Master Sandra Strong (8th degree
black belt) began Isshin-ryu Karate in 1980 at the Karate School of
Nashville. Master Strong proved a talented fighter from the beginning and after placing second at her first tournament as a white belt, she
decided that just wasn’t good enough. Working hard and practicing long hours,
Master Strong became a fighter that could hold her own with anyone in the
ring. During her long, busy, and productive,competitive years, Master
Strong has won numerous events and titles including the Women’s Championship at
the Isshin-ryu Hall of Fame several times.
In addition, she has traveled the country competing in full contact events under the tutelage of Master David Gabbard. With the ring name of “Too Strong”, she became the International Sport Karate Associations Tennessee Women’s Light Weight Full Contact Champion in 1990. This led to a fight at the Trump Taj Mahal, where she was defeated after a ruggedly hard fight, in the 4th round by TKO. Everyone that knows Master Strong can tell you she is courageous, skilled, hard hitting, and does not have any "quit" in her.
Master Strong is an original pioneer of women in Isshin-ryu karate. Her accomplishments include:
• In 1990 Master Strong won 3rd Place at the 21st Battle of Atlanta, the largest
and most competitive tournament in the southeast.
• In 1995 she was awarded the World Sokeship Council Fighter of the Year.
• In 1997 she was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame as the
Regional Female Competitor of the Year.
• In 1997 and 1998 she is the I.I.K.A.'s Point Circuit Kumite Champion.
• In 1997 she is also the A.O.K.A. Hall of Fame Competitor of the Year.
• From 1997 to 2000 she is the A.O.K.A. Kumite Grand Champion.
• In 1998 Master Strong was awarded the Isshin-ryu Hall of Fame Female
• Instructor of the Year and retired undefeated as the IHOF Womens Kumite
Grand Champion.
• In 2004 Master Strong won the A.O.K.A.'s All Time Women's Fighting
Champion Award.
• In 2005 and 2006 she is on the 5 member team that won the AOKA Team
Overall Winners-Ladies Team Fighting.
Master Strong was appointed to the I.I.K.A. board of directors in 1999,
Master Strong currently heads the Ladies of
Isshin-ryu training program, in which she travels and teaches throughout the
region. She is also a driving force behind the I.I.K.A.'s Youth Tournament, a
tournament only for competitors under 18, held each fall. She teaches
weekly at the Lebanon Dojo at 108 Webster Street, Lebanon, Tennessee.
The phone
number is (615) 333-0515.The Lebanon Dojo offers a well-rounded
approach to Martial Arts and self defense training. Students learn
respect, honesty, and perseverance through fun yet practical training.
The Lebanon Dojo's fundamental style is Okinawan Isshin-ryu karate, which is a
classic/traditional style of karate with hard hitting functional and efficient
techniques for real world situations.
The Leganon Dojo also specializes in Ju-Jitsu and Kobudo (weaponry). If you are a parent looking to build your child's self-esteem, confidence, physical fitness, and integrity, The Lebanon Dojo is your best choice. If you are an adult looking to get into the best physical shape of your life, learn to protect yourself as well as build self-confidence, then look no further. New students, all ages both young and old, and all levels of fitness are welcome and can quickly benefit from the training.