https://ikapgh.com/home daily 1.0 2026-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1614561607014-TQ639DI4HMU6UJJO9CR9/IKA+type-1heartWay2.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610581974379-VRQJ0E60BBVL2CJ2W3FE/image-asset.jpeg Home - Adult Basic Karate M, T, & W, 7:30pm - 9pm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610582719730-E1D6U8OZKW93Y9HDVOEB/DSC00728.jpg Home - Children’s Karate T, 6pm - 7pm Sa, 10am - 11:30am https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610582519713-9VWBQVWEL5ZWQTT4W3BK/UrashiBo3.jpeg Home - Open Dojo Session Sa, 12:30am - 3pm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610582578244-FQLSTJDGIPZCE4GLN2GF/image-asset.jpeg Home - Advanced & Black Belt Th, 7:30pm - 9pm https://ikapgh.com/instructors daily 0.75 2026-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1628809078839-VIEVWY90BCINTJ4K11NP/Marty_Prentice.jpg Instructors - 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 president emeritus and Chief Financial Officer 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1628809103151-EVANXUW9HGG1L5EVSSIY/Tom_Laurent.jpg Instructors - Hanshi Tom Laurent, 9th Dan Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1627597552100-JCTF6VC0DPR3UMZ0T3VU/Kevin_Kumpf.jpg Instructors - 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. In 2025, at the age of 46, Kyoshi Kumpf was unanimously selected for induction into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame. As one of the few unanimous first ballot inductees, he became one of the youngest practitioners ever inducted by the IHOF Board of Directors. Subsequently, Kyoshi Kumpf was also selected to be a member of the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Board of Directors. As an IHOF board member, he’s tasked with taking an impartial approach to promoting the art across all Isshinryu associations on a local, national, and international level. Kyoshi Kumpf currently serves as the Chief Executive 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 across the United States. 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) IHOF Master’s Division (6th Degree Black Belt and Up) - Kobudo Champion - (2022) Okinawa Isshinryu Karate Kobudo Association OIKKA Competitor of the Year - (2000) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1627597522472-JW7X02EOUT4UZE7TXDLN/Marty_Dugan.jpg Instructors - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/eb2b750d-9c53-4da9-b372-4fbd1695b90d/Dave_McClain.jpeg Instructors - Kyoshi David McClain, 7th Dan Kyoshi McClain began training when the late Hanshi Allen Ferens and now, Kyoshi Beverly Braverman opened the Mountain Isshinryu Karate Academy in 1983. It didn’t take long for him to realize that he would be training the rest of his life in Isshinryu Karate. The lessons learned weren’t just punching and kicking. They were life lessons. Discipline, patience, humility just to name a few. Dave also had a successful career in “Renewable energy” that spanned 20 years. This allowed him to travel extensively both domestically and abroad which presented different training opportunities by finding local martial arts schools and asking to interact or participate if permitted. Recent tournament participation has resulted strong showings with 2nd place kumite finishes in Masters division of the 2024 Isshinryu World Karate Association “IWKA” World Tournament and the 2025 Isshinryu Hall of Fame “IHOF” Tournament. In addition to training with Hanshi Ferens he was introduced to and given the opportunity to train with other extraordinary Karate Masters along the way, some of which were William H Duessel, Fumio Demura, O’ Sensei Kichiro Shimabuku, Angi Uezu, and Tsuyoshi Uechi and numerous others. McClain was awarded his Sho Dan, 1st degree black belt, in 1987 and subsequent promotions to Roku Dan, 6th Degree Black Belt at the Mountain Isshinryu Karate Academy. After years of dedicated practice, he achieved the rank of Nana Dan, 7th degree black belt in 2025. Awarded at the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh. All of which are recognized in Okinawa by O’ Sensei Kichiro Shimabuku. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1627597583229-5MDQVJAW8HUHJVR5QCXC/Neil_Scoratow.jpg Instructors - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1627597625872-HG1NCA01PIIS0W2Z4GXC/Josh_Mehl.jpg Instructors - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1628809129325-ZRBHPJ2XYR5N3YHZD0XI/Chocku.jpg Instructors - 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). Sensei Radhakrishnan currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh. 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) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1627597662731-0MTTCE7B48KV1M9K67ZJ/Jutin_Filey.jpg Instructors - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1627597688312-HT4TCEA2SRNTVQJFHCTU/Craig_Casillo.jpg Instructors - Sensei Craig Casillo, 3rd 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1627597715739-1O81GMTU8YTX2HZNIH3H/Nicole_Maiolo.jpg Instructors - Sensei Nicole Maiolo, 3rd 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/f1678863-e47a-493d-b0b6-c81f596f0a5a/Ray_Bruckman.jpeg Instructors - Sensei Ray Bruckman, 1st Dan Sensei Ray Bruckman began his Isshinryu Karate training in 1998 at the Mountain Isshinryu Karate Academy in Ligonier, PA, under Hanshi Al Ferens and Kyoshi Beverly Braverman at the age of five. He trained with them until 2008, after which he took a hiatus to pursue his career as a professional fiddle and violin musician. Sensei Bruckman returned to Isshinryu Karate at the Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh in 2021, and in October of 2025, Ray was awarded the rank of 1st Dan. Outside the dojo, Sensei Bruckman has built a full-time career in music as a performer and instructor. His karate competitive accomplishments are as follows: 2022 Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament 2nd Place Empty Hand Kata 2nd Place Weapons Kata 2023 Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament 2nd Place Empty Hand Kata 2nd Place Kumite 1st Place Weapons Kata 2024 IWKA World Championship 1st Place Weapons Kata 3rd Place Kumite 2025 Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament 1st Place Empty Hand Kata 2nd Place Weapons Kata 3rd Place Kumite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1600728843587-E1EKU6EEIIZCY51JE296/ikalogo.png Instructors - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610922173128-R9MUI5WECJV2EJ794OS5/HanshiWallace.png 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/b002c587-c686-4bfb-96a7-91de0fd7154f/DonWashabaugh5.25.jpg Instructors - 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”. https://ikapgh.com/about daily 0.75 2021-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611193226283-T8E44FZ6H25RFAWBGWOS/kanji.png About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610922645972-9RTLAKAVYB2WQGRZC94Y/HanshiDuessel.png About https://ikapgh.com/photos daily 0.75 2021-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186115779-T42U3JNE5ZIXJOM714KI/UrashiBo_Group_shot.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611187823478-F4MGQSFIM2C4W0YPCGTD/IMG-2812.JPG Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186115689-X5UETB00AT0AIF9E58B5/UrashiBo2.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186176963-4QKTYWS82650OXB43X9S/1-10dan.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186178774-W1O75IE9BMBULFXLORF3/donpic.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186177177-XQJLDFU3T0OF90IVUWXH/IKA5.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611187823067-XKSIXZA81X4LG7YZXDG4/DSC00728.JPG Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611195061258-CBT28TUQ4OKGP6ERGBUI/TL+Karate+20080058.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186112352-GCO8GE99V6WBQBJQ1V85/UrashiBo1.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186177625-EQP7HZ0FD79ROON8JJBO/IMG-3043.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186179558-TLZDUZMD1359CYIT5Y6C/TL+Karate+20080121.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186178866-L1Z47QULHL2WIVK0TODE/Vanessa3.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611187824084-A5B7N8GLJHZS1C15ZP7Q/IMG-2889.JPG Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186771958-OGB6LVOSV9GIR4KFI6XN/demo06.14%2810%29.JPG Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186114772-WXVMQTQDI6G4K2VZ0HG5/UrashiBo3.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611195061219-YIKEBH5WP51BWERVDYYU/TL+Karate+20080065.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611186179047-J3PIR3HV6VOAL9J5S6YD/IMG-2831.JPG Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611187759953-9V7QCNKGD69YXO89FYTC/hanshiPrenticePromoGroup.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611187520712-0XKA7B326DMBY0SX28M9/IMG_3192_2.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611187761215-NWGT23NK6EFQQ328HOX8/NewBlackBeltsTest1.png Gallery https://ikapgh.com/faq daily 0.75 2025-07-09 https://ikapgh.com/classes daily 0.75 2026-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610587596562-7XG244T2OKK5JD6W5C26/child_karate.jpg Classes - Children Classes Devoted to developing our children mentally and physically. First they will learn physical fitness exercises, which are followed by basic self-defense and karate techniques. The program is very safe with an emphasis on respect, discipline and controlled practice. Beginners are taught for 50 minutes and advanced children for one hour and a half. Because of the care it takes to give the children proper instruction, there are at least two instructors at each class. The recommend age for children starting karate lessons at the Isshinryu Karate Academy is 7-11 years old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610588482936-CPSDR1WP4HG4LWT6ML6N/adult_class.jpg Classes - Adult Classes Monday classes are for all levels of students, with the class emphasis on basic techniques, kata and self-defense. The pace is a bit faster during this class. Wednesday is devoted to beginners to help them with basic techniques. More time is taken going over various moves, positions and transitions. The pace is not quite as fast as on Monday's class, with the emphasis on strong techniques. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610588235821-YF5E83PC96LISWL7398Z/bo_seminar.jpg Classes - Advanced & Black Belt Thursday is the advanced class. Students that are green belt and above may attend. Advanced techniques are showcased. Kata, self-defense, weaponry and free fighting are emphasized. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610589449982-Y8ZXHXG4P8NL00KHTXK0/IMG-2899.jpg Classes - Open Sessions On Saturdays there is an open practice session for all students to get additional training and conditioning. Black belt instructors are always available to assist with individual training. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1610589542233-Y4RACTDBQLDSSBWEAXRY/SD_womens_events.jpg Classes - Self Defense Seminars & Demonstrations Schedule an event with your group. We can host or travel to your location to provide self defense instruction, women’s self defense seminars, or karate demonstrations. Please contact us to inquire about availability or for more information. https://ikapgh.com/contact daily 0.75 2021-02-19 https://ikapgh.com/whd daily 0.75 2025-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1611190219528-M0SHV61MWOS9JVKU9FX5/WHD%2Bbackground.jpg WHD - WHD represents William H. Duessel. It also stands for "will, heart and dedication," which Hanshi Duessel felt were important attributes for personal development within the Isshinryu community. Two goals of the WHD Affiliation were paramount to Hanshi Duessel: It maintains and cultivates meaningful relationships and It ensures the continuity and consistency of the training among the practitioners of Isshinryu Karate that were affiliated with him. The WHD Affiliation recognizes and respects all Isshinryu ranks, regardless of school, association, or affiliation. We welcome all Isshinryu practitioners to share the legacy of Hanshi William H. Duessel. Our school hosts quarterly training seminars for Isshinryu practitioners who wish to enjoy this art to its fullest. A curriculum was developed around the WHD Affiliation to build and maximize Isshinryu karate as well as teach elements of self-defense and health-related exercises that William H. Duessel felt most complimented this martial art. Hanshi William H. Duessel distinguished his practice through a relentless pursuit of the simplicity of technique. He did not embellish, mystify, or complicate the art. He was a workman, an artisan, and a craftsman whose practice evoked the Zen principle that "less is more." He led by example and taught how to live "The One-Heart Way." Tatsuo Shimabuku made his historic first visit to the United States in September 1964. He stayed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and conducted classes here for two months. William H. Duessel began Isshinryu training in 1962 and was awarded a black belt by Harry G. Smith. After 3 months of advanced training and semi-private lessons by Tatsuo Shimabuku, the Isshinryu founder personally acknowledged and awarded William H. Duessel his Sho-Dan. Hanshi Duessel was issued AOKA Certificate #56. That number remained with him when the association was reorganized as the Isshinryu World Karate Association in 1974. On May 30, 2013, after 51 years of Isshinryu practice, and on his 86th birthday, William H. Duessel was promoted to the rank of 10th Dan by O'Sensei Kichiro Shimabuku, President of the Isshinryu World Karate Association. He was the only person to achieve that rank in the history of the IWKA. We wish to honor his "will, heart and dedication" by continuing to promote and teach his vision of Isshinryu karate. We hope you will join us. https://ikapgh.com/products daily 0.75 2025-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1643070970121-2774JVQME4X0VNOEE5AE/BeyondCover.jpg Products https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1643071158287-DB0UM23P81I4NDW3EVTF/BehindTheBBFinal.jpg Products https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1643071731549-JHWKOPVYPHXOXRUACYM7/DVD.jpg Products https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1647294713882-JFMWCMQNLXOWROPIYV5S/SaiPoster_small.jpg Products https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f64c4d6003ca11faaf0b909/1647294735373-GQFZQ8IEZ7B979SY3Q1P/BoChart_small.jpg Products https://ikapgh.com/store daily 0.75 57489-05-24