Nomination Guidelines

GENERAL

The Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame Awards were established to internationally recognize Isshin-Ryu practitioners by their peers. All nominees should be those who have contributed to our art beyond the scope of their dojo experience.

The IHOF Board receives many nominations for each category.  The process of review, discussion, and voting (and sometimes, more discussion, voting, discussion, voting) on those nominations is an arduous endeavor.  The board must decide the one person who best exemplifies the qualifications and definition of each category for that year.  It does not mean that the other candidates were not worthy…it means we can only select one person for that year from many well-written nominations.

Please note that these awards are, by their very nature, selective: There have been, and will be, times when a category has no winner.  In order to give the candidate the best possible consideration, it is recommended to submit one well-written nomination per candidate.  The “Reasons For Nomination” should be typed!

Persons who have been "Inducted" into the Hall of Fame are not eligible for other Awards.

Nominations may be submitted by anyone. Award Definitions and Guidelines have been adopted by the Board and published below in order to assist you in the nomination process.  Please read the Definitions and Guidelines before submitting your nomination.   However, it is the quality of the nomination, and not the quantity of nominations received on behalf of that person that determines who receives the award. For this reason, it is imperative that the nomination being submitted contain as much detail as possible concerning the merits of the individual. This should include not only their contributions in Isshin-Ryu Karate, but their contributions outside of the dojo as well. The nomination must be completely filled-out!

An individual may be nominated for more than one category, however, a separate nomination form must be submitted for each category. The top five nominees in each category will be notified by mail with the winner being announced at the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame Awards Banquet. 

Nominations must be received by
April 1. They may be submitted by mail, fax, or by submitting the on-line form by clicking the link on the menu to the right. Nominations by mail, send to: The Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame, PO Box 6206, Knoxville, TN 37914.

REVIEW PROCESS

The Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame Board of Directors meet in April of each year to review and vote on the nominees in each category. In order for a person to receive one of the first eight awards, he/she must receive a minimum of 50% of the vote. The selection process takes hours and many times results in several votes being taken until the field is narrowed down to just one individual. In order for an individual to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, he/she must receive a 2/3 majority vote.

If you would like to download and print-out the nomination form for submission via the postal service, click here.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Young Female Karate-ka
/ Young Male Karate-ka


Definition:
The individual should demonstrate outstanding dedication to his/her dojo, and the art of Isshin-Ryu Karate.  He/she sets an example for other students, assists their sensei whenever called upon, and contributes to the community in some way beyond their attendance at the dojo.

Qualifications: 
1) Should be a member of a dojo for at least 2 years.

Male/Female Karate-ka of the Year


Definition: 
This nominee should demonstrate outstanding dedication to his/her dojo, and the art of Isshin-Ryu Karate.  He/she sets an example for other students, assists their sensei whenever the opportunity presents itself, and contributes to the community in some way beyond their attendance at the dojo. The nominee should understand the qualities of honor, loyalty, and fortitude, and be examples of these qualities to their peers and others outside of their dojo.

Qualifications: 
1) Should be a member of the dojo for at least 2 years.

Male/Female Instructor of the Year

Definition: 
The nominee should be an outstanding example of “one who has gone before”.  A leader within and outside of his/her dojo; a living example of the qualities of honor, loyalty, and fortitude.  The nominee should be a seeker of knowledge as well as an advocate of the knowledge he/she has gained in the martial arts. He/she should be an experienced sensei.
 
Qualifications: 
1)  Sandan or higher.
2)  Has been an instructor for at least 5 years.
 
Male/Female/Junior Competitor of the Year

Definition: 
The individual portrays humbleness in victory, and graciousness in defeat.  Although fiercely competitive, they set an example for other karate-ka inside and outside the ring by demonstrating the virtues of a true warrior. They are courteous to both ring officials and their competitors.

Qualifications:  
1)  Has competed in both Open and Isshin Ryu-only tournaments throughout the year; 
2)  Has competed in several tournaments during the year; 
3)  Has traveled outside of his/her home state to compete.
 
Sensei of Sensei

Definition:
The individual has been actively instructing black belt students for many years. He/she is an innovator, constantly working to improve their teaching methods.  They teach their students how to be a Sensei, through hands-on experience as well as by setting an example. Although Isshin-Ryu is their foundation, they have sought knowledge in other areas, and have lived a life that others want to emulate. They display the character, honor, and courage that other people aspire to. Their influence extends beyond the realm of their dojo and into the community.  They are well respected by people outside of their own dojo organization, by non-martial artists as well as those within the martial arts community.

Qualifications:
1)  Must be Roku-Dan or higher;
2)  Must have at least 2 generations of students.

Dojo of the Year

Definition:
This award is for a group of Isshin-Ryu practitioners who have worked as a team to promote Isshin-Ryu in their community.  They exemplify the family atmosphere that Isshin-Ryu promotes.  It is obvious to all that they work together as a unit, selflessly supporting each other. This dojo pulls together to help each other, and demonstrates how commitment to each other can make a dojo strong.  The physical presence presents a positive impression to the community.

Outstanding Contribution

Definition:
This nominee may or may not be a martial artist.  This person has put forth a tremendous effort to promote Isshin-Ryu karate by their participation in a dojo or organization, either as a student or as friend to Isshin-Ryu.
 
Spirit of Isshin-Ryu

Definition: 
This person is literally an ambassador of Isshin-Ryu.  He/she has traveled throughout the United States to promote the art of Isshin-Ryu Karate, freely sharing their knowledge with non-Isshin-Ryu practitioners as well as Isshin-Ryu karate-ka. They have worked to increase their personal knowledge of our art.  They are living examples of honor, loyalty, and courage, and have not sacrificed their integrity for the sake of notoriety.  This nominee has risen to the occasion, serving in leadership capacities for his/her sensei or organization.
 
Humanitarian Award 
[Awarded by the Board – Nominations not accepted ]

Definition:
This person has promoted Isshin-Ryu through service to his/her fellow man.

Lifetime Achievement 
[Awarded by the Board – Nominations not accepted ]

Definition:
This person has been involved in the art of Isshin-Ryu for many years, as both an instructor and competitor.  He/she has influenced many people into becoming students of Isshin-Ryu, and has shown students what is possible through the study of Isshin-Ryu. Their tenacity and perseverance for so many years is a shining example of their love for our art.

Qualifications:
1)  Have over 30 years of uninterrupted participation in Isshin-Ryu;
2)  Is, or has been at one time, the sensei of their own dojo.

Induction into the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame

Definition:
This individual has become well known as an ambassador of Isshin-Ryu beyond his or her own dojo and Isshin-Ryu organization. They are well respected by non-martial artists as well as those within the martial arts community.  They are non-political in promoting the unity of Isshin-Ryu Karate, holding the cause of Isshin-Ryu Karate above personal gain.  They do not attempt to elevate themselves in the eyes of their students or peers by disparaging others.

This person is one who has stepped forward and assumed the responsibilities of being in a leadership role when called upon. This individual demonstrates a high degree of personal integrity, dignity, and honor.  Their demeanor and character will be a legacy to all members of the Isshin-Ryu family.

Qualifications:
1)  Uninterrupted involvement in Isshin-Ryu Karate for at least 20 years;
2)  Roku-Dan or higher;
3)  Is, or has been at one time, the sensei of their own dojo.
4)  Has traveled to promote Isshin-Ryu Karate.

Contact Information

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Tel : 540.903.3712
Fax: 540.899.7666

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