International Isshin-Ryu Karate Federation

Sensei Matt Dorsey recently attended the 2026 Isshin ryu Hall Of Fame event in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Master Joe Jennings, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012, also attended. It was an amazing event with seminars, banquet and tournament. Sensei Dorsey reconnected with a lot of old friends and made lots on new ones, too.

This event showed how strong Isshin ryu is in the US and in other countries. The skill, spirit and respect of IR students and teachers was outstanding.

Here's an awesome video with Master Curt Sawyer, co-director of the IIKF, being interviewed on his martial arts background and his many years of running his dojo. Lots of stories and useful information.

Curt Sawyer: 45+ Years of Martial Arts, Leadership, Legacy & Life Lessons | Kumite Lifestyle Podcast In this powerful episode of the Kumite Lifestyle Podcast, Curt Sawyer shares over 45 years of experience in martial arts, business, leadership, and life—offe...

Sensei Matt Dorsey, co-director of the IIKF was recently interviewed on a podcast about his martial arts history and his long career of running Isshin ryu karate dojos.

Matt Dorsey: 45+ Years of Martial Arts, Business, and Legacy | Kumite Lifestyle Podcast In this powerful episode of the Kumite Lifestyle Podcast, we sit down with martial arts veteran Matt Dorsey, a lifelong practitioner, instructor, and leader ...

Sensei Vijayan, one of our charter IIKF dojos in India, shows his students who won awards at a National Level tournament recently. Congratulations to the students and to Sensei Vijayan for his dedication in teaching Isshin ryu karate in India.

Great seminar today! We look forward to the next one in the spring!

Are you registered? Our next Isshin Karate training seminar is coming up on Saturday January 17th from 1:00-3:00 pm at Samurai Martial Arts in Rochester, NY. You can register at www.iikf.org (go to events).
This seminar will help sharpen your Isshin ryu karate skills, improve your kata, basics and weapons, and give you new ideas for training and practice. Come and join in - you'll be glad you did!

International Isshin Ryu Karate Federation, Rochester, NY The International Isshin Ryu Karate Federation is based out of Rochester, NY, and its mission is to offer guidance and support, educate, promote, and unite Isshin-Ryu Karate practitioners and martial artists throughout the world.

The Martial Arts America dojos in Rochester, NY had a recent Black Belt graduation with 30 students moving up to various levels and degrees. Also promoted that day were Sensei Kelly Williams to 8th degree black belt and Sensei Jon Emerson to 5th degree black belt. The promotions were awarded by Sensei Matt Dorsey and Sensei Curt Sawyer, the directors of the IIKF. Congratulations to all.