Articles – Order of Isshin Ryu

Inaugural Grandmaster Toby Cooling Memorial Tournament – 2023

On September 22nd and 23rd, the Order of Isshin-Ryu Martial Arts (OIMA) hosted its first open Isshin-Ryu Tournament in memory of Grandmaster Walter ‘Toby’ E. Cooling. It was a great day of competition and fellowship that honored the man who devoted his life to martial arts and to the OIMA by bringing together Isshin-Ryu

The Order of Isshin-Ryu: Its Next Generation is Ready to Carry on Denshi’s Legacy

The April 2023 edition of Bugeisha Magazine features a touching tribute to our founder and Sensei Grandmaster Walter ‘Toby’ Cooling and includes another great article written by Master Dan Popp. The article describes in detail Master Cooling’s beginnings in the martial arts, his accomplishments and successes in Isshin-Ryu karate and in his personal life,

Scholarship Award for 2022

This is the first year for the Order of Isshin-Ryu Martial Arts (OIMA) scholarship program! We are very excited to announce the following first recipient: Zackary Treloar, yon-kyu, Karate Rocks dojo Mr. Treloar is 10 years old and has been training for three years at the Karate Rocks dojo in Windsor, Ontario. He is extremely

Grandmaster Walter ‘Toby’ Cooling – In Memoriam

Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of a great man and Isshin-Ryu legend, Grandmaster Walter E. ‘Toby’ Cooling. Master Cooling was a judan (10th degree black belt) and head of the Order of Isshin-Ryu Martial Arts organization. Master Cooling founded the Order of Isshin-Ryu on January 15, 1971 in an effort to

Bugeisha Magazine

Bugeisha is a quarterly magazine for readers and practitioners of traditional martial arts. In its 10th edition, September 2021, an article authored by Master Toby Cooling and Sensei Dan Popp is included: “Order of Isshin-Ryu – A Martial Arts Family Celebrating its Golden Anniversary.” The article describes our roots and history, our family values,

2021 WUIKA Gasshuku

The World United Isshinryu Karate Association (WUIKA) held its 2021 Gasshuku this past weekend in Lutz, Florida. Master Tom Lewis and Master John Bartusevics were guests of honor at the event. Both of these accomplished martial artists are first generation students of Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku (Soke Shimabuku) and 9th dan (kudan) officers of WUIKA.

50th Anniversary Summer Shiai and Dinner

On June 26, 2021, the Order of Isshin-Ryu Martial Arts and esteemed guests gathered at Bohemia Manor High School in Chesapeake City, Maryland, for their 50th Anniversary Summer Shiai. It was a grand event that not only marked our first in-person gathering since COVID-19, but also the 50th Anniversary of the Order of Isshin-Ryu founded

Fall Promotions, 2020

The last 6 months have proven to be challenging for many people, from all over the world, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Order of Isshin-Ryu (OI) has remained OI Strong, however, by introducing virtual classes, evaluation opportunities, and Shiai participation. We have ‘adjusted our sails’ to continue our training. At this time, OI Dojos

In Memory of Master Barry L. Smith

In Memory of Master Barry L. Smith, 9th Dan, Order of Isshin-Ryu 1945 – 2019 It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our brother and friend, Master Barry L. Smith, has passed after a long battle with cancer. As one of the founding members of the Order of Isshin-Ryu, Master Smith’s martial

Remembering Black Belt Joseph Nickle

Joseph Ward Nickle of Millington, MD, passed away peacefully at home March 1, 2019, after battling pancreatic cancer for over three years. He was born in Elkton, Maryland to Ward B. and Rose (Hague) Nickle. He is survived by his wife Joan Berwick, his sons Jason, Ward, Joe and Josh, brothers John and David (Elkton), sister Teresa Figlow