Watch out for a Lady
By: Master Carol Burris
The following article was authored by
Grand Master Carol Burris. Sensei Burris is a longstanding member of the
I.I.K.A. Board of Directors and an original pioneer for women in
karate, and is inspirational to women training in the martial arts. She
organized "Ladies of Isshin-ryu" in 1994 for the purpose of convincing
women to be more than casual members of an Isshin-ryu school. She
stressed that women could be leaders in their dojos and within their
communities through the martial arts, and within the larger national
arena of Isshin-ryu.
It all started in the 90’s at our dojo in
small town Athens, TN. I had trained for over twenty years and realized
that most women were not as lucky as I was to have a Sensei that
encouraged women to excel in their karate training. The ladies in our
dojo embraced the ideas of leadership and so the Ladies of Isshin-ryu
started. My goal was to help women know they could be more than just a
casual member of their dojo
Those first workouts were attended by a few ladies from upper East TN, Middle, and of course East TN, primarily IIKA members. We worked on developing techniques and concentrated on making our experience in karate even better. As time continued it was apparent that more ladies were interested in the same ideas. We all wanted to become more than just members of our dojos, so what better way to do so …. we worked harder and harder in developing our karate, and many took on leadership roles in various aspects of their lives. Many of those females began feeling empowered to do whatever they chose to do at the time. I encouraged the females attending to go into their respective communities to spread Isshinryu. We were off to a fulfilling time.
Those first workouts were attended by a few ladies from upper East TN, Middle, and of course East TN, primarily IIKA members. We worked on developing techniques and concentrated on making our experience in karate even better. As time continued it was apparent that more ladies were interested in the same ideas. We all wanted to become more than just members of our dojos, so what better way to do so …. we worked harder and harder in developing our karate, and many took on leadership roles in various aspects of their lives. Many of those females began feeling empowered to do whatever they chose to do at the time. I encouraged the females attending to go into their respective communities to spread Isshinryu. We were off to a fulfilling time.
Those first years were all day training sessions with varied female
instructors from the dojos represented. We realized the all-day
sessions would be just as meaningful to everyone if we adjusted the time
to shorter sessions. Presentations were direct and to the point and
this allowed everyone to return to their homes. Years of the Ladies of
Isshinryu continued. I realized how valuable time with other females in
our karate had become to all the ladies. At that point I thought what
better place for Ladies of Isshinryu to connect than at the Isshinryu
Hall of Fame. The governing board of the IHOF liked the idea of my
bringing this to the already fabulous weekend of Isshinryu Karate.
Females empowering Females during the 1-hour session has proven
successful and been received well.
I’ve contacted instructors from all
over the United States and most of the ladies have graciously attended
and/or presented during the 1-hour session of Ladies of Isshinryu. The
venue gives females the opportunity to train with other females who love
Isshinryu, who are from other parts of the U.S., who are from other
lineages, and who have devoted their time in study of our style. We
leave with new ideas to take to the dojos, insight as to how others
train, and most of all time to just be with other females who love
Isshinryu. Friendships have been made and reunion time at the Isshinryu
Hall of Fame for the Ladies of Isshinryu is something to behold.
Each passing year promises to be another great time at the Hall of Fame
for the Ladies of Isshinryu. 2022 will be no exception: Masters Lori
Clough from Delaware, Veronica Sandaubrae from Oklahoma, and Stephanie
Allen Huskey from Illinois are slated to present. All three of these
ladies are outstanding …. Competitors, Instructors, and as individuals.
Come prepared to work hard and absorb much from these ladies.
The
event will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, in Gatlinburg, TN at the
Gatlinburg Convention Center from 12:00 – 1:00. The Hall of Fame banquet
will start at 6:30 that night followed by the tournament at The
Gatlinburg Convention Center on Saturday, 7/16/22. A weekend of
Isshinryu with our Isshinryu family. I really can’t think of a better
way to spend a long weekend