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Board Members: Phil McElroy, Jim McDonald, David Gabbard, Kelly Markham, Carol Burris, Jerry Smith, Mike Lewis, Don Bordinger, Sandra Strong Honorary Board Members: Maurice Msarsa, Bruce Guillaume |
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Mr. Larry Coleman is the IIKA’s newest Roku-Dan – congratulations!
Mr. Coleman has been in Isshinryu Karate for approximately twenty-five years and is the student of Mr. JC Burris. Mr. Coleman has been a long-time competitor, judge and instructor, and is well known throughout the IIKA and other circles. Mr. Coleman trained under Mr. Burris at the Burris’ dojo in Athens, TN.  At the IIKA’s Annual Roku-Dan review, Mr. Coleman tested in front of eight of the IIKA’s eleven Board of Directors. The review took place at Mr. David Gabbard’s dojo in Decherd, TN. Before a candidate is eligible for Roku-Dan testing they must be a current IIKA member in good standing and meet the association’s requirements regarding age and time-in-grade. Additionally, candidates must be submitted for testing by their instructor. A copy of the Rank Requirements is posted below.
Once approved for testing, Roku-Dan candidates undergo a rigorous exam to test their knowledge and understanding of the Isshinryu system. The exam lasts the better part of a day and consists of three major areas: 1) Minimum Requirements are required of all candidates. It involves demonstration of Seisan, Seiuchin, Naihanchi, Wansu, Chinto, Kusanku, Sunsu and Sanchin Katas. Also, Tokomeni-no-kun-no-dai and Kusanku-no-sai must be performed. Additional Weapons Katas may be performed if a candidate wishes. Each Kata is commented on and scored along a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being low and 5 representing the highest score. 2) Explanations/Demonstrations are appropriate topics to be covered in a review and reviewers may cover as many as they like. Covered topics include Basic Techniques, Technique Sequence, Meaning of Techniques and Use of Techniques in a Self-Defense Situation. 3) Discussion Topics are also appropriate topics to be covered in a review and reviewers may cover as many as they like. Discussion topics include Karate Code, Explanation of the Mizu-gami, History of Karate and Isshinryu, the Philosophy of Isshinryu, the Significance of Sanchin in Isshinryu and Sensei Loyalty. Upon completion of the exam candidates will either receive a Pass or Repeat recommendation from each reviewer. Applicants who are requested to repeat the exam will be allowed to test again the following year at the IIKA’s next Roku-Dan Annual Review. The road to Roku-Dan is long and covers many years of mental and physical training. For many, it is a transition from student to master. For most, it is a milestone in their martial arts career. For all, it should be a continuation of their journey to learn and improve their Isshinryu knowledge and skills. Mr. Coleman, after years of hard work, is now prepared to assume his role as an Isshinryu Master Instructor. His dedication to God, family, instructor and Isshinryu are well known within the IIKA. He is a man of outstanding character who embodies the very essence of the Isshinryu philosophy and principles. Mr. Coleman has worked had to achieve the Roku-Dan level of success and is to be commended on his accomplishment. It is an honor to have him among our Roku-Dan ranks, and we look forward to his continued involvement with Isshinryu and the IIKA. Congratulations! Sincerely, IIKA Staff |
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