About Isshinryu
Over the last 20 years we have been frequently asked by parents if karate would be good for their children. The answer is without a doubt. We recommend that kids have some type of structure in their lives. We have witnessed significant improvements in attitude, grades, respectfulness, and self awareness in many of the students we have taught. We are also frequently asked what type of karate would be good. Several years ago, we answered that question by saying "Simply Isshinryu." This is how we came up with the name Simply Isshinryu – which has now become our dojo and web-site name.
Of course other styles of karate are good some of which are better than others but in our hearts Isshinryu is the best. We opened our dojo because we want to share what we love with people and help other people who feel the same way promote this great art. Yes you heard it right, we said "Art." Karate is not all about fighting and learning how to fight. Karate is the art of self-defense. With karate you can learn how to diffuse a situation, and if need be, take care of your attacker.
Over the years, many fads have come and gone in the martial arts. "Tae-Bo," cardio- karate, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) to name just a few. At Simply Isshinryu Karate & Fitness, our students (called "karateka") learn techniques that work in real life situations. Isshinryu basics, kata, and self defense that we teach do contain an aerobic or cardio-karate component but they also have take down, pressure point, rapid fire, grappling, and "get out of harm's way" components.
Our dojo uses a standardized curriculum that ensures consistency and fairness in determining when karateka are eligible for promotion. We teach all of the traditional Isshinryu "empty hand" and weapons katas, and while sparring is not a strict requirement, we encourage our karateka to spar under our supervision and controlled circumstances (always refereed). As we frequently ask our karateka, "Do you want to take that first hit and be completely surprised when you're on the street in a bad situation, or would you prefer to learn in our controlled and safe environment?"
We offer beginner, advanced, and brown/black belt classes. We welcome karateka and black belts (Dans) that have training in other styles. Click on our class schedule, found under the Karate & Fitness tab, for further information about class schedules.
Some major differences you will see if you have studied other styles of Karate are:
- Isshinryu Karate punches are executed vertically rather than the traditional corkscrew style. The thumb is placed on top of the fist rather than the side.
- Isshinryu Katate blocks are executed with the ulna and radius bones, along with the muscles in between rather than bone on bone, which in other styles is referred to as "hard style" blocking.
- Isshinryu Karate kicks and punches are thrown from natural stances, eliminating wasted motions and giving you split-second advantages over opponents using other styles.
- Isshinryu Karate stresses proficiency with both hand and foot techniques, making it the most versatile form of Karate because you have no weak points.
- Isshinryu Karate is the most realistic style of Karate, stressing close-in techniques necessary for "street fighting" where you haven't time for the elaborate time consuming wind-ups that other styles employ.
- Isshinryu Karate is the most sensible form of Karate, with snap-punch and snap-kick techniques that permit you to move in and out quickly, without committing yourself to a disadvantaged position should you miss or misjudge.
- Isshinryu Karate is more adaptable to the American physique and temperament than other more rigid styles because it was designed to follow natural body movements.
- Isshinryu Karate will put you into excellent/top physical shape because it provides you with an aggressive exercise program that will improve your muscle tone, flexibility, speed, and wind.
- Isshinryu Karate may help you in your job since the mental and physical conditioning provides you with an opportunity to "wind down" from daily tensions and frustrations.
Our Team
Joseph J. Sveska
Mr. Joseph J. Sveska started Isshinryu karate as an activity with his father in June of 1992. He was interested in learning the martial arts as a way to defend himself. The first few years instilled in him a passion for the fitness and mental aspects of Isshinryu. He realized early on that it takes more than learning the moves to be successful in the martial arts, and over the years learned to never underestimate the simplicity of the move by the complexity of its execution.
Mr. Sveska has had the pleasure of training with some of the best martial artists and in a number of styles. He has trained with the following Isshinryu practitioners: Master Robert White, Master Norbert Donnelly, Master Martin "Speedy" Gatlin, Master Carl Prather, and Mr. Steven Moody. He has also received training with many other instructors and styles, which includes: Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Krav Maga, and Jiu Jitsu. Mr. Sveska believes that a true martial artist never stops learning, and that is why he is currently a student in Jiu Jitsu.
Mr. Sveska's philosophy at Simply Isshinryu Karate and Fitness is easy; it is a way of life. Whatever brings you to the dojo doesn't matter (fitness, self confidence, or self defense). What does matter is bringing a good attitude. No matter what you do in life, a good attitude is going to allow you to get more out of any activity you perform. This is the type of environment that we strive for in our Dojo.
Mr. Sveska is a member of the Okinawan Isshinryu Karate Kobudo Association (www.oikka.com) and trains under Master Christopher Chase, Kaicho (9th degree black belt) and head of the OIKKA.
Kim Sveska
Mr. Kim J. Sveska began his journey in Isshinryu karate in June of 1992. Mr. Sveska started training under Master Robert White, and was primarily interested in cardiovascular fitness and the fact that he was learning karate with his almost 15 year old son, Joseph. Mr. Sveska was previously a serious runner, averaging 50+ miles per week, but was concerned about the effect of long distance competitive running on his joints. Mr. Sveska soon realized that he liked all aspects of Isshinryu karate training, which, in the early days, included quite a bit of cardiovascular fitness, kata, and medium to heavy sparring.
Over the 19 years that Mr. Sveska has practiced and taught Isshinryu karate, he has trained with and been promoted by Master Robert White, Master Norbert Donnelly, Master Martin (Speedy) Gatlin, Master Carl Prather, and Mr. Steve Moody. Mr. Sveska is trained and proficient in all Isshinryu empty hand katas (forms), Isshinryu weapons katas, advanced self defense, and sparring. Mr. Sveska is currently a Go-Dan (5th degree black belt) in Isshinryu karate.
Mr. Sveska's philosophy about karate is simple – Isshinryu karate can get you in shape, help you lose weight if that's your goal, build cardiovascular stamina, improve your self-confidence, enable you to defend yourself when necessary, and improve your self- awareness. Whether your goal is to become a warrior, get in shape, improve your focus, or to be able to defend yourself, karate can help you achieve your goal. Personally – karate has improved Mr. Sveska's relationship with his son Joseph, his ability to focus on serious life events and day-to-day issues, and ability to roll with the punches (pun intended) that we all experience in life.
When Mr. Sveska is not teaching karate, he is a trial attorney that defends health care professionals, hospitals, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, product manufacturers, other businesses, and is a licensed pharmacist.
Mr. Sveska is a member of the Okinawan Isshinryu Karate Kobudo Association (www.oikka.com) and trains under Master Christopher Chase, Kaicho (9th degree black belt) and head of the OIKKA.
Thomas E. Acker
Mr. Thomas E. Acker began his journey in Isshinryu karate in the summer of 1995. Mr. Acker started training under Mr. Steven B. Moody, and was primarily interested in self-defense, fighting and weapons. Now though Mr. Acker feels that being a martial artist is more than just self-defense, fighting and weapons; Martial Arts is a way of life. The Martial Arts help you grow mentally, physically and spiritually. Mr. Acker believes without the structure and guidance of the martial arts he would not be where he is at today.
Mr. Acker has had the pleasure of training with some of the best martial artists in Isshinryu Karate: Sensei Sherman Harrill, Master Norbert Donnelly, Master Martin "Speedy" Gatlin, Master Carl Prather, and Mr. Steven Moody. He has also received training in Tae Kwon Do with Mr. Hayme Serrato.
When Mr. Acker is not teaching karate, he is a Software integration and implementation developer. Mr. Acker also enjoys Scuba Diving where he has had the opportunity to travel to many places such as Nassau Bahamas, Bonaire, St. Lucia, Grand Cayman to enjoy the underwater world.
Mr. Acker is a member of the Okinawan Isshinryu Karate Kobudo Association (www.oikka.com) and trains under Master Christopher Chase, Kaicho (9th degree black belt) and head of the OIKKA.