Lebanon Isshinryu Karate School

08/06/2026

Purpose.

It's a simple word, but it has the power to change everything.

This month at Lebanon Isshinryu Karate School, we're exploring the leadership trait of Purpose. Every student has a reason for stepping onto the mat. Some come to build confidence. Others want to learn self-defense, improve their fitness, or simply challenge themselves in a positive environment.

Whatever the reason, that first step is only the beginning.

Purpose is what keeps us training when progress feels slow. It's what reminds us to keep trying after a mistake. It's what helps us choose discipline over excuses and growth over comfort.

Throughout this month, our students will be learning to ask an important question: "Why am I doing this?" Discovering that answer helps them build resilience, focus, and the confidence to pursue meaningful goals both inside and outside the dojo.

At Lebanon Isshinryu Karate School, we believe martial arts is about far more than punches and kicks. It's about developing the character and leadership skills that help our students succeed in every area of life.

If you've been thinking about starting martial arts, there's no better time to begin. Your journey starts with a single step, but it's your purpose that will carry you forward.

Lebanon Isshinryu Karate School
970 Isabel Drive
Lebanon, PA 17042

717-272-9890

www.liks.net

07/30/2026

Sensei Philip was given an opportunity to be on the Kumite Lifestyle podcaat where he answered questions about his time in the dojo and his life outside.

In this episode of the Kumite Lifestyle Podcast, we sit down with P...

07/30/2026

This month we've been talking about courage, and as we close out the month, we'd like to leave our students with one final thought.

Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the decision that fear will not determine who you become.

Every person will encounter fear throughout life. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of being different. Fear of standing alone. The question is not whether fear will appear, but whether we will surrender to it or move through it.

Every class at Lebanon Isshinryu Karate gives our students an opportunity to practice making that choice. It takes courage to walk through the doors for the first time. It takes courage to attempt a technique that seems impossible, to stand in front of others during a belt test, to accept correction with humility, and to continue training when progress feels slow.

We believe character is forged by consistently choosing growth over comfort. Every challenge accepted, every obstacle faced, and every setback overcome reinforces the idea that we are not defined by our circumstances or emotions. We are defined by the decisions we make when those circumstances and emotions are pressing against us.

Martial arts is about far more than learning how to punch and kick. It is about developing the discipline to confront difficulty, the confidence to act with purpose, and the resilience to continue moving forward when quitting would be easier. Those lessons extend well beyond the dojo and prepare our students to become capable leaders in their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Courage is not a single heroic act. It is a way of living that says, "I may not control everything that happens to me, but I will always control how I respond."

If that is the kind of mindset you want your child to develop, we invite you to come see what Lebanon Isshinryu Karate is all about.

Lebanon Isshinryu Karate
970 Isabel Drive
Lebanon, PA 17042

717-272-9890

www.liks.net

07/22/2026

Today, the Isshinryu community lost one of its great ambassadors.
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Grandmaster Nick Adler.
For decades, Grandmaster Adler dedicated his life to preserving, teaching, and advancing Isshinryu Karate. His knowledge, humility, and unwavering commitment to the art helped shape generations of karateka across the world. His influence reached far beyond the dojo floor, reminding us that the true measure of a martial artist is found not only in technical skill, but in character, integrity, and the willingness to pass knowledge on to others.
Here at Lebanon Isshinryu Karate School, this loss is deeply personal. Grandmaster Adler was a longtime friend of our own Shihan John Devine. Their friendship, built through years of training, competition, and a shared love of Isshinryu, is a testament to the lifelong bonds that martial arts create. We know that today Shihan has lost not only a fellow master, but a dear friend.
While Grandmaster Adler's passing leaves a tremendous void, his teachings and example will continue to live on every time an Isshinryu student steps onto the dojo floor, ties on a belt, and strives to become a little better than they were yesterday.
On behalf of everyone at Lebanon Isshinryu Karate School, we extend our deepest condolences to the Adler family, his students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Thank you, Grandmaster Adler, for your lifetime of service to Isshinryu. Your legacy will continue through every generation of karateka you inspired.

07/20/2026

This weekend was one to remember for Lebanon Isshinryu Karate School.

The Isshinryu Hall of Fame banquet was a wonderful evening celebrating the dedication and accomplishments of karateka from across our organization. Congratulations to all of the award recipients and thank you to everyone who works to preserve and strengthen the legacy of Isshinryu Karate.

Competition followed the next day, and our students represented our dojo with skill, discipline, and humility.

Sensei Philip Ebersole
• Isshinryu Karateka of the Year
• 1st Place – Empty Hand Kata
• 2nd Place – Kobudo Kata

Sensei Freddie
• 1st Place – Empty Hand Kata
• 1st Place – Kobudo Kata
• 1st Place – Kumite

Mr. John S.
• 3rd Place – Empty Hand Kata
• 1st Place – Kobudo Kata
• 3rd Place – Kumite

Mr. Adam H.
• 1st Place – Empty Hand Kata
• 2nd Place – Kobudo Kata
• 2nd Place – Kumite

The medals are exciting, but what makes me proudest is the character our team displayed throughout the weekend. They competed with respect, encouraged one another, and represented our dojo and our instructors with honor. Success like this is built through countless hours of training, perseverance, and a willingness to keep learning.

Congratulations to everyone who competed. We're proud of what you accomplished, and we're already looking forward to getting back on the dojo floor to continue improving together.

07/20/2026

When people hear the word courage, they often think about fearless heroes or dramatic moments. In reality, some of the greatest acts of courage happen in quiet moments when no one is watching.
Courage is choosing to try again after you didn't succeed the first time. It is walking back onto the mat after making a mistake, asking for help when you need it, and accepting that growth often comes with discomfort. Every student who continues training after a difficult class or a disappointing performance is demonstrating real courage.
At Lebanon Isshinryu Karate, we remind our students that failure is not the opposite of success—it is part of the journey toward it. Every missed technique is an opportunity to improve. Every challenge reveals something new about ourselves. Every setback gives us the chance to become more resilient than we were the day before.
The goal is never to be perfect. The goal is to develop the confidence to keep moving forward even when the outcome is uncertain. That mindset extends far beyond the dojo and helps our students face challenges at school, at home, and eventually in their careers and communities.
Courage is not measured by whether you fall. It is measured by your willingness to stand back up, learn from the experience, and continue pursuing your goals with determination.
If you're looking for a program that develops confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership while teaching practical martial arts skills, we invite you to experience what Lebanon Isshinryu Karate has to offer.
Lebanon Isshinryu Karate
970 Isabel Drive
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-272-9890
www.liks.net

07/14/2026

When most people think of courage, they picture dramatic moments—running into danger or standing up in a difficult situation. While those moments certainly require courage, the type of courage we practice every day is often much quieter.

Sometimes courage looks like raising your hand when you're unsure of the answer. Sometimes it's introducing yourself to someone new. Sometimes it's admitting you made a mistake, accepting correction, and trying again.

In karate, courage is stepping onto the mat even when you're nervous. It's attempting a technique that you've struggled with, sparring against a stronger opponent, or testing for your next belt despite the butterflies in your stomach.

Growth only happens when we're willing to step outside our comfort zone.

At Lebanon Isshinryu Karate, we encourage our students to understand that courage isn't about being fearless—it's about refusing to let fear make your decisions. Every challenge faced with determination helps build confidence that carries into school, work, relationships, and everyday life.

The courageous choice isn't always the easiest one, but it is often the one that helps us become the person we're capable of being.

If you're looking for a program that develops confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership alongside practical martial arts skills, we'd love to welcome you to our dojo.

Lebanon Isshinryu Karate
970 Isabel Drive
Lebanon, PA 17042

717-272-9890

Discover top-tier martial arts training in Lebanon: perfect for all ages & fitness levels, emphasizing self-defense, discipline, and overall well-being.

07/09/2026

This month at Lebanon Isshinryu Karate, we're teaching our students about one of the most important leadership traits they can develop: Courage.

Courage isn't the absence of fear. Courage is recognizing that something is difficult, uncomfortable, or even frightening—and choosing to do it anyway.

Every time a student attempts a new technique, tests for a new belt, speaks in front of the class, or steps onto the mat despite being nervous, they are practicing courage.

We also discuss the difference between courage and bravery.

Courage is acting even when you feel fear.

Bravery is facing danger or challenge without feeling fear.

Both have their place, but courage is something every person can develop. It is a choice that builds confidence, resilience, and character.

At Lebanon Isshinryu Karate, our goal is to help students become stronger not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Through martial arts, children learn that growth begins just outside their comfort zone.

If you're looking for an activity that teaches discipline, confidence, respect, and real-life leadership skills, we'd love to meet you.

Lebanon Isshinryu Karate
970 Isabel Drive
Lebanon, PA 17042

717-272-9890

www.liks.net

06/27/2026

Another belt testing is in the books, and we couldn't be prouder of our students.
Congratulations to everyone who earned their next rank. Your promotion represents far more than what happened on testing day. It reflects the early mornings, long evenings, sore muscles, moments of frustration, and the decision to keep showing up even when progress felt slow.
A belt is not the finish line. It is a marker on a much longer journey. Every new rank is both recognition of what you've accomplished and a reminder that there is still more to learn. The higher you climb, the greater the responsibility to lead with humility, train with purpose, and help those coming up behind you.
Growth is earned one class, one repetition, and one decision at a time. Excellence isn't built through talent alone—it's built through consistency, discipline, and the willingness to confront challenges instead of avoiding them.
To all of our students who tested this month: thank you for your dedication and for representing our dojo with pride. We celebrate your achievement today, and we're excited to continue the journey with you tomorrow.
Congratulations, everyone. Well earned.

06/15/2026

What a fantastic day at our cookout!

The food was excellent, the weather was absolutely perfect, and we couldn't have asked for better company. It was great to spend time together outside of class, share some laughs, enjoy a good meal, and strengthen the friendships that make our dojo community so special.

A sincere thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success. Events like these remind us that Lebanon Isshinryu Karate is more than just a place to train—it's a community of families, friends, and people who support one another both on and off the dojo floor.

We appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to many more great memories together.