Ellwood Shotokan Karate Club, Ellwood City, PA Sensei

A BRIEF NOTE.
I was lucky enough to begin training at an ISKF club at Mercyhurst College in 1983. Most of my kyu tests were given by Sensei Okazaki (a few by Mr. Golden, director of the ISKF MidAtlantic region). I had the honor of testing for shodan under the late Master Nakayama in 1985...and passed!! At the time, I truly did not understand the significance of testing under Master Nakayama, or of passing.

Immediately after passing my shodan test, I was off to "be all I could be, in the US Army". I trained some on my own. I regret I did not take advantage of training with Mr. Ochi while I was stationed in Germany in the mid-80's.

I checked out taekwondo while I was stationed in Korea. By comparison to what I knew of shotokan, the students I saw looked pretty bad. I tried a little hopkido, but it didn't seem to have much depth. There was a lot of jumping and kicking, but we didn't practice any hand techniques or blocking.

I found a renegade 'shotokan' club in Kentucky, but it didn't adhere to the traditional standards I was used too. For me, warming up to the theme from "Rocky" was like finger nails on a chalk board.

I resigned my commission as a Captain in 1991. Various life events led me to Ellwood City. Karate was still in my heart and I wanted a club/people to train with, so I had this crazy idea of starting one in 1995.

It's been a long road and a challenge. Enjoyed it along the way. My students keep me motivated and get me in the dojo to improve my karate everyday. I tested for nidan in 2000 and got a retest. Retested in 2005 and passed. The club has had 7 students awarded shodan by the ISKF. Four brown belts are currently preparing to test in Philadelphia in 2009.

I've done a few tournaments here and there. Not a national champion. But that's sport karate. You only compete with yourself in true karate.

That's me in the photo. Sorry, no cheesy action shot. Stop by the dojo. Come prepared to train. I teach good shotokan karate. Debbie