Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of a great man and Isshin-Ryu legend, Grandmaster Walter E. ‘Toby’ Cooling. Master Cooling was a judan (10th degree black belt) and head of the Order of Isshin-Ryu Martial Arts organization. Master Cooling founded the Order of Isshin-Ryu on January 15, 1971 in an effort
The January 2022 edition of Bugeisha magazine brings another terrific article authored by Master Toby Cooling and Sensei Dan Popp: “Denshi’s 20 – A Modern Joint-Locking Drill for Chin Na Development.” In this article, Master Cooling’s development of Denshi’s 20, a series of joint-locking techniques, is explored. “Master Cooling took Chin Na techniques to the
Bugeisha is a quarterly magazine for readers and practitioners of traditional martial arts. In its 10th edition, September 2021, an article authored by Master Toby Cooling and Sensei Dan Popp is included: “Order of Isshin-Ryu – A Martial Arts Family Celebrating its Golden Anniversary.” The article describes our roots and history, our family values,
On October 2, 2021, the Order of Isshin-Ryu Martial Arts (OIMA) gathered at Bohemia Manor High School in Chesapeake City, Maryland, for their 50th Anniversary Fall Shiai. As the OIMA continues to celebrate their Golden Anniversary year, a special day of events was planned for this Fall Shiai. The format is evolving into a more
The World United Isshinryu Karate Association (WUIKA) held its 2021 Gasshuku this past weekend in Lutz, Florida. Master Tom Lewis and Master John Bartusevics were guests of honor at the event. Both of these accomplished martial artists are first generation students of Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku (Soke Shimabuku) and 9th dan (kudan) officers of WUIKA.
On June 26, 2021, the Order of Isshin-Ryu Martial Arts and esteemed guests gathered at Bohemia Manor High School in Chesapeake City, Maryland, for their 50th Anniversary Summer Shiai. It was a grand event that not only marked our first in-person gathering since COVID-19, but also the 50th Anniversary of the Order of Isshin-Ryu founded
In the last few weeks, we have begun to see things starting to return to normal around us after a long battle with COVID-19. With relaxed restrictions, in-person tournaments have finally begun to re-emerge. The Order of Isshin-Ryu Martial Arts (OIMA) recently participated in two open tournaments in the region. On May 22nd, representatives of
With the rise of COVID-19 restrictions almost a year ago, the Order of Isshin-Ryu (OI) continued training this past year through virtual classes. On Friday nights, Master Kline’s special class focuses on being prepared to fight – defending your family outside of the movie theater or pizza shop or wherever the need arises. The focus
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
The last 6 months have proven to be challenging for many people, from all over the world, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Order of Isshin-Ryu (OI) has remained OI Strong, however, by introducing virtual classes, evaluation opportunities, and Shiai participation. We have ‘adjusted our sails’ to continue our training. At this time, OI Dojos