East West Karate Academy
155 Woodport Road
Sparta, N.J. 07871
Tel: 973.729.1313 www.eastwestkaratenj.com
Untitled Document
Welcome
Our Dojo
Meet Sensei
Meet Sempai
Etiquette
Karate
Dear Parents & Students,
Welcome To East West Karate! We are happy to have you as part of our family of students and parents. Please take the time to review the following procedures regarding drop off and pickup.
Do not drop off your child more than 15 minutes before class starts. (Unless special permission) All students are instructed to enter and exit from the rear and to place equipment bags and shoes in changing room and to proceed upstairs immediately.
Students are the only people permitted downstairs or in the changing room. Once upstairs students are to pull their attendance card and sit quietly and wait permission to bow on. The back door will be closed and locked most times during the beginning of class. In the case that you are running late, you must enter from the front of the school. Should this occur on a frequent basis a warning will be issued. This policy is for safety and not intended to be an exception to our rule.
Our rule is that once your child enters downstairs they are not allowed out until the end of class, unless they have forgotten something; please bring that item in the front so that we can give it to them for you.
Should you need to pick up your child early, please advise Miss Kathleen at the front desk and they will be dismissed from the front. If someone other than the parents is to pickup a child please inform Sensei or the instructor. Also let your child know because we insist that they do not go out the door until they see their parents.
As a courtesy, we will have a child wait upstairs if the parent is running late for a pickup. If possible please try to call and inform us prior to dismissal of class. I urge all parents to set up a code word for your child in case you ever do need someone to pickup your child in your absence, and insist under NO circumstance should they ever go with anyone unless that person knows the code word.
If a child is awaiting another sibling or parent they are to wait in the reception area with a quiet activity such as a book, homework, coloring book, etc. Please remember that the dojo is also a place of business and we cannot be responsible to baby-sit. Out of respect for all, please refrain from food and not much more than a whisper so that others may enjoy observation of our classes.
PARKING – I know you've heard it already, however, we are always getting new people; for courtesy please do not park directly in front of any store. All other spots in all 3 lots are acceptable.
Thank you again for taking your time to review the above.
Respectfully,
Sensei Klinger
East West Karate Academy is located in beautiful Sussex County NJ, in the lake community of Sparta/Lake Mohawk. Our school began in Stanhope, NJ in 1989. In 1992, we opened a second dojo in Sparta. In April 1999, our current location, 155 Woodport Road Sparta, was purchased and both dojos were merged into one Academy.
At East West Karate Academy we study Isshinryu, which translates to "One-Heart Style". Isshinryu, founded by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, originated in Okinawa in 1954. This form of Karate is a combination of two older styles: Shorinryu and Gojuryu. Isshinryu emphasizes speed, simplicity and practical self defense.
Studying Karate isn't just about the moves. Students are also trained in Physical Fitness, Conditioning, Agility and Balance.
Other focuses of study include: Kali & Escrima, Jujitsu, Judo, Okinawan Weapons, Muay Thai Drills and Thai Drills. Students wishing to compete beyond the dojo are welcome to join the East West AAU Team.
The East West Family is all “home grown”. They are parents or students who have taken special training with Sensei Klinger on the methods of teaching and communicating benefits. Instructors are gentle, but firm, and stress the importance of developing a positive mental attitude. Most importantly the instructors love what they do. Their reputation is important and they continually work on self-improvement through the art of karate.
Each class is professionally planned and conducted in a disciplined manner to develop a proper attitude and environment for learning. There is a large staff which increases the teacher/student ratio. Students are trained diligently and are taught to always do their best, in and out of the dojo.
At East West, students are broken into groups based on age and experience. This enables our instructors to teach in a safe environment and allows students to learn at the at a rank-appropriate pace. Students are promoted in rank when they demonstrate they have the required physical and mental skills. This means that they attend classes regularly, show commitment to learning by practicing and studying concepts, and behave as a dedicated karate student, both in and out of the dojo.
We welcome you to contact us with questions or stop by the school to observe our staff and students in action.
I am not sure if I found karate, or karate found me. As a young boy, I was shy and introverted, the classic traits that make one an easy target for bullies. I was eight years old during the gasoline shortage of 1974, and cars formed what seemed like mile long lines on even/odd days. At the time, karate wasn’t as commonplace as it is today, but there happened to be one location in Ledgewood and during one of our long waits for a tank of gas, my father encouraged me to begin lessons as a means of self defense. The instructor I began with was Shihan Dale Jenkins.
Sensei, 8 years old.
I wouldn’t say that I loved karate from the beginning. In fact, there were many times I thought I might quit. Shihan Jenkins, however, made everything that might otherwise be mundane, a lot of fun. So, with a little encouragement from home, I began my way through the ranks.
As time passed from yellow to orange, green to purple, I began competing. It seemed like everyone else who competed from our class would bring home a medal or a trophy, but not me. I continuously came home in true karate style, that is, with “empty hands”. Although, I was at times a bit discouraged, I kept at it. One day, at a competition at Brookdale Community College (Lincroft, NJ), I was thrilled to place 3rd in a Kata competition. Finally, my break through!
Meanwhile, Shihan Dale Jenkins, an excellent teacher and business man, was spreading Isshinryu karate throughout the area. What started as one location, quickly grew into thirteen locations and was, in it’s day, the largest, Isshinryu organization in New Jersey.
Sensei Klinger promoted to Roko Dan by Shihan Adler in 1999.
It wasn’t long before I was afforded the opportunity to assist and then teach classes at these various locations. It was during this time, in July 1982, that I was promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt. Shihan Dale Jenkins, was a definite role model. He had a great sense of humor, was kind and personable to everyone he met and would often offer help to those in need. When training his black belts, he would tell us to “Be a professional, in a world of amateurs.” Shihan Jenkins was always encouraging his students to set goals and do whatever it takes to achieve them. He himself always wanted to be better and encouraged his students to strive as well. He was a true role model for me during my formative years.
Sadly, the man who had been like a second father to me, passed away at an early age on October 9, 1984. To this day, there is not a day that I don’t think of him. Shihan Jenkins legacy continued and his dojos remained in existence. I continued to teach and train for the next nine years with the same group of Black Belts at American Budo Kai and received both my “San Dan” (3rd Degree) and “Yon Dan” (4th Degree) Black belts during that time. I also started teaching classes at dance studio called “Fabulous Feet” on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Byram. The classes grew and soon thereafter in 1990, I opened my first dojo in Byram, NJ, followed by a second location in Sparta, NJ in 1994.
Shihan Jenkins was the man who set many of us black belts on our path, but I soon yearned for more training. During competitions I noticed one man’s group continuously placing well, Shihan Nick Adler. His dojo was in Long Island, so I would drive out Friday evenings so I could attend his class at 8AM Saturday morning. We would train in the morning, then help teach classes throughout the day and continue training after the classes, usually one-on-one.
Sensei Kowalski Sr Student of the late Shihan Jenkins presented Sensei Klinger Shihans Belt. An Honor that will never be forgotten. 2/23/2001
Often times, I would stop on the ride home, just before the George Washington bridge and indulge in a bit of sushi and then practice some of the moves we had covered that day. Although it was still the same form of karate, Shihan Adler had his own subtleties which differ from most other Isshinryu.
Shihan Adler was able to take the foundation that Shihan Jenkins had given me and further polish my skills to a higher level. It was also during this time that I started training in Kempo Kobudo (weapons) and ultimately achieved the rank of 1st degree Black Belt in Kempo Kobudo.
Sensei with Master Uezu
Shihan Adler also helped me fulfill a childhood dream. As a kid, I loved to watch the “Karate Kid” movies and longed to visit Okinawa myself to see where Isshinryu was founded. Shihan Adler was instrumental in coordinating a visit with Master Angi Uezu, a leading Isshinryu instructor in Okinawa and in 1998 my dream became a reality. I stayed with Master Uezu, sleeping on a cot in his dojo. We would train in the mornings and then he would take me to see his favorite sites of Okinawa. Okinawa is truly a beautiful place, and people who I met were very kind and gentle. I loved Northern Okinawa; “Motobu Soba” was my favorite! We visited the grave site of “the Master”, Tatsuo Shimabuku, as well as, the house that he had once lived. It was a wonderful experience that helped round-out my understanding of Isshinryu and the culture from which it was formed.
After a few dojo relocations, we now find ourselves at our current location on Woodport Road, in Sparta, NJ, which opened in 1999. Over the years, many, many children have trained with us, some all the way into adulthood. It’s always gratifying to watch children grow in both skill and knowledge and to know that East West has played a role in shaping them into fine young adults. We’ve been fortunate enough to retain some of these young adults and they are now part of our group of fantastic instructors. Many of these young instructors, along with our more senior instructors have various aspirations in life and karate, however we all share one common goal...to provide and maintain a high quality program, in a caring and safe environment.
Sensei Klinger is currently a 7th Degree Blackbelt in Isshinryu Karate and a 1st Degree Blackbelt in Kempo Kobudo. For further details on his Karate career, please visit the "Instructors" section.
Hello and Welcome to East West Karate!
I’m Brian Eckenrode and have been training under Sensei Scott Klinger since October of 1989.
The dojo has always had a family like atmosphere and continues to grow stronger through the years. Growing up with East West as a part of my life, I recall spending the end of my summer at karate camp and spening time with my friends at the kids fun days held at the dojo.
Sensei Scott Klinger promotes Sempai to 4th Degree black belt. November 2007
Training with Sensei over the years has been a rich an rewarding experience. When I first began training at East West, there weren't any other dojos in the area. I am extremely lucky to have found Sensei. I began assisting in classes under Sensei in 1994 and teaching classes on my own in 1996.
Presently, I am teaching at the dojo and at our satellite locations at St. Josephs Regional School, Green Hills School, Camp Auxilium, Oak Tree Pre-school, and Kiddie Academy. As instructors we continue to stress the importance of respect for each other, self-control and self-discipline, while offering a fun and exciting atmosphere.
Etiquette is crucial to good karate, not only because it is an intrinsic part of the culture that produced karate, but because good etiquette is essential for correct discipline. The consideration and politeness that form the ethical basis for karate is reflected through etiquette.
The strict observance of etiquette helps to remind us that the dojo is a place of safety and cooperation, where we have respect for our instructors and for each other.
Members of East West Karate Academies are always encouraged to practice the best possible etiquette, here in our dojo and when training elsewhere. While the etiquette you learn here is not necessarily the only way, it is the way we do it here. If you remember the purpose behind good etiquette and always remain on your best behavior when visiting other dojos, you will never embarrass yourself or your dojo.
Some points of etiquette practiced at our dojo are summarized below. By observing senior students you will pick up others as well.
It is recommended that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before class in scheduled to begin to prepare yourself for class. In the case of children, they should arrive 10 minutes prior to class.
Before entering & leaving the dojo floor, always face the front of the dojo and make a short standing bow. It should be understood that this is not a gesture of worship, it is a gesture of respect for the dojo and the founders.
If despite your best efforts you have arrived after the instructor has already bowed the class onto the floor (whether or not class has formally began), you should wait off the dojo floor at the edge until the instructor has noticed you and given you permission to join the class.
Students of any rank may practice with each other. It is appropriate, polite, and a excellent idea for beginning students to seek out advanced students and ask them to practice with the exception of kumite when a higher rank will aski you if he/she wants to spar with you.
Practice should be carried out without conversation. If you are seriously confused, you may ask for help, but discussions or lengthy commentaries are not appropriate during class. In any case, a junior kyu should never try to correct someone of higher rank; it is a very bad breach of etiquette, even if you think you are right and the senior student is incorrect.
If the instructor offers personal instruction to you or your partner, stop practicing with your partner and pay strict attention to the instructor. When the instructor has completed offering personal instruction to you or your partner, thank the instructor by bowing and saying "Thank You" or "Thank you Sensei", as appropriate.
After practicing together, both partners should bow to each other and thank each other for what each has taught the other one.
During the course of a workout it is possible that accidents may occur, whether it be bumping into someone other that your partner, being
thrown into someone, etc. If this happens it is considered good manners to bow to all concerned and excuse yourself.
Students should never casually wander on and off the dojo floor during class. If you need to leave the floor please ask permission of the instructor. Non students should never enter the dojo floor. Students and non students should not disrupt a class in session.
At the end of class, straighten your gi and present yourself to how out. After bowing out the students should, as a group, thank the instructor by saying "Domo Arigato". Students should always respond to instructors as follows: Yes or No, Shihan, Sensei, Sir or Mam. No slang is to he used.
Black belts are never to he called by their first names. They have earned the right to be called Mr., Mrs., or Ms....
It is proper to kneel to the right knee when tying your belt or hachimaka on the dojo floor. This will also apply when contact is made during kumite. One should turn away and sit in seiza position.
Senior Students are always responsible for Kohai.
If you need to ask a question, please raise your hand.
Your rank that you wear is not a shield to hide behind, each time you tie your obi is should be re-earned in your mind and maintained physically.
All karate begins and ends with respect therefore rank is to be recognized always. (This is a two way street.)
Try not to think of these words as rules, but as guidelines. The etiquette that governs your behavior both in and out. of the dojo, should always be a reflection of your consideration for others.
Please also reference the etiquette regarding attendance at formal training classes.
Respect for Sensei
The term "Sensei" is the most commonly used of all honorific titles. Basically it conveys the meaning of "teacher" or "instructor", but underlying this is a title embodying deep honor and respect. In a traditional dojo, the sensei is always the master instructor to whom the highest respect is due. He is associated with the centuries long chain of great masters and their knowledge and teaching of karate. Thus, respect for the sensei includes not only respect for the masters of past decades but also to the art of karate. In terms of etiquette the sensei should be treated with the respect listed below.
When the sensei enters the training hall, the highest-ranking member, or member in charge should immediately recognize his presence and authority by calling the training class to attention and offering due respect by bowing.
At all times when addressing or referring to the head instructor, the student should use the title "sensei". And avoid using the instructor's proper name. To do otherwise is considered as an insult.
Should a student desire to inquire about anything during training class, he must obtain permission through a member senior to himself, a chain of rank and command should be formed and never broken for any reason. It is considered a breach of etiquette to approach the sensei directly.
Above all else, the student should seek to uphold the ethics and integrity of the sensei, and strive to remain loyal to him and the art of karate.
Dojo Rules
As you enter the dojo floor, a respectable bow is to be given to show your spirit and readiness to train.
A respectable bow is to be given whenever going on or off the dojo floor.
If you walk in class late, stand at attention until the instructor has acknowledged your presence by bowing to you.
All black belt instructors are to be addressed by their surname Mr. or Mrs. appropriately.
All students must keep a steady attendance of class.
A student cannot leave class early without the permission of the instructor.
Whenever an instructor is explaining or demonstrating a technique all students must immediately give him their attention.
Students are responsible for the techniques and forms they are taught. At any time you may be asked to perform them. You learn by seeing, listening, questioning & doing.
Absolutely no disrespect will be shown to any instructors or fellow students.
It is up to everyone to help keep the dojo clean. Inquire from time to time to see if any help is needed in cleaning of the dojo, etc.
Always respect your sensei and pay close attention to what he has to say at all times. Each student should bow to the sensei before and after each class. Remember that true karate begins and ends with courtesy.
Student Rules
The gi must be clean at all times.
Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed and cleaned. Personal cleanliness and hygiene is most important.
Smoking is prohibited in the dojo.
Chewing gum is prohibited during practice.
Students may not wear rings or other jewelry during practice.
If you have any physical disability, restrictions, or injuries, inform the instructor before class begins.
No drinking or eating is allowed on the dojo floor.
Never leave clothing or valuables of any type in the dojo. We will not be responsible for these articles lost or stolen.
All members shall remove their shoes before walking on the dojo floor.
Do not misuse any equipment in the dojo.
No male student is allowed to spar without a protective cup.
All students must have mouth guard & sparring equipment before they begin to spar.
Derogatory remark about instructors or fellow students will not be tolerated.
If a student withdraws from the dojo temporarily or permanently, let the sensei know immediately in person or by phone.
No students are allowed to spar without the consent of the instructor.
Rules for Sparing (Kumite)
All students are required to wear their own protective gear as follows:
Protective gear for children & adults
Headgear
Hand Pads
Footgear
Mouth Guard
Groin Cup and supporter (males only)
This equipment must be purchased through the dojo and is necessary after the first full grade belt promotion.
Recommended protective gear:
Shin guards
Forearm Guards
Crotch protectors (women only)
Breast Guard (women only - not necessary with adequate chest protector)
All equipment must be foam dipped unless an active member of AAU. Then approved and sanctioned AAU hand pads may be worn.
No techniques are allowed to the spinal area.
No techniques below the belt are allowed.
No techniques are allowed to the throat.
No blind techniques are allowed.
No open finger techniques are allowed to face area (i.e. shuto, haito, or nukite)
Only light contact (touch) sparring to headgear and body is permitted. Light contact to the face is allowed for advanced ranks. No contact is permitted to the groin.
Sweeps are permitted, however, no type of trap or sweep is allowed against the joints.
If any student does not have the necessary equipment, he/she will not be allowed to participate in sparring for that day.
Safety Rules
Please keep in mind these issues of safety and courtesy when bringing you child to the dojo.
All children in the Little Dragons' and Children's classes should be escorted to and from the back door of the dojo by their parents. Siblings who are themselves young children are not acceptable escorts.
Do not allow you child to come and find you in your car. Many children have been insisting that they are to cross the parking lot or to go look for their parent's car. Children will not be dismissed from the back door until their parent is physically present to leave with them.
Be prompt!!! Have your child at the dojo 15 minutes before his or her class is scheduled to begin. The children require time to get ready for class. This includes organizing themselves in the changing rooms (ie. removing coasts and shoes, putting on obi's* and hacimakas, etc.) , finding their attendance cards, using the bathroom if necessary, and warming up before class. Preparedness will help with your child's focus and performance.
*Obi's are not to be worn outside the dojo. Children should learn to put them on after entering and remove them prior to leaving to show proper respect.
Please do not be late to pick-up your child when class ends. This is an important courtesy issue for the teen and adult students who supervise your children prior to their own classes. Tardiness on the parent's part imposes on these student volunteers, who then miss the start of the class that follows. Little dragon classes run for 45 minutes and the Children's Division classes are 1 hour. Plan ahead so you can be at the back door to retrieve your child when he or she is dismissed.
Patch Placement
Patch should be purchased by students with their own money by way of doing extra chores which will teach responsibility
Karate is an ancient oriental art of self-defense, which has been practiced for centuries.
The Japanese word "karate" means empty hands, which implies that weapons are not used. However, weapons are used, but these are the natural weapons of the body - fists, open hands, elbows, feet and knees. Through lightning fast blocks, punches, chops, elbow strikes and kicks, the karate-ka is capable of defending himself against one or more attackers.
Karate is a philosophy that goes beyond the boundaries of obvious self-defense techniques. Within karate is the potential of a new person, one whose real strength is in the awareness and perception developed by mind-body discipline. Karate allows the whole body and mental energy to be directed in a single appointed way. 'This enables the practitioner to accomplish feats which amaze the uninitiated, but are viewed as commonplace among those who have come to realize their potential.
The modern art of karate was developed out of a more thorough organization and rationalization of these techniques. And the three branches of present-day karate - as a physical art, as a sport, and as self-defense - all are based on the use of the same fundamental techniques.
There are various elements involved in studying the Oriental Fighting Art of Karate.
Basic Exercises Fundamental punches, blocks, and hand strikes.
Basic Kicks
Stretching Warm-up exercises
Falling The art of learning proper techniques for protecting one's body when thrown or tripped.
Throwing The art of unbalancing someone and applying a throwing techniques.
Exercise Routines Pre-arranged continuous sequence of basic exercises and kicks, the purpose of which is to prepare one for Kata and Kumite, and also develop the use of techniques in different directions.
Kata Pre-arranged fighting forms according to Isshin-ryu Karate of Okinawa, in our case.
Kumite Free style sparring or fighting with no to little contact made unless protective equipment is worn and there is Black Belt supervision.
Sho-Bu Techniques Pre-arranged defensive techniques practiced with one attacking and one defending both against Karate and Street attackers.
Study of Martial Arts related terminology and philosophy.
The first two elements of Karate are usually done as a group activity in the beginning of each formal class; with Sensei or one of the assistants leading the class.
Why Study Karate?
Self defense is usually the reason why most students study karate. One might call karate an educated way of street fighting, but as you study karate you will find that there is much more to it than this.
Whatever the new student's reasons for studying karate they soon become aware of the many benefits from their training, both expected and unexpected.
Karate, as a martial art , was perfected in Okinawa after many centuries in the orient. It is based upon both mental and bodily discipline. It is proven to be one of the finest forms of exercise.
With the qualities that karate offers, conditioning, self defense, self confidence, and security, karate can become the ultimate perfection of the human character.
The karate-ka feels healthy and physically fit. He/she is confident that they are learning to defend themselves, and this quiet confidence filters through to all the phases of their daily life. The further they progress in karate, the greater their respect for themselves, as well as for others.
What is Isshin-ryu Karate?
Isshinryu (one heart; one mind) introduced in 1954 by Tatsuo Shimabuku. Sensei Shimabuku studied both the Shorinryu & Gojuryu systems. Then he studied the Bo, Sai and Tonfa under Okinawa's most noted instructors. Isshinryu is a combination of the best of these styles and weapons techniques and epitomizes the powerful, lighting-fast techniques that enabled the weaponless Okinawan people to endure the rein of the Chinese empire to defeat the sword-wielding Samurai of Japan.
Isshinryu's main goal is to perfect oneself through physical and mental development. As students learn they acquire self-confidence, serenity & humility. Isshinryu has many advantages over other styles as:
Isshinryu techniques are mostly thrown from natural stances, limiting wasted motion, maintaining stability & giving you split-second advantages over other styles.
Isshinryu stresses "close in" techniques that are more practical on the street vs. high flashy kicks for example.
Isshinryu uses a "snap style" that permits you to move quickly, deliver more punches or kicks, and lead naturally into other techniques, e.g. the straight punch has no corkscrew common in other styles. Approximately five Isshinryu punches can be thrown in the time used for one corkscrew punch.
History
Grand Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, Founder of Isshinryu Karate
Master Tatsuo Shimabuku combined what he had learned about the Martial Arts with his own philosophies and in 1954 Isshin-ryu Karate was born.
Tatsuo Shimabuku, originally named Shinkichi, was born on September 19, 1908, in Chan Village, Okinawa. He later changed his name to Tatsuo, meaning "Dragon Man." At the age of 12, he began training with his uncle, Kamasu Chan (also called Ganeku), in Shuri-Te. He initially began karate training in the hopes that he would be able to fend off his older brother who would frequently torment him. After a few months of training, his brother no longer posed a threat for young Tatsuo. He later studied Shorin-Ryu under Chotoku Kyan (left), Goju-Ryu with Chojun Miyagi (middle), and Shorei-Ryu under Choki Motobu (right).
Later in his life, he studied Okinawan Kobudo with the famous master Shinken Taira, from whom he learned the techniques of the bo, sai, and tonfa. From Kyan, Shimabuku learned Seisan, Naihanchi, Wansu, Chinto, Kusanku, and Tokumine No Kun (Bo #1) kata. Kata which he also learned from Kyan but which he chose not to incorporate as part of his new style of karate included Gojushiho, Passai, and Pinan. It is also likely that Shimabuku learned the arts of kyusho-jutsu (pressure point fighting) and tuite (joint locking) from Kyan.
From Miyagi, he learned Seiunchin and Sanchin, and from Motobu, he learned his version of Naihanchi kata, as well as kumite techniques and how to properly train with the makiwara. From Shinken Taira, Shimabuku learned the following weapons kata: Chatanyara No Sai, Urashi Bo (Bo #2), Shishi No Kun (Bo #3), and Hamahiga No Tuifa. . Shimabuku later incorporated two additional kata into his repertoire: Sunsu and Kusanku Sai. Sunsu Kata contains a combination of the techniques and principles from the other seven Isshinryu empty-hand kata, kata which he learned but did not include in Isshinryu in their entirety (e.g. Pinan), and Master Shimabuku's personal favorite techniques. Sunsu represents the culmination of the Master's understanding of the higher level principles of the martial arts and is the most complete (and difficult) kata in Isshinryu. Kusanku Sai was an adaptation of the empty-hand Kusanku Kata and Kyan No Sai, a short sai kata which Master Shimabuku adopted from Chotoku Kyan and taught during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
During 1939, as Japanese militarization increased in the Pacific theatre, Tatsuo Shimabuku traveled to the Phillipines where he stayed for two years. His activities in the Phillipines are unknown. In 1941, he traveled to Tokyo, Japan, where he worked as a general manager and stayed until 1944. He then returned to Okinawa to get his family and returned to Kyushu in Southern Japan where he worked as a farmer until the end of the war. At this time, he also began to teach an eclectic style of karate called Chan Mighwa-te (Small Eyed Kyan's Karate), which was a combination of Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu, named in homage of Master Shimabuku's most pervasive karate influence, Chotoku Kyan, who died in 1945 as a result of starvation from the war. Master Shimabuku began experimenting with a number of new, innovative techniques, most notably the vertical fist punch and block which he later added to his new system of karate.
On January 15, 1956, he officially announced the formation of a new style of karate, "Isshinryu," meaning "One-Heart (or Whole-Heart) Way." He chose this name because, according to Shimabuku, "all things begin with One." Beginning in the mid-50s, Shimabuku began to instruct a number of U.S. Marines in his front yard in Chan Village. During February 1956, Don Nagle became the first American of note to train with Master Shimabuku at his original dojo. Shortly thereafter, the dojo was moved to Agena in order for Master Shimabuku to be closer to the military bases.
In August 1974, Kichiro Shimabuku, Tatsuo's eldest son, formed the Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA). He sent out a letter to all Isshinryu practitioners that all ranks awarded prior to August 31, 1974 would be considered valid, but all ranks awarded thereafter must be in the IWKA in order to be recognized. Although many Isshinryu karateka continued to support Kichiro Shimabuku and the IWKA, many left and joined other Isshinryu organizations or became independent. During December 1974, Harold Long traveled to Okinawa to seek Master Shimabuku's permission to create a new Isshinryu association in the United States. Leaving without a definitive answer from Master Shimabuku, Long and a number of other high-ranking American Isshinryu black belts decided to form the International Isshinryu Karate Association (IIKA).
On May 30, 1975, Master Tatsuo Shimabuku passed away at his home in Agena, Okinawa, after suffering a stroke. After Master Shimabuku's death, Isshinryu splintered with a number of associations and independent dojos. Kichiro Shimabuku administered the IWKA from Gushikawa City, Okinawa, Steve Armstrong continued the operation of the American-Okinawan Karate Association (AOKA), and Harold Long continued the work of the IIKA in Tennessee. In March 1977, Harold Mitchum, Ed Johnson, Arcenio J. Advincula, and Milledge Murphey formed the United Isshinryu Karate Association (UIKA) in Albany, Georgia.
Although Angi Uezu and a number of other Okinawan Isshinryu masters remained with Kichiro Shimabuku in the beginning, Angi Uezu left the association in 1989 and formed the Okinawa Isshinryu Karate and Kobudo Association (OIKKA). He soon became one of the chief proponents of Isshinryu Karate on Okinawa.
After Angi Uezu's semi-retirement from Isshinryu in 1996, his top Okinawan student, Tsuyoshi Uechi (originally a student of Kichiro Shimabuku), took over the day-to-day operation of the OIKKA and continues to work towards making Isshinryu more respected and well-known on Okinawa. Isshinryu was recently recognized as an official style by the Okinawa Prefecture Government with Tsuyoshi Uechi and the OIKKA as its official representative on Okinawa.
Historical information and excerpts taken from David Evseeff's book, Isshinryu Karate-Do.
Welcome To East West Karate! We are happy to have you as part of our family of students and parents. Please take the time to review the following procedures regarding drop off and pickup.
As a courtesy, we will have a child wait upstairs if the parent is running late for a pickup. If possible please try to call and inform us prior to dismissal of class. I urge all parents to set up a code word for your child in case you ever do need someone to pickup your child in your absence, and insist under NO circumstance should they ever go with anyone unless that person knows the code word.
East West Karate Academy is located in beautiful Sussex County NJ, in the lake community of Sparta/Lake Mohawk. Our school began in Stanhope, NJ in 1989. In 1992, we opened a second dojo in Sparta. In April 1999, our current location, 155 Woodport Road Sparta, was purchased and both dojos were merged into one Academy.
Other focuses of study include: Kali & Escrima, Jujitsu, Judo, Okinawan Weapons, Muay Thai Drills and Thai Drills. Students wishing to compete beyond the dojo are welcome to join the East West AAU Team. 
At East West, students are broken into groups based on age and experience. This enables our instructors to teach in a safe environment and allows students to learn at the at a rank-appropriate pace. Students are promoted in rank when they demonstrate they have the required physical and mental skills. This means that they attend classes regularly, show commitment to learning by practicing and studying concepts, and behave as a dedicated karate student, both in and out of the dojo. 
Hello and Welcome to East West Karate! 
Sensei Scott Klinger promotes Sempai to 4th Degree black belt. November 2007
Members of East West Karate Academies are always encouraged to practice the best possible etiquette, here in our dojo and when training elsewhere. While the etiquette you learn here is not necessarily the only way, it is the way we do it here. If you remember the purpose behind good etiquette and always remain on your best behavior when visiting other dojos, you will never embarrass yourself or your dojo.
Practice should be carried out without conversation. If you are seriously confused, you may ask for help, but discussions or lengthy commentaries are not appropriate during class. In any case, a junior kyu should never try to correct someone of higher rank; it is a very bad breach of etiquette, even if you think you are right and the senior student is incorrect.
The term "Sensei" is the most commonly used of all honorific titles. Basically it conveys the meaning of "teacher" or "instructor", but underlying this is a title embodying deep honor and respect. In a traditional dojo, the sensei is always the master instructor to whom the highest respect is due. He is associated with the centuries long chain of great masters and their knowledge and teaching of karate. Thus, respect for the sensei includes not only respect for the masters of past decades but also to the art of karate. In terms of etiquette the sensei should be treated with the respect listed below.
All children in the Little Dragons' and Children's classes should be escorted to and from the back door of the dojo by their parents. Siblings who are themselves young children are not acceptable escorts.
Karate is an ancient oriental art of self-defense, which has been practiced for centuries.
Whatever the new student's reasons for studying karate they soon become aware of the many benefits from their training, both expected and unexpected.
Isshinryu (one heart; one mind) introduced in 1954 by Tatsuo Shimabuku. Sensei Shimabuku studied both the Shorinryu & Gojuryu systems. Then he studied the Bo, Sai and Tonfa under Okinawa's most noted instructors. Isshinryu is a combination of the best of these styles and weapons techniques and epitomizes the powerful, lighting-fast techniques that enabled the weaponless Okinawan people to endure the rein of the Chinese empire to defeat the sword-wielding Samurai of Japan.
Master Tatsuo Shimabuku combined what he had learned about the Martial Arts with his own philosophies and in 1954 Isshin-ryu Karate was born. 
