Articles – Order of Isshin Ryu

The Order of Isshin-Ryu: Its Next Generation is Ready to Carry on Denshi’s Legacy

The April 2023 edition of Bugeisha Magazine features a touching tribute to our founder and Sensei Grandmaster Walter ‘Toby’ Cooling and includes another great article written by Master Dan Popp. The article describes in detail Master Cooling’s beginnings in the martial arts, his accomplishments and successes in Isshin-Ryu karate and in his personal life,

Scholarship Award for 2022

This is the first year for the Order of Isshin-Ryu Martial Arts (OIMA) scholarship program! We are very excited to announce the following first recipient: Zackary Treloar, yon-kyu, Karate Rocks dojo Mr. Treloar is 10 years old and has been training for three years at the Karate Rocks dojo in Windsor, Ontario. He is extremely

Grandmaster Walter ‘Toby’ Cooling – In Memoriam

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 to

Bugeisha Magazine

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,

2021 Fall Shiai – 50th Anniversary

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

2021 WUIKA Gasshuku

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.

50th Anniversary Summer Shiai and Dinner

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

Fall Promotions, 2020

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

Family Returns Home

The COVID-19 Pandemic of this year has brought many challenges to the family of the Order of Isshin-Ryu (OI) both personally and with the practice of their Martial Arts. We have persevered, however, and adjusted our sails to keep training while not in our respective Dojo’s. Sensei David Ginn sparked a Virtual Dojo experience that

Adjusting Our Sails

Since early March, 2020, the world has been struggling to handle the COVID-19 virus. Schools have been closed, businesses shut down, activities cancelled, and restrictions enforced. It has been a challenging time at home, at work, and even in the Dojo. Though our Dojo’s have been closed for the past month, the Order of