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Pittsburgh, Pa Backgrounder What is IWKA? ¬H IWKA is the Isshinryu World Karate Association. ¬H Its purpose is to preserve the true and traditional Isshinryu Karate Bushido (principles of samuri), created by its founder, Master Tatsuo Shimabuku of Okinawa.
¬H The mission of IWKA is to provide an accepting and affirming environment for adults and youth that encourages learning, patience, self-discipline and growth as individuals, as well as developing self-defensive skills.
¬H Founded in 1973, it has over 40,000 practicing members worldwide.
¬H Membership is open to anyone wishing to study with a certified isshinryu instructor.
What does IWKA do?
¬H IWKA is the recognized and official organization that confers all Black Belt Dan (instructor) grades, instructor's licenses and traditional titles of Renshi-Go, Kyoshi-Go and Hanshi-Go, which designate the level of the instructors accomplishment.
¬H IWKA world championship tournaments are held every two (2) years.
¬H IWKA has conducted more than 20 world championships since its founding.
What are the IWKA 2009 Championships?
¬H A three day tournament where all isshinnryu trained men, women and children are invited to compete in 80 divisions according to age and level of accomplishment with other competitors attending from across the United States and abroad. Seminars for advanced degrees are also offered as attendees and competitors seek to perfect their skills.
¬H IWKA 2009 will be held in Pittsburgh, PA June 18, 19 and 20, 2009 at the Hilton Hotel of Pittsburgh (downtown).
¬H Thursday, June 18, 2009 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.Hanshi William Duessel (ninth Dan) will offer a Weapons Seminar for men and women with brown or black belts.
¬H Master Shimabuku, the world leader of Isshinryu Karate, will conduct two June 19, 2009: at 1:15 p.m.for men and women with brown and black belts and at 3:15 p.m. for all Issshinryu ranks.
¬H Friday evening, June 19, 2009, Hanshi Duessel will be honored for 50 years of dedication to the martial arts.
¬H Saturday, June 20, 2009 The World Championship competition begins at 9:15 a.m. Judging will be in 14 rings and trophies awarded in 80 divisions; each division has three types of competition: (1) Empty Hand, (2) Weapons, and (3) Sparring (Kumte).
¬H The Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh is the official host of the 2009 tournament. It is the founding site of Isshinryu in United States and appropriately hosting this celebratory tournament.
¬H Pittsburgh has been host city in 1985 and 1992.
Who will attend this World Championship Tournament?
¬H More than 500 competitors, their guests and interested spectators are expected to attend.
¬H The following celebrities will also be attending:
•USensei Kichiro Shimabuku - Ju Dan (10th rank) and current Headmaster of IWKA and the Isshinryu system from Okinawa, Japan. • Hanshi William H. Duessel - The only 9th Dan in the United States, studied with founder of isshinryu, Master Tatsuo Shimabuku. Hanshi Duessel founded The Isshinyru Academy of Pittsburgh. •Kyoshi Charles A.Wallace - 8th rank Dan. •Kevin B. Kumpf - winner of six Grand Championships and three division championships. Also co-coordinator of the tournament.
What is the economic impact of the IWKA 2009 World Championship Tournament?
¬H Competitors typically bring thousands of dollars in tourism revenues to their host city.
¬H The ages of the Championship competitors range from six to 70 years of age. The typical competitor is between 10 to 40 years with an average annual family income of $35,000 to $65,000.
¬H The average championship competitor spends $550.00 for hotel accommodations, meals and entertainment.
¬H The Pittsburgh host is encouraging families and friends to stay an additional day or two to visit the sights of the City of Champions.
¬H Pittsburgh was selected as host city with its history of producing champions in several competitive sports, most recently the Pittsburgh Steelers winning their sixth Super Bowl. The Isshinyru Karate Academy also has a history of championship competitors.
Who supports the 2009 IWKA World Championship Tournament of Pittsburgh?
¬H Member schools and a number of individuals and businesses, including, to date:
Execucore Hodges Communications Insulators Union Local #2 MarketingFirst Yearick-Millea
What is The Isshinyru Karate Academy of Pittsburgh?
¬H The Isshinyru Karate Academy of Pittsburgh is a 501 (c)(3), not-for- profit organization serving individuals who wish to learn the Isshinryu system of martial arts.
¬H The system is a practical style that emphasizes rigorous training, powerful close hand and foot defense, personal development of discipline, respect and determination in learning techniques for physical and mental fitness.
¬H The Academy's headquarters (referred to as a dojo or school) is located at 600 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 152220
¬H Its 18 instructors are all black belts, ranging from first to ninth degree.
Where Do I Get More Information About the 2009 IWKA World Championship Tournament and The Isshinryu Academy of Pittsburgh?
IKA Dojo Instructors 600 Greentree Road Pittsburgh, PA 15220 E-mail: IWKA2009@live.com Phone: 412-928-8460 Fax: 412-687-3323
or contact Irvin P.R. Guyett, Ph.D. Co-Chair and 5th Dan Phone: 412-261-3522 To obtain additional information please visit: For the tournament: http://www.iwka2009-pittsburgh.com For the Academy: http://karatepgh.com/home/
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