International Isshin-Ryu Karate Federation

04/10/2026

Here's an awesome video with Master Curt Sawyer, co-director of the IIKF, being interviewed on his martial arts background and his many years of running his dojo. Lots of stories and useful information.

In this powerful episode of the Kumite Lifestyle Podcast, Curt Sawyer shares over 45 years of experience in martial arts, business, leadership, and life—offe...

04/08/2026

Sensei Matt Dorsey, co-director of the IIKF was recently interviewed on a podcast about his martial arts history and his long career of running Isshin ryu karate dojos.

In this powerful episode of the Kumite Lifestyle Podcast, we sit down with martial arts veteran Matt Dorsey, a lifelong practitioner, instructor, and leader ...

04/08/2026

Sensei Vijayan, one of our charter IIKF dojos in India, shows his students who won awards at a National Level tournament recently. Congratulations to the students and to Sensei Vijayan for his dedication in teaching Isshin ryu karate in India.

01/18/2026

Great seminar today! We look forward to the next one in the spring!

01/05/2026

Are you registered? Our next Isshin Karate training seminar is coming up on Saturday January 17th from 1:00-3:00 pm at Samurai Martial Arts in Rochester, NY. You can register at www.iikf.org (go to events).
This seminar will help sharpen your Isshin ryu karate skills, improve your kata, basics and weapons, and give you new ideas for training and practice. Come and join in - you'll be glad you did!

The International Isshin Ryu Karate Federation is based out of Rochester, NY, and its mission is to offer guidance and support, educate, promote, and unite Isshin-Ryu Karate practitioners and martial artists throughout the world.

12/09/2025

The Martial Arts America dojos in Rochester, NY had a recent Black Belt graduation with 30 students moving up to various levels and degrees. Also promoted that day were Sensei Kelly Williams to 8th degree black belt and Sensei Jon Emerson to 5th degree black belt. The promotions were awarded by Sensei Matt Dorsey and Sensei Curt Sawyer, the directors of the IIKF. Congratulations to all.

03/05/2025

Congratulations to Sensei Vijayan and his students in India who earned 1st and 3rd places at a national tournament. Hard work and solid training under a dedicated instructor produces great results! Well done!

03/05/2025

02/01/2025

The IIKF training seminar today covered Isshin Ryu basics, kata, bunkai, weapons and more. There were mostly higher ranked black belts participating so many advanced skills and concepts were taught. Excellent training with dedicated karateka!

01/23/2025

Are you registered? We've got two great events coming up next weekend:
Saturday 2/1 - Isshin ryu karate training seminar at the Samurai Martial Arts dojo in Rochester https://member-site.net/?EV--bbiJJi
Sunday 2/2 - Samurai Winter Championships karate tournament at Gates-Chili High School in Rochester. https://www.samuraimartialarts.com/smawinterchampionships
Hope to see you there!

11/20/2024

One of our IIKF charter dojos in India, run by Renshi Vijayan, shared this photo of his student's who won a National level open tournament recently. Congratulations to the students and much respect for Renshi Vijayan on his dedicated teaching and support of Isshin ryu karate in India.

11/20/2024

Students and recent promotion at Sensei Steve Torres' dojo in Virgina.
From left to right:
Sensei César Rincón de La Rotta, Justin Rable (white belt), Sensei: William Connelly. 6th Dan. 77 years old. 33 years total training, -Sensei Arthur Riley Baisch. 10 years plus training. 2nd degree, Sensei Frances Kelly. 4th Dan. 20 yrs training, Sensei Steve Torres. 47 consistent years in training.

Sensei Torres started his karate training at Jennings karate Academy, Rochester, New York, July 1977. Promoted to my first-degree Black Belt on May 17, 1981. Now 66 years old, 8th degree black and still training and teaching