As COVID-19 restrictions continue to restrict travel and gatherings, the Order of Isshin-Ryu (OI) held its first Shiai of 2021 virtually on February 13, 2021. This year is very special as it marks the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the OI, which was founded on January 15, 1971. We had a great turnout that included 31 participants!
A great job to each of the competitors! It’s tough trying to do a competition kata from home, but these participants worked it!
Way to go: Mr. Robert Atkinson, Mr. Kian Bennerman, Ms. Gabriella Cherico, Sensei David Ginn, Mr. Noah Gough, Sensei Buster Hash, Ms. Eleni Healy, Mr. Max Jones, Ms. Ailise Keenan, Mr. Greg LeBlanc, Mr. Ethan Lorden, Mr. John McNair, Mr. Matthew Rachel, Mr. Matt Scarborough, and Mr. Gabriel Teather.
Announcements
Elevated to status of Shodan-ho:
Mr. Greg LeBlanc…..Trappe Dojo, Sensei Brittingham
Mr. Ethan Lorden…..Hombu Dojo, Master Ewing
Promotions
Shodan (first degree black belt)
Mr. Matt Scarborough…..West Chester Dojo
Mr. John McNair….Harrisburg Dojo
Yondan (fourth degree black belt)
Sensei David Ginn….Hombu Dojo
Hachidan (8th degree black belt, Master status)
Sensei Jésus Jiménez, Sunsu Dojo
Sensei Kurt Kline, West Chester Dojo
Congratulations, gentlemen! We are proud of you and your accomplishments!
Presentation
Sensei Popp presented Denshi with the framed original shodo of his work, “Denshi”, honoring the Order of Isshin-Ryu’s 50th anniversary. This beautiful poster is still available to order, and Sensei Popp has donated the posters (and the costs to have them printed) to the OI’s scholarship fund. The purchase of a poster goes directly into the scholarship fund!
A special ‘thank you’ to Sensei Chris Harris for a wonderful job coordinating the Shiai and to Sensei Ginn for his Zoom mastery. Thank you to all the black belts who helped referee – your help is always needed and appreciated!
We hope to see everyone in-person again for our Summer Shiai in June, where we can celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the OI together!
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