Holloway's Isshin Ryu Karate

09/07/2026

To the Dojo Kids! Take a look and know that yes, you are invited. DH

Join us this Saturday for a great time for the whole family!

We'll have inflatables, a petting zoo, hayrides, cotton candy, popcorn, and much more! And better yet, it's all free; all you have to do is show up!

Bring your family, invite your friends, and enjoy a fun afternoon with us! Hope to see you there!

09/02/2026

To our Dojo familes:

The dojo will be closed for the Labor Day weekend. September 5th and 7th, 2026.
Enjoy, be safe, and have fun. DH

Send a message to learn more

08/27/2026

These are folks that serve with purpose, perhaps a karateka, but maybe not. Always with a servants heart.

🏆 HONORING THOSE WHO MAKE A LASTING IMPACT.

Congratulations to our 2026 Steve Armstrong Outstanding Contribution Award Finalists!

This award recognizes individuals whose service, dedication, and contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on Isshinryu and its community. 🥋

👏 Help us celebrate these deserving finalists in the comments!

2027 Hall of Fame nominations open January 1!

08/26/2026

This tells a story and I am feeling it.

There comes a time in life when you stop explaining yourself to everyone.

Not because you have become heartless, but because you have finally learned the value of your heart.

An old samurai walking alone across the sand is more than an image. It is a symbol of a life shaped by hardship, discipline, loss, and quiet strength. His clothes may be torn. His body may be tired. His katana may drag behind him through the sand. Yet his spirit continues forward.

He has learned that kindness is precious—and precious things should not be given without wisdom.

Not everyone deserves your trust.
Not everyone deserves your kindness.
Not every argument deserves your response.
Not every battle deserves your energy.
And not every person deserves a place in your life.

There is strength in knowing when to walk away.

The strongest warrior is not always the one who wins every battle. Sometimes, the strongest warrior is the one who knows which battles are not worth fighting.

Walking alone does not always mean being lonely. Sometimes, it means having enough confidence to continue without applause, approval, or a crowd following behind you.

A true warrior does not need to prove his worth every day.

He trains in silence.
He carries his scars without complaint.
He learns from betrayal without becoming bitter.
He protects his peace without seeking revenge.
He respects others without begging for respect in return.

The years may take away youth, strength, and comfort, but they cannot easily take away wisdom.

Every scar becomes a lesson.
Every loss becomes experience.
Every betrayal becomes discernment.
Every lonely road becomes proof that you survived.

So if you are walking through a difficult season of life, remember this:

You do not need to become cruel just because someone hurt you.

You do not need to hate everyone because someone betrayed you.

You simply need to become wiser about where you place your heart, your trust, your time, and your energy.

Walk quietly.

Stand firmly.

Choose your battles carefully.

Let your actions speak louder than your words.

And when the world asks why you walk alone, simply remember:

You are not walking alone because you have no one.

You are walking alone because you have learned your worth.

A warrior does not need a crowd to know who he is.

08/25/2026

Congratulations to these folks!

🏆 HONORING THOSE WHO MAKE A LASTING IMPACT.

Congratulations to our 2026 Steve Armstrong Outstanding Contribution Award Finalists!

This award recognizes individuals whose service, dedication, and contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on Isshinryu and its community. 🥋

👏 Help us celebrate these deserving finalists in the comments!

2027 Hall of Fame nominations open January 1!

08/19/2026

Congrats to these fine folks! The future of Isshin Ryu.

🏆 THE ONES WHO PASS IT ON.

Congratulations to our 2026 Isshinryu Hall of Fame Instructor of the Year Finalists! 🥋

Great instructors do more than teach technique. They lead by example, build character, preserve tradition, and inspire the next generation.

👏 Help us celebrate these outstanding instructors by congratulating them in the comments!

Who deserves to be recognized in 2027? Nominations open January 1!

08/08/2026

It's just cool to watch.

08/04/2026

Absolutely, never to soon to start your planning. If you can come and perhaps sponsor all or part of a weekend for someone what a blessing that would be. Maybe you volunteer to judge, be a score-keeper, or observe to see those champions and what they go through. Maybe you are the "dojo" event planner and want to do something special. This event has it all. I'll give "flowers" to Ocean Pines Isshin Ryu, who make this a special camping and hangout event for their people. What a gift.

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!

07/31/2026

An event I get behind every year! An amazing time of fellowship, learning, competing, and sharing of knowledge.