Isshinryu Karate

American Isshinryu Karate

please contact us by email at email@AmericanIsshinryuKarate.com

Phone: (303) 427-7668
Thornton, CO

American Isshinryu Karate Schools

Instructors

At American Isshinryu Karate Schools it truly is our instructor who sets us apart from everyone else.

John Holwager

John Holwager Sensei

Kyoshi - Isshinryu Karate
Shidoin - Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu
Master Instructor of Isshinryu Karate and Nippon Kobujutsu
NanaDan - 7th Dan

Regional Director - American Okinawan Karate Association
American Okinawan Karate Association Promotion Board Member
Colorado Shibucho - International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society
State Representative - American Isshinryu Karate Association

After more than 35 years of intensive and extensive training many instructors would be content, but Master Holwager continually strives to increase his knowledge and abilities.  Attending multiple training programs each year, his quest for excellence and the origins of our arts has taken him around the globe with repeated visits to Japan, Okinawa, China and Australia.

Holwager Sensei began his formal martial arts training in 1977, at the age of fourteen, building upon several years of informal learning. He began assisting in classes as a colored belt, and opened his first school, under his instructor’s supervision, when he was a brown belt.

Over many years as both student and instructor, he has achieved great respect among martial artists for his skill, dedication and insight. He has worked with many notable instructors to increase the knowledge and skill he passes along to his students. Holwager Sensei’s commitment to teaching his art has brought him a number of honors, including Instructor of the Year, Spirit of Isshinryu and the IRKRS Honor Roll, but he believes his proudest achievement is his black belt students, especially those who have themselves gone on to be teachers.

Master Holwager’s primary instructors are Steve Young, Hanshi, of the American Okinawan Karate Association; and Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi, of the International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society.


Black Belt Team 

Our Black Belts and other senior students are also very involved in the instruction offered at American Isshinryu Karate Schools. 

Current Black Belt Instructors at our school include the following individuals:

Mary Holwager

Eric Cohen

Donna Shannon

Kimo Toguchi (Currently on active duty with the US Marine Corps)