At Plum Isshinryu Academy, students receive personalized instruction and advance at their own pace. About Sensei Steve Rowe
Mr. Mr. What is Isshinryu karate?
Steve Rowe began studying the art of Isshinryu Karate in 1984 under the guidance of Master Mike Matzko at the Penn Hills YMCA. He started instructing classes there in 1986 and has been practicing and teaching the martial arts since then. Rowe holds the rank of Roku Dan (6th degree) and credits everything he has achieved and accomplished in life to his martial arts training. Master Matzko always sa
id, “You can do and be anything you want, just believe in yourself and never quit.”
Mr. Rowe has a commercial pilot’s license and over ten years of flying experience. He has undergraduate degrees in science, business, education, and a master’s degree in education. He is presently an elementary school teacher for the Riverview School District. He is always trying to improve himself and his teaching by working out with Master Matzko whenever he can, training in other arts, and attending seminars whenever possible. Sensei holds his students to a strong moral code of conduct. He leads by example and puts his heart and soul into every lesson and student he teaches. He hopes the martial arts will benefit you as much as they have helped him. Isshinryu Karate is an Okinawan martial art that was created by Grandmaster Tatsuo
Shimabuku. The style is known for its vertical fist,
hard strikes and fast kicks. Grandmaster Shimabuku studied Shorin-Ryu,
Goju-Ryu, and Kobayashi-Ryu, under Okinawa's most noted instructors. Isshinryu is a combination of the best of these styles and weapons techniques and epitomizes
the powerful, lightning-fast techniques that enabled the weaponless Okinawans to endure the
rein of the Chinese empire and to defeat the sword-wielding Samurai of Japan. Students of Isshinryu will focus on its three main components:
1. Charts– basic punches and kicks
2. Katas– forms to help your body and mind work together
3. Kumite– Full contact fighting
Benefits of Isshinryu Karate
The benefits you receive from studying Isshinryu Karate are limitless. You will improve the body and mind together. Some of the most noticeable benefits are:
- The ability to defend yourself in any situation
- Healthier immune system
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved self-confidence
- More powerful memory
- Improved reflexes and coordination
- Increased strength and stamina so you feel great all day
- Increased performance in all physical activities
- Improved academic performance be- cause of better focus and concentration
- Reduced stress levels and the ability to relax and stay calm
- Confidence in knowing how to deal with bullies and other confrontations
- Respect for yourself and those around you
Verbal Judo
Sensei Rowe not only teaches his students when and how to protect themselves physically, he also teaches them how to use words to prevent a situation from turning physical. Most physical confrontations always begin with words. Verbal Judo is the art of learning how to defend yourself with words. It teaches you how to keep your cool in any situation and how to use words to block a verbal at- tack just like you would use your hands to block a physical attack. These are the same procedures taught to law enforcement officers who use Verbal Judo
every day. These lessons will allow you to redirect behavior with words. Verbal assaults happen to everyone regardless of your age. Let the Plum Isshinryu Academy teach you how to deal with it and give you the confidence you need to never fear a bully again. Why study Isshinryu? The Plum Isshinryu Academy teaches valuable lessons and skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life. When you compare learning Isshinryu Karate to other activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and "winning at all costs" seems to be the order of the day, it's not surprising that many people have issues with self-esteem and misplaced aggression. Our goal for you is the same as Master Shimabuku’s when he created this art; to make every person who studies Isshinryu a better person. FAQ's
Q: When can I start? A: We are always accepting new students! Please call, send a message, or show up at class and ask to speak to Sensei Rowe for more information. Q: How much does it cost to join? A: As of June 2021, pricing is as follows:
1 student: $45/month
2 students: $80/month
3 students: $105/month
4 or more students: $125/month
Q: Are there hidden fees? A: There are no hidden fees! The only costs incurred beyond the monthly class fee is for the gi (uniform) and equipment. Please contact Sensei Rowe with any questions. Q: Do you have a beginners level course? A: Yes, we do! We hold separate instruction time for brand new students from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings for 6-8 weeks before transitioning to the existing class. Q: How long will it take to earn a black belt? A: Everyone learns and advances at their own pace. Please feel free to contact Sensei Rowe if you have more specific questions.
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