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Award Definitions and Guidelines -
The
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
HOF 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.
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 blackbelt 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.
