THE ‘HEART’ OF ISHINRYU

Ishinryu, meaning ‘All of One Heart’ is your style of karate which was founded by its chief instructor Sensei Ticky Donovan 9^th Dan OBE in 1973.

Ishinryu’s roots are embedded deep in the traditions of Kyokushinkai,
Wado-ryu and Shotokan karate.

Taught by Japanese masters of these different styles, Sensei Donovan combined the knowledge and skills he had gained to develop his own system of karate and opened his own club in Dagenham on the outskirts of London.

His sheer dedication and determination was infectious and others soon followed his path and pursuit of excellence and Ishinryu began to grow.

The association now boasts clubs across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Ishinryu has become synonymous with success – particularly on the competition karate circuit.

An accomplished competitor himself, Sensei Donovan was a regular member of the English national kumite squad, winning the British Championships in 1973/74/75. and becoming European and World team champion.

But it was as a coach that he was to really excel. After a successful fighting career, Sensei Donovan became the English and British coach. He took Britain to the pinnacle of world karate, winning five world men’s team championships in succession and three women’s world team titles.

His achievements earned him on the greatest accolades of all when he was awarded the OBE in 1991.

Britain’s success under sensei Donovan’s guidance became the envy of the karate world – many team and individual titles and medals followed.

Many of these champions were from the Ishinryu family and his students strived to emulate sensei’s success.

Ishinryu has and continues to dominated the English and British tournament success in Kumite (fighting) and Kata (pre-arranged moves to imaginary attack and defence) disciplines of the art.

The association continues to dominate the medals tables at home and abroad, with many champions from other nations where Ishinryu now calls home.

Sensei Donovan’s model for competition karate became the foundation for many other nations, who recognise his part in their success.

This is evident in Sensei Donovan’s place on the board of the English Karate Federation (EKF) of which Ishinryu is a member, as technical director of British Karate Federation (BKF) and his appointment to the board of the Technical Commission of the European Karate Federation (EKF)

Karate is an exciting combat sport, but more importantly and an effective form of self defence, where Ishinryu’s traditions are firmly based.

Becoming skilful at karate requires two things, dedication from the student and effective coaching.

Ishinryu boasts some fantastic coaches and instructors who continue to follow Sensei Donovan’s tradition of excellence.

To become effective karate-ka, students must show dedication, determination, desire and discipline.

As the karate-ka matures with grade so also will their good good manners, respect and etiquette.

Is is with the insistence of all these qualities that Ishinryu has been able to maintain its high standards and within these traditions that the ‘Heart’ in its meaning is found and the reasons it continues to thrive and develop today.