The Gillam Grant Karate Tournament Team competed in the 2007 Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA) Championships in Princeton, New Jersey. The team competitors won 19 awards in kata, weapons and sparring. In addition to the competition, team members trained with both Soke (Grand Master) Kichiro Shimabuku of Okinawa and Master William Duessel. Head Instructor Shihan Cyndy Jones received the Tatsuo Shimabuku Award from Master Kichiro Shimabuku for her contributions to Isshinryu Karate. The award is named for Shimabuku's deceased father, Tatsuo, who founded Isshinryu Karate. Jones is one of only four people, and the first female instructor, to receive it. Jones, who was promoted to eighth degree black belt by Shimabuku this year, is the highest ranking woman in his IWKA organization. The fall Gillam Grant Community Center Karate classes start on Saturday, September 29, at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School. For information call The Center (585) 494-1621 or Jones (585) 548-2801. © September 9, 2007 - Westside News Inc. |
