Pinnacle Martial Arts

09/10/2026

Mr. Lucky Phillips and Sensei Koeppel from Sensei Koeppel’s induction into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. From the website:

PHIL KOEPPEL
An eighth-degree black belt, Koeppel is founder and director of U.S. Karate Do-Kai, an international organization dedicated to the preservation of traditional Okinawan karate. After learning the discipline while stationed with the U.S. Navy in Japan, Koeppel opened the first karate school in Illinois in 1959.

Now considered a national leader in the sport, he has officiated karate tournaments around the world. Koeppel has trained or trained with 16 karate world champions around the world. In 1963, he competed in his first karate world championships in Chicago. Last year he competed in the USKA Master's Division in New Orleans.

09/09/2026

THIS SATURDAY!

Train with Lucky Phillips, 8th Degree Black Belt, for three hours of focused, hands-on martial arts instruction.

This is a great chance to sharpen your technique, gain a deeper understanding of traditional karate, and learn from decades of experience.

All belt ranks. Ages 12 and up.

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
$40 per person
Pinnacle Martial Arts
211 N. Main St., Rushville, Indiana

We look forward to seeing you!!!

09/09/2026

2014 - Seminar with Sensei Koeppel, hosted by Mr. Lucky Phillips, Springfield, IL.

09/08/2026

Sensei Phillip W. Koeppel.

09/07/2026

REMINDER: No Lil’ Dragons Classes this evening.

09/07/2026

Sensei Koeppel with “Martial Musings” author Robert W. Smith.

09/07/2026

09/07/2026

“Respect the form, understand the function.”

Kata gives us the form. But our responsibility as martial artists is to study it deeply enough to understand what that form is teaching us.

Through Bunkai, Oyo and Hinka, we examine the movements of kata, consider the intent behind them, and study how those movements can be applied, adapted and changed while remaining connected to the principles of the kata.

For me, these seminars also carry a much deeper meaning.

I had the privilege of being a student of Sensei Phillip W. Koeppel, and I believe one of the best ways I can honor his memory is to continue studying, teaching and sharing the karate he devoted so much of his life to.

Preserving a legacy does not mean simply repeating what came before us. It means keeping the principles alive, asking good questions, training with purpose, and passing what we have learned to the next generation.

Respect the form. Understand the function. Preserve the legacy.

BUNKAI • OYO • HINKA

This is what these seminars are about. Contact me for more information.

09/05/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY!

Join us Saturday, September 12, as Mr. Lucky Phillips, 8th Degree Black Belt, comes to Pinnacle Martial Arts for three hours of traditional karate training.

Kata. Waza. Principles. Application. This is training you do not want to miss.

Saturday, September 12 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$40 per person
Pinnacle Martial Arts | Rushville, Indiana

ONE WEEK. We look forward to seeing you!!