This seminar was intended to: instruct women in awareness and prevention of potential and imminent attacks; focus adrenaline responses, vs freezing up or losing mental and emotional control in tense situations; and basic strikes and kicks, which work better than complex moves for personal safety and survival.
On October 4, 2025 we held a seminar at our dojo in Puyallup that featured several instructors who presented a variety of skills and knowledge. Attendance was good and we had a great time sharing ideas and techniques.
Sensei Don Washabaugh opened the event with ideas related to Isshinryu weapons kata techniques and how they compare and are similar to empty-hand techniques, as well as key (and ki) principles of chinkuchi in our practice.
Sensei Dale Heidal presented his brand of self-defense, called TeJutsu, which combines karate and Aikijutsu techniques; the goals being to defend oneself adequately with minimal injury to the attacker.
Sensei Kraig Mott shared bunkai from Seiunchin kata that was different from most of the bunkai usually applied in this kata, which we all found very interesting and effective.
Sensei Mike Osborn, who has been a school teacher for 40+ years, shared valuable teaching strategies and sought feedback and ideas from the group of long-time instructors about our ideas and methods.
Time was also made for anyone wishing to demonstrate a kata or routine that might be considered unique, yet relevant, to Isshinryu or other Okinawan martial arts. Sensei Samuel Danh shared a form created by Shihan A.J. Advincula; Yudansha Apollo Heidal performed a nunchaku kata based on Chinto kata, as created by Sensei Pat Williamson (Mr. Armstrong’s student) in the early 1970’s; Sensei Heidal performed Shimabuku no Kama, created by Soke Eizo Shimabuku and taught to Heidal by Kyoshi Jerry Gould.
A splendid day was had by all. Many thanks to all who attended and brought great skills and energy to the event.
This training took place about twenty-five years ago at Sensei George Shin’s dojo in Auburn, WA. Present were (listed per the line-up in the group photo) Tamayose Sensei, Shin Sensei, Don Shapland Sensei, Jim Shin, Robert Shin, Dale Heidal, Ted Baker.
The training focused on the details of strikes, blocks, and stances with the bo, according to Ryukyu Kobudo. We also learned the bo kata Shushi no kon. The seminar was excellent and it was an honor and a privilege to train with Tamayose Sensei.
Stefen Benning and Eric Williams were recently promoted. Stefen advanced to nidan (2nd degree black belt) and Eric advanced to shichi kyu/yellow belt). Both were rigorously tested and performed very well. Congratulations guys!
Our Northwest Isshinryu group conducted another Te Jutsu training session at Sensei Mike Osborn’s annual Steve Armstrong Memorial Tournament in Bonney Lake, WA in mid-February 2025. It went well and the participants seemed to enjoy learning our self-defense system that combines karate and Aikido; the emphasis being to control an attacker without causing serious injury.
This was a wonderful seminar in San Diego led by Advincula Sensei, with lots of great Isshinryu shared by all.
