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