Isshin-ryū Hall of Fame

The Isshin-ryū Hall of Fame (IHOF) is both an annual event of recognized Isshin-ryū practitioners and the associated list of past inductees. The annual event includes a karate tournament of Isshin-ryu practicioners.

History

The IHOF was originally called the IIKA Hall of Fame. [ [http://www.iika.com/iikadevelopment.html IIKA] ] It was created in 1979 by the International Isshin-ryū Karate Association, a group of Isshin-ryū karateka headed by milestone American servicemembers who trained with Master Shimabuku in Okinawa and brought Isshin-ryū to the United States. However, the Hall of Fame was later dissociated from the IIKA to keep it neutral from the many Isshin-ryū organizations and allow them all to have recognized members. As such, in 1981, Harold Long formed the Isshin-ryū Hall of Fame. [ [http://www.iika.com/iikahistory.html IIKA] ] [ [http://www.journaled.com/MA/Isshinryu/main.htm Isshin-ryu Karate] ] Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, the creator of Isshin-ryū, was the first inductee.

Currently

Where some hall of fame lists allow persons to nominate themselves for induction [ [http://www.usadojo.com/hall-of-fames/hall-of-fames.htm USA Dojo] ] , the Isshin-ryū Hall of Fame requires nomination by someone else and the nominations are voted on for induction by a Board made up of 12 members of the Isshin-ryū community.

Each year, Isshin-ryū practicioners take part in the IHOF tournament and awards ceremony. The tournament includes kumite, hand kata, and weapon kata competitions subdivided by age group and rank. After the tournament is an awards ceremony for the tournament winners. There are also awards for "Sensei of the Year" and "Isshin-ryū Service Award", among others.

List of Inductees by Year

References

* [http://www.isshinryu.nxs.net/ Isshin-ryū Hall of Fame Website]
* [http://www.greatkarate.com/isshinryu.php History of Isshin-ryu]
* [http://www.usadojo.com/hall-of-fames/hall-of-fames.htm List of martial arts hall of fames]