The Dojo

The Japanese name 'Ishinryu' translates to 'All of one heart' and epitomises our martial arts values. 

Ishinryu Karate was first formed in 1973 as a unique style that combines Kyokushinkai, Wado-ryu and Shotokan.

Ishinryu Karate SF was launched in San Francisco in 2018 and is affiliated with Ishinryu Karate International (IKI) and the World Karate Federation (WKF).

Traditional Karate

Ishinryu Karate SF teaches a wide variety of techniques as part of its syllabus - blocks, punches, strikes and kicks.

Basic traditional karate training, or Kihon, includes both standing on the spot practicing single techniques at a time; and moving forwards and backwards practicing combinations of blocks, punches, strikes and kicks. As you advance, you will learn new techniques and the combinations of techniques become more complex. 

You will learn many different techniques commonly practiced in other styles (such as Shotokan, Goju, Kyokushin and self-named styles). In addition you will learn many striking techniques that are are not commonly taught  and are being lost with time. Some of these techniques have lost popularity as they are seen as impractical in today's fast paced WKF fighting world whilst others require a higher grade to be attained before being taught.

Kata

Kata is a choreographed pattern of techniques. Each kata has a name and each style (and each association or even dojo) will perform the kata slightly differently. 

At Ishinryu Karate SF, you will learn a wide variety of kata including from Shotokan, Goju, Kyokushin, Shito-ryu, Wado-ryu. There are fixed requirements for colored grades however at black belt levels we encourage learning all katas from all styles in addition to the syllabus requirements. 

Fighting

Ishinryu Karate SF teaches a number of different fighting (or kumite) styles including: Ippon Kumite (Single attack), Sanbon Kumite (Multiple attacks) and WKF competition sparring.

Our emphasis is on WKF kumite and this requires students to have their own protective gear to participate. This is a point based sparring system that rewards fighters for clean techniques that demonstrate power, accuracy and intent.

In our dojo we combine the values of humility, respect and self-control with the techniques, stamina and fighting spirit of self defense.