Graham's Isshinryu Karate school is a contemporary martial arts training
facility located in Tyler, Tx. Our school is equipped to provide both modern
and traditional training to all karate students. We offer structured practice
and training sessions designed to complement the student's needs. Our student
body consists of many members of the community, including doctors, contractors,
engineers and other professionals, housewives, and students. There is a
wide variety of all ages, starting at 6 years.
As head instructor, Sensei Graham personally oversees each class taught
in the school. Other certified black belts, both male and female, assist
in the classes. All students, beginner to advanced, work together with
commitment, discipline, and respect to help each other achieve the highest
level of martial arts education.
Sensei Ken Graham has devoted more than 20 years to the study, practice,
and teaching of karate. He is currently a 6th degree black belt under Master
Joel Chandler. Sensei Graham has been a major figure in the karate tournement
scene, achieving state and national titles in both kata and kumite, and
won the Texas state championship for 4 years.
Beginning classes allow those students who are just starting
in martial arts to work on the basics of Isshinryu. This includes kicks
and punches, kata, self-defense, and sparring techniques. The pace is slower,
allowing more time for concentration on technique. Sensei Graham and upper
ranking adults work with the class and with individuals to enhance progress.
This class is for white through blue belts, although upper ranks often
participate to review basics and to assist with individual attention to
the newer students.
Advanced classes assume knowledge of basics and are focused
more on application of techniques. A wider and more advanced variety of
self-defense, combinations of kicks and punches, and sparring techniques
are taught. Students also learn advanced kata and bunki, weapons forms,
pressure points, and take-downs. This class is for green belts and higher.
All classes include mixtures of kicking, punching, self-defense, kata,
and sparring. Discussion of various subjects from respect for others to
the history of karate are incorporated into the learning process.
Special Seminars vary and are held on Saturdays. These classes
are sometimes limited to specific groups such as black belts or white belts.
Other classes may be women's or children's self-defense and therefore limited
to those groups. Some seminars are open to the public and some may be open
only to students. Each seminar offers a concentrated focus on a specifc
area of martial arts training.
Our style of karate is Isshinryu, which means "One Heart Method". Isshinryu
karate was introduced in the mid 1950's by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku. Master
Shimabuku studied Shorin-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, and Kobayashi-Ryu systems of karate,
and later studied the bo, sai and tonfa under Okinawa's most noted weapons
instructors. Isshinryu is a combination of the best of these styles and
weapons techniques, using powerful, fast techniques that in today's world
are highly practical for self-defense.
Isshinryu's main objective is self-improvement through both physical and
mental development. As students learn the art of self-defense, they gain
confidence, control, and the ability to concentrate. Isshinryu stresses
"close-in" techniques that are more practical on the street; and the techniques
are mostly thrown from natural stances, limiting wasted motion, maintaining
stability and giving you split-second advantages over many other styles.
Both hand and foot techniques are practiced about 50/50, making Isshinryu
a more versatile form of martial arts because you have no weak points.
The number of colored belts, or kyu ranks, may vary from one studio to
the next, with as few as 5 or as many as 9. All start at white belt and
progress through 1st kyu brown belt. Black belts are known as Dan ranks
and range from 1st through 10th.
Karate is the oriental art of self-defense. Translated, the word means
"empty hand". The art was practiced in secrecy for centuries and was not
taught openly until the 20th century. Many people believe karate is for
fighting. However, karate is first and foremost self-defense, and requires
respect for yourself and others. A karate student is expected to show this
respect to others at all times.
Anyone, any age, any sex, can learn karate. Karate offers several things
to its students, both youth and adult. As a karate student you will gain
in self-confidence and self-esteem. You learn self-control through physical
and mental discipline, learn self-defense, and see improved physical fitness.
Karate training is as challenging as you decide it should be. It is both
physical and mental. Many spend their lives training their minds and bodies.
Karate allows you to train at a pace comfortable, yet challenging for you.
The first few months are spent learning basic skills - punches, kicks,
and stretches; basic self-defense; and classroom sparring. You will also
learn the standard requirements for your first belt promotion. Two to three
formal classes per week are recommended for effective training.
Belt rank progression depends upon the amount of dedication and discipline
in your training. It usually requires 3-4 years of training to earn your
black belt. This is the point where true learning can begin.
