Instructors
All of the instructors at the school teach from a desire to pass along the techniques of traditional Okinawan Isshinryu Karate. Not for profit, but for a love of the martial art and it’s connection to mind, body, and soul. These lessons provide confidence, discipline, respect, and a balanced way of life.
Hanshi Marvin Prentice, 9th Dan
Hanshi Marvin (Marty) Prentice began Isshinryu Karate training while in the U.S. Marine Corps in June of 1972 under Chief Instructor Russell Best at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During this time he received exemplary instruction from Master Best until his release from the Marines in November 1974. His training with Master Best culminated in Hanshi Prentice being promoted to the rank of ich kyu (1st Degree Brown Belt).
Prior to his release from the Marines Hanshi Prentice trained intermittently at the Academy Isshinryu Karate (AIK) of Pittsburgh under Chief Instructor William H. Duessel and Assistant Chief Instructor Charles A. Wallace when on leave, and he formally joined the AIK in November of 1974 upon discharge from active duty. Hanshi Prentice was promoted to the rank of Sho-Dan as a member of the Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA) in December of 1975 and he continued his training under Hanshi William H. Duessel, 10th Dan till his death. Hanshi Prentice is the acting president of the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh and he is currently a 9th Degree Black Belt, a rank he received from Master Kichiro Shimabuku in 2019.
Hanshi Prentice has participated in many IWKA World Championships as well as other events while training in the martial arts for over 41 years. Listed below are a few of his selected competitive/noteworthy accomplishments:
1st Place Kumite – 1975 Chuck Norris Karate Tournament
1st Place Kumite- 2000 Breath of Nature Tournament Masters
1st Place Kumite- 2001 Breath of Nature Tournament Masters
Grand Champion Masters Division Kumite 2001 Breath of Nature Tournament
1st Place Kumite- 2002 Black Dragon Open Tournament Masters
3rd Place- 2003 Empty Hand Kata KIAI Grand Nationals
3rd Place2003 Weapons Kata KIAI Grand Nationals
2002 Inducted in O.I.K.K.A. Hall of Fame
2000 - Current President - Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh
2024 Inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame
Hanshi Tom Laurent, 9th Dan
As the movie Enter The Dragon premiered in 1973, Kyoshi Tom Laurent began his martial arts journey. As a teenager he trained for two years at the Academy Of Isshinryu Karate in Pittsburgh with William H. Duessel and Charles A. Wallace. He took a break from training for a number of years to pursue professional endeavors; however, in 1981 he had an experience, as fate would have it, which altered the course of his martial arts career. Specifically, it was during a random meeting in downtown Pittsburgh with Sensei Wallace that his interest in karate was ultimately renewed, and his training began anew soon thereafter. In 1985, Tom was promoted 1st Dan (1st Degree Black Belt), his 2nd Dan promotion followed two years later. Throughout the 1980’s he continued to train, develop and teach at the academy which ultimately culminated in his promotion to 3rd Dan in 1990.
Furthermore, in the early 1990’s the dojo was in a period of transition and Sensei Donald Washabaugh was authorized to locate and secure a new home for our dojo. Tom and the other instructors were instrumental in developing the new location in Greentree where our dojo remains today. In 1993, the dojo was ultimately renamed as the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh, soon thereafter Tom was promoted to 4th Dan and he was recognized as one of the dojo’s most senior instructors.
As the dojo continued to develop over time, new classes were eventually added and Tom began to assume an active leadership role within the dojo, and as a result, he was promoted to 6th Dan in 2003. Subsequently, he was later promoted to the rank of 7th Dan and the formal title of Kyoshi was conferred upon him by Hanshi William H. Duessel, 10th Dan in 2007. In 2015, he was given the rank of 8th Dan by Kichiro Shimabuku. Lastly, Kyoshi Laurent is one of our most experienced, valued, and respected instructors and he currently serves as the Vice President of the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh.
What follows is a listing of Hanshi Laurent’s competitive accomplishments with the IWKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships:
IWKA Division Championships –Open Hand Kata
18-29 yrs. (3rd -5th Degree Black Belt) – (1992)
30-45 yrs. (3rd -5th Degree Black Belt) – (1996, 2001, 2003)
Masters Division (6th Degree Black Belt and up) – (2007, 2011)
IWKA Division Championships – Weapons (Kobudo) Kata
18-29 yrs. (3rd -5th Degree Black Belt) – (1992)
30-45 yrs. (3rd -5th Degree Black Belt) – (1996, 2001, 2003)
Masters Division (6th Degree Black Belt and up) – (2007, 2011)
IWKA Division Championships – Free Fighting (Kumite)
Masters Division (6th Degree Black Belt and up) – (2003)
Kyoshi Kevin Kumpf, 8th Dan
Kyoshi Kumpf began his training in Isshinryu Karate in 1984 with Sensei George Denson, an affiliate black belt of Hanshi William H. Duessel. In 1989, he began training directly with Hanshi William H. Duessel, who served as his primary instructor for the next twenty-five years until his passing in 2014.
Kyoshi Kumpf was promoted to Sho-Dan in 1994 at the age of 15 and he received his first five black belt promotions directly from Hanshi William H. Duessel; these promotions were all authorized by O’Sensei Kichiro Shimabuku, President of the Isshinryu World Karate Association in Okinawa Japan. In 2024, he became the youngest person ever promoted to the rank of Hachi Dan (8th degree black belt) by O’Sensei Kichiro Shimabuku.
Kyoshi Kumpf has distinguished himself as a member of the Isshinryu World Karate Association as he is the only person in the history of the association to win the Kata and Kumite Grand Championships along with three first place black belt division awards at the IWKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships. He is also the only person to have won seven IWKA Grand Championships collectively along with five consecutive IWKA Kata Grand Championships between 1999-2007, and again in 2013. Kyoshi Kumpf has also supported the IWKA in a leadership capacity, serving as the co-host for the 2009 and 2024 IWKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
Kyoshi Kumpf currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the dojo. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he is also an Executive Board member of the WHD Affiliation, an affiliation he cofounded to preserve and promote the legacy and teachings of Hanshi Duessel. Kyoshi Kumpf actively supports the WHD Affiliation as he has taken on an active teaching role, having taught WHD sanctioned seminars in Ohio, Tennessee, New Jersey, New York, as well as Maine.
Listed below are his noteworthy competitive accomplishments:
IWKA World Championships
Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA) Kata Grand Champion (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013)
Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA) Kumite Grand Champion (1999)
IWKA Division Championships – Kata
18-29 yrs. (1st -2nd Degree Black Belt) - (1999)
18-29 yrs. (3rd -5th Degree Black Belt) - (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007)
30-45 yrs. (3rd -5th Degree Black Belt) - (2013)
IWKA Division Championships – Kobudo
18-29 yrs. (1st -2nd Degree Black Belt) - (1999)
18-29 yrs. (3rd -5th Degree Black Belt) - (2001, 2005, 2007)
30-45 yrs. (3rd -5th Degree Black Belt) - (2013)
IWKA Division Championships – Kumite
18-29 yrs. (1st -2nd Degree Black Belt – Lightweight Division) - (1999)
18-29 yrs. (3rd-5th Degree Black Belt –Heavyweight Division) - (2003)
18-29 yrs. (3rd -5th Degree Black Belt – Lightweight Division) - (2005)
Isshinryu Hall of Fame
IHOF Men’s Overall Grand Champion - (2000)
IHOF 3rd - 5th Degree Black Belt - Kobudo Champion - (2000)
IHOF 3rd -5th Degree Black Belt – Lightweight Kumite Champion - (2000)
IHOF Competitor of the Year - (2000)
Okinawa Isshinryu Karate Kobudo Association
OIKKA Competitor of the Year - (2000)
Kyoshi Marty Dugan, 7th Dan
At the age of 22 through the recommendation of a friend, Kyoshi Marty Dugan was introduced to Hanshi William H. Duessel and began training in Isshinryu Karate. Through the years he has been a loyal follower of Hanshi William H. Duessel, a man who he was proud to call teacher, mentor, and a true friend.
As his relationship with Hanshi Duessel evolved, Kyoshi Dugan soon realized that he was training under the watchful eye of a true master of Isshinryu Karate, an enlightened man who embodied all of the best martial principles. Over the past 30 years, Kyoshi Dugan has been hooked on Isshinryu Karate; much of his passion for the art was developed through his relationship with Hanshi Duessel. Additionally, Kyoshi Dugan is a member of the Isshinryu World Karate Association and he has attained the rank of Nana Dan, 7th degree black belt. All of his black belt promotions were attained through Hanshi William H. Duessel.
Renshi Neal Scoratow, 5th Dan
Sensei Scoratow began his training in Isshinryu Karate at the Academy of Isshinryu Karate under Hanshi William H. Duessel, and Hanshi Charles A. Wallace in 1972. He continued to develop his skills for the next three years and in 1975, he chose to take a temporary hiatus from the Academy to pursue academic responsibilities.
In 1986 he resumed his training by starting over again as a white belt and on July 12, 1990 he was promoted to the rank of Sho Dan by Hanshi William H. Duessel.
A veteran of over 40 years of Isshinryu experience, Sensei Scoratow has progressed to the rank of Yon Dan as he has been one of the most consistent and valued members of the dojo during that time. Additionally, Sensei Scoratow is one of the founding instructors of the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh in Greentree where he continues to teach classes on Wednesday evenings.
Renshi Len Cherney, 5th Dan
Sensei Leon Cherney began training at the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh in Greentree at the age of fifty in the year 2000. Through the course of his development as a kyu he was one of academy’s most dedicated students where he would rarely miss an adult class throughout the week. His dedication to Isshinryu Karate culminated in him being promoted to Sho Dan by Hanshi William H. Duessel on 7/29/05 after five years consistent training.
Subsequently, Sensei Cherney was promoted to Ni Dan on 9/22/08 and San Dan on 8/26/10; both of these degrees were conferred upon him by Hanshi William H. Duessel on behalf of the Isshinryu World Karate Association in Okinawa Japan.
Sensei Cherney has made significant contributions to the dojo in the areas of student retention as he has assumed the responsibility for teaching the adult beginner/intermediate class on Monday evenings. Sensei Cherney has been a valued instructor for the past ten years and has helped to cultivate a welcoming, familial atmosphere within the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh.
Listed below are his noteworthy competitive accomplishments:
2009 – IWKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships
1st Place (Executive Black Belt Division – Kata)
1st Place Weapons (Executive Black Belt Division – Weapons)
2nd Place Kumite (Executive Black Belt Division – Kumite)
2007 – IWKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships
2nd Place (Executive Black Belt Division – Weapons)
2005 - IWKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships
2nd Place (Executive Black Belt Division – Kata)
2003 - OIKKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships
1st Place (Executive Advanced Kyu Division – Kata)
1st Place (Executive Advanced Kyu Division – Weapons)
2nd Place (Executive Advanced Kyu Division – Kumite)
2002 - OIKKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships
2nd Place (Executive Advanced Kyu Division – Kata)
3rd Place (Executive Advanced Kyu Division – Kumite)
2001 - Pittsburgh Karate Championships
3rd Place (Exuctive Novice Kyu Division – Kata)
3rd Place (Executive Novice Kyu Division – Kumite)
Sensei Cherney has also earned at least 15 additional competition medals (1st through 3rd place) at various local and regional karate competitions between 2000 and 2013.
Sensei Josh Mehl, 5th Dan
Sensei Josh Mehl began his training at the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh in 1996. He currently holds the rank of Go-Dan.
Sensei Mehl is a dedicated, valued and well respected instructor within the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh. He currently assists with teaching the children’s and the advanced kyu/black belt classes within the dojo.
Sensei Chocku Radhakrishnan, 4th Dan
Sensei Chocku Radhakrishnan began his training in Isshinryu Karate with the Isshinryu Brotherhood in Gainesville, FL. He earned his sho-dan (1st degree black belt) in August 2000, and then assisted in teaching karate at the local YMCA and also at the University of Florida. He then moved to Ann Arbor, MI and briefly trained at Wright’s Isshinryu Karate Dojo.
Once he moved to Pittsburgh, he joined the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh in August 2006 and started again as a white belt to learn Isshinryu Karate as taught by Hanshi William H. Duessel and his senior instructors. Through continuous training, Sensei Radhakrishnan received his sho-dan (1st degree black belt) in October 2010 and his ni-dan (2nd degree black belt) in October 2014, both through the Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA).
With the assistance of his senior instructors, he has been able to train for and compete at a few IWKA World Championship Tournaments as listed below.
IWKA Division: 30-45 years, 1st – 2nd degree black belt
Open Hand Kata: 1st place (2011)
Weapons (Kobudo) Kata: 1st place (2011), 3rd place (2013)
Free Fighting (Kumite): 2nd place (2011)
Sensei Justin Filey, 3rd Dan
Sensei Justin Filey’s initial exposure to the martial arts occurred when he studied Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and Isshinryu Karate during his college years. Justin Filey began training at the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh on May 4, 2005. His training at the academy also includes a period of time where his work responsibilities required that he relocate to Indianapolis and then later to Chicago. Once he returned to Pittsburgh his karate training began in ernest.
Sensei Filey’s dedication and persistence as a karate student were rewarded on November 3, 2013 when he was promoted to the rank of Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) by William H. Duessel, 10th Dan. He would receive his Nin Dan on August 5, 2017 and then reach his 3rd Dan on November 21, 2020. Sensei Filey is an active member of the Isshinryu World Karate Association. He is one of the best youth instructors at the dojo and also teaches adults classes.
Sensei Craig Casillo, 2nd Dan
When Sensei Casillo joined Isshinryu Karate Academy in June 2011, he didn’t know what to expect. He had just met someone new in his life and was looking for an activity for them to participate in together. This individual, later to become his wife, had suggested yoga, but when karate was decided on, the soon to be martial artists were put on a lifelong track that cannot be measured or valued.
Sensei Casillo found a family through the IKA. Not only has he been learning a wonderful art, but he has grown holistically during his time at the school. Plenty of diverse teaching styles are implemented on a regular basis, providing an environment that is challenging, yet engaging for the practitioner. Everything from basic chart work, to kata, weapons, kumite, and strength and conditioning are important for a martial artist. He is very grateful for the opportunity to continuing honing these skills.
Dedication and effort came to fruition on October 10, 2015, when the rank of Sho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) was achieved by Sensei Casillo. Even when stepping away from the dojo, he found his way back home. The time away allowed reflection on many items in his life, but most importantly, allowed him to approach the martial arts with a renewed vigor and mindset.
Sensei Nicole Maiolo, 2nd Dan
Nicole Maiolo began her training with Hanshi William H. Duessel at the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh, PA in June 2011. She received her 1st degree black belt (Sho Dan) on October 10, 2015 as one of the first two students to receive a promotion from the WHD board examiners. She continues to learn and grow her martial arts knowledge at the dojo.
Sensei Andy Kelly, 1st Dan
Sensei Andy Kelly began his Isshinryu karate journey at Penn State University as a member of the Penn State Karate Club. He reached the rank of Blue Belt before graduating and eventually leaving Pennsylvania to pursue a career in advertising.
Ten years later, Sensei Kelly returned to Pennsylvania and had the great fortune of working with Hanshi Tom Laurent at the same adverting agency. After working together for three years and developing a treasured friendship, Sensei Kelly decided to dive back into the world of Isshinryu with the encouragement and support of Hanshi Laurent.
Sensei Kelly started as a White Belt at the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh in 2012, and earned the rank of Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 2017.
Sensei Kelly is a huge fan of heavy metal and is an avid drummer of many decades. He’s identified many similarities between music and Isshinryu and applies them in his training and teaching. What does Iron Maiden have to do with Seisan kata? What does Black Sabbath have to do with Sanchin kata? What do paradiddles (a drumming rudiment) have to do with all katas? Train with Sensei Kelly and find out.
Sensei Kelly loves being a member of IKA PGH and considers his fellow Senseis amongst his closest friends.
2024 - IWKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships
1st Place Kobudo (weapons)
2nd Place Kumite (sparring)
2nd Place Kata
Sensei Mark Lentz, 1st Dan
Sensei Mark Lentz began studying Isshinryu Karate at the age of 8. He has participated in various IWKA tournaments and other local tournaments. Sensei Lentz considers himself a lifelong student of Isshinryu Karate.
Former Instructors
Hanshi Charles A. Wallace, 9th Dan - Instructor Emeritus
In 1964 Charles A. Wallace studied Isshinryu Karate under Tatsuo Shimabuku in Pittsburgh's South Hills area. It was there that he met his lifetime Sensei, William H. Duessel. Mr. Wallace was promoted to Black Belt in the summer of 1967.In the summer of 1970 Mr. Duessel and Mr. Wallace opened The Academy Of Isshinryu Karate in downtown Pittsburgh which was the forerunner of The Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Wallace has continued his practice, study and teaching of Isshinryu through the years and is William H. Duessel's senior student. In the summer of 2013 Mr. Wallace was promoted to 9th Dan by William H. Duessel and Kichiro Shimabuku and was presented the designation of Hanshi-Go; also in that same year he was inducted into The Isshinryu Hall Of Fame, having previously received The Lifetime Achievement Award from the same organization.
Hanshi Don Washabaugh, 9th Dan - Emeritus & founder of the Isshinryu Karate Academy
Donald Washabaugh began training with William H. Duessel and Charles A. Wallace in 1975 at the Academy of Isshinryu Karate in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was awarded 1st Degree Black Belt in 1982 and subsequent rank by Hanshi William H. Duessel. In 2021 he was promoted to 9 th Dan by O’Sensei Kichiro Shimabuku. In 1993 Sensei Washabaugh established the Isshinryu Karate Academy in Greentree and helped operate the school until 2005.
Sensei Washabaugh co-authored the book Beyond Black Belt with Hanshi Duessel and penned a biography of Hanshi Duessel titled Behind the Black Belt. He also wrote the book, The Core of Isshinryu Karate (2020). He had assisted Hanshi Duessel with many karate demonstrations across the country and participated in Hanshi Duessel’s training video. In addition, Sensei Washabaugh created a video series on Isshinryu kata which can be found at Don Washabaugh/youtube.
Sensei Washabaugh has attended many of the IWKA World Championships as a competitor, referee, and judge, and in 2015 he was presented with The Tatsuo Shimabuku Award for Lifetime Achievement by O’Sensei Kichiro Shimabuku.
“My association with Hanshi William H. Duessel and the members of the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh has been one of the greatest rewards in my life”.