonKai to Australia.
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.
Mark Szalajko
Director