INTERNATIONAL ISSHIN‑RYU KARATE ASSOCIATION

MICHAEL A. TAYLOR

7th Degree Black Belt
Isshin‑ryu Karate

August 1972 began training with Norbert Donnelly at the Keego Harbor, Michigan.

Left Michigan in 1974 for Kentucky and trained with Sensei Wayne Adams in Barbourville, Kentucky, who trained under both Masters Harold Long and Allen Wheeler.

Studied Shorin‑Ryu Karate at Bowling Green, KY between 1977-1981 as well as some Monkey Style Kung-Fu.  Spent most of the intervening time working alone and on occasion polishing up with my “cousin” Randy Moshier in Michigan.  In 1992, I began training and teaching full time again when Randy Moshier (his sister married my brother) opened his new dojo and asked me to be there for his grand opening and tournament.  Renewed my friendship/mentor relationship with Norbert Donnelly.  Met and became friends with Toby Cooling during this time.

Became a student of Master Jerry Smith, in Harrogate, Tennessee.  Traveled to Knoxville with Master Smith to Master Harold Long’s dojo from 1993 until his death on October 12, 1998.

In my travels I have had the opportunity to study and practice with Toby Cooling, Angi Uezu, A.J. Advincula, Sherman Harrill, and also to train directly with Master Harold Mitchum in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS

  • International Isshin‑ryu Karate Association (IIKA) – Advisory Committee Member and now Board Member.  I have served as legal counsel to the IIKA Board which sets policy for Isshin‑ryu dojo, tournaments, rank certification, and technique for member schools and individuals.
  • Spring 2006 – Present — Boone Trail School of Isshin‑ryu Karate – Founder/Chief Instructor, I teach karate and kobudo in my own school (dojo) to adults, children, and individuals with various handicaps.  I have adapted the training to accommodate people of all abilities, in that I believe all people have worth and I accept all who are willing to learn.
  • Life Member – World United Isshin‑ryu Karate Association
  • United Isshin‑ryu Council Member
  • December 2018—Recognized by Master Ted Gambordella’s publication “World’s Greatest Martial Artists.
  • World Karate Union, Hall of Fame, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania “Instructor of the Year/Isshin‑ryu”, June 26, 1999.
  • Recognized by the Isshin‑ryu Karate Hall of Fame with a nomination for “Outstanding Karate‑ka [practitioner] of the Year”, August 1, 1997 at the Grand Hotel and Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
  • Recognized by induction into the World Head of Fame Sokeship Council Hall of Fame for “Outstanding Contribution of the Year”, September 1997, at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
  • Recognized by nomination and induction in Action Martial Arts Magazine’s Hall of Honors and Spirit Award, “Outstanding Contribution of the Year – Isshin‑ryu Karate” to be held at the Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on January 12, 2008.
  • Editor, The Isshin‑ryu System, © 1997 Norbert Donnelly, a textbook on the intricacies of this unique Okinawan form of Karate.
  • Participant, The Isshin‑ryu System: Kata Video Series, © 1998 Norbert Donnelly, served as a live on-camera participant in a five (5) video instructional series detailing hidden technique and strikes, kicks, throws, nerve and vascular attacks contained in this unique form of Okinawan Karate.
  • Editor, Isshin‑ryu Kusanku Kata: Secrets Revealed, © 1999 Javier Martinez, a textbook on the intricacies of a specific training form (Okinawan: “kata”) with historical roots several hundred years old.
  • The Use of Force and the Law, © 1997, Published in “Gateway” (Order of Isshin‑ryu, Elkton, Maryland, 1997).  This was also published previously in the IIKA Newsletter.  This can also be found at USADOJO.com.

PROMOTION OF THE ISSHIN‑RYU SYSTEM

I own my own dojo and along with my partner, Danny Smith, have been teaching full time since 2005 in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Recent appearances on two local cable-access programs teaching Isshin‑ryu Karate.

Taught seminars on Naihanchi Kata and Hama-Higa no Tuifa (also referred to as Chie-fa) in Crossville, Tennessee for the IIKA Master’s Council.

I have also taught a for-credit college course in “Self-Defense” at Southeast Community College in Middlesboro.  This is taught as “karate as self-defense” and uses the Norbert Donnelly textbook as the official text for the course which includes basics, kata, bunkai, self-defense, and free sparring.  Graduates with an “A” or “B” in the course receive an orange belt.

International Isshin‑ryu Karate Association (IIKA) – Advisory Committee Member.  I serve as legal counsel to the IIKA Board which sets policy for Isshin‑ryu dojo, tournaments, rank certification, and technique for member schools and individuals.

Spring 2006 – Present

Boone Trail School of Isshin‑ryu Karate – Founder/Chief Instructor, I teach four nights a week in my own school (dojo) to adults, children, and individuals with various handicaps.  I have adapted the training to accommodate people of all abilities, in that I believe all people have worth and I accept all who are willing to learn.