Traditional Okinawan Karate Institute

Mark your calendar!!

The work toward an even better 2027 Isshinryu Hall of Fame Weekend has officially begun.

This weekend, our Board of Directors held our first post-event debrief and planning meeting. We spent significant time reviewing the feedback that so many of you took the time to provide. Every survey response, email, conversation, and constructive suggestion was heard, discussed, and weighed heavily as we began shaping next year’s event.

While there is still much work ahead, several priorities have already been identified, including:

• A comprehensive review and refinement of the tournament rules.
• Enhanced training and preparation for our officials and judges.
• A complete revamp of Uventex training for board members, coordinators, registration volunteers and scorekeepers.
• Greater clarity in division breakdowns, tournament procedures, and day-of-event communications, including ring assignments and reassignments.
• Continued evaluation of every aspect of the tournament and banquet to improve the experience for competitors, officials, volunteers, and spectators alike.

The 2026 Hall of Fame Weekend was filled with incredible moments, record-setting accomplishments, and memories we’ll never forget. At the same time, we recognize there are areas where we can improve. Our commitment is to celebrate what went well while honestly addressing what can be better. We believe that’s how a great event becomes an even greater tradition.

To everyone who completed our survey, reached out personally, or shared constructive feedback, thank you! Your voice matters, and it is already influencing our plans for 2027.

📅 Mark your calendars!

46th Annual Isshinryu Hall of Fame Weekend
July 16–17, 2027
Gatlinburg, Tennessee

📝 Registration officially opens January 1, 2027.

We can’t wait to welcome our Isshinryu family back to the Smoky Mountains as we continue honoring our traditions while building an even stronger event for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued support, and we’ll see you in Gatlinburg!

A true gift!!!

🎁 A Gift to the Isshinryu Community.

One of the things we love most about the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Weekend is bringing our community together to learn from those who have dedicated their lives to the art.

We are honored to announce that Grandmaster Willie Adams, 10th Dan, has generously offered to teach a special karate seminar on Friday, July 17, from 12:00–12:45 PM at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

Here’s the best part… this seminar is completely FREE.

If you’ve already purchased seminar tickets to learn from this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, consider this an added bonus.

If you haven’t purchased seminar tickets, you’re still invited. This seminar is our gift to the Isshinryu community, made possible through Grandmaster Adams’ generosity, and we are grateful to pass that gift along to all of you.

No registration. No ticket required.

Just show up in your gi, ready to train, learn, and enjoy the opportunity to spend time with one of Isshinryu’s most respected 10th Dan Grandmasters.

We hope you’ll take advantage of this special opportunity. See you In Gatlinburg!🥋

🚨 We may or may not have climbed to the top of the Empire State Building… 👀😂

Okay… we definitely didn’t. 😅

But with only 15 DAYS until the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Weekend, we figured we had to make sure everyone got the message somehow!

🥋 Join us in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for an unforgettable weekend of:
🏆 World-class competition
🎖️ Hall of Fame inductions
🤝 Fellowship with the Isshinryu family
📚 Outstanding seminars
🎉 Memories that will last a lifetime

The countdown is on, and the excitement is building!

👉 Register today at www.theihof.com

📍 15 days to go… Who’s ready?

THE WAIT IS OVER.

After reviewing 500+ nominations from across the country and beyond, the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Board of Directors has made its decisions.

💥 The Top 5 Finalists in all 17 categories are officially set.
🏆 The 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees have been selected.

These are the individuals who represent the very best of our system—
dedication, legacy, leadership, and impact.

This isn’t just recognition…
This is history being written.

Please see the graphic for the announcements and tag anyone you know on the list! Spread the word!

If you haven’t made your plans yet, now is the time You can still take advantage of the Early Bird pricing until May 10th!!!

📍 Gatlinburg, Tennessee
📅 July 17–18, 2026

Be there to witness it. Celebrate with us and Be there to be part of it.

👉 Register now: www.theihof.com

We’re right there.

Almost 500 new followers since last year… and we’re not slowing down.

This isn’t just a number—this is momentum.
This is Isshinryu growing stronger, louder, and more connected heading into this year’s tournament.

Now let’s finish it.

If you’re proud to represent your dojo…
If you believe in what we’re building…
If you’re showing up in July…

👉 Share this post
👉 Repost it to your story
👉 Invite your students and friends to follow

Let’s break 500 together before the tournament.

And when we do… we keep going.
don’t forget to grab your tshirts and get registered for the banquet and tournament at www.theihof.com

🚨 NEW HOTEL ROOM BLOCK JUST OPENED 🚨

Because of the overwhelming response and the speed at which the first room blocks filled, we have opened another block of rooms for the 2026 Isshinryu Hall of Fame Weekend at

Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown

The excitement for this year’s event is already building, and it’s clear that 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest Hall of Fame weekends we’ve ever had.

📍 Just minutes from the
Gatlinburg Convention Center
where the tournament and banquet will take place.

⚠️ Rooms in Gatlinburg go quickly, and with the momentum we’re seeing already, we strongly recommend booking your room as soon as possible.

👉 Reserve your room here: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=GKTEX&qCiD=16&qCiMy=062026&qCoD=21&qCoMy=062026&qGrpCd=ISS&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=EX&qDest=322%20Airport%20Road,%20Gatlinburg,%20TN,%20US&showApp=true&adjustMonth=false&srb_u=1&qRmFltr=

While you’re planning your trip…

✅ Make sure you’re registered for the event as well.

🥋 Isshin-ryu Hall of Fame Banquet
🏆 Annual Isshin-ryu Tournament
🤝 A weekend reconnecting with friends, masters, and the Isshin-ryu community.

📅 July 17–18, 2026
Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Make your plans now — this year is going to be special.

🔥 OFFICIAL 2026 ISSHINRYU HALL OF FAME EVENT SHIRTS ARE HERE 🔥

This is more than apparel… this is legacy you can wear.

For a limited time, you can secure the official 2026 IHOF event gear featuring the design that represents tradition, strength, and the worldwide Isshinryu family.

👕 T-Shirts
🧥 Crewnecks
🥋 Hoodies

⚠️ AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
🗓️ Sale ends June 15th

After that… they’re gone.

No restocks. No second chances.

Whether you’re attending the event or representing from your dojo, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

💥 Don’t wait. Don’t miss out.
https://ihofgatlinburgevent.itemorder.com/

Details on Master Ralph Passero's memorial services

❄️ Snow Days Don’t Stop Strong Martial Artists ❄️

Take it from our IHOF Youth Ambassadors: real strength isn’t just built on perfect days—it’s built through discipline, mindset, and consistency.

When winter storms roll in:
• Train smart. Train safe.
• If you’re stuck inside, it’s the perfect time to practice techniques, visualize your wins, or plan your next training phase.
• Mental reps matter. Preparation matters.

It’s also a great opportunity to:
🏆 Register for the IHOF Tournament & Banquet
📝 Write a thoughtful nomination to recognize someone who deserves to be honored

Stay safe. Stay committed.
Stay Isshinryu Strong 💪

👉 Visit www.theihof.com

A huge thank you to our IHOF Youth Ambassador Sponsor, Parkview RV Center, for their continued support of the Isshin-ryu Hall of Fame and the next generation of martial artists.