IIKA
News Up-Date
Chairman: JC Burris President: Tommy True
Board Members:
Phil McElroy, Jim McDonald, Willie Wilson, Melbert Lee, Bruce Guillaume,
David Gabbard, Kelly Markham , Jerry Smith, Don Bordinger,
Carol Burris, Mike Lewis, Sandra Strong
Release: All IIKA Personnel
Subject: IIKA Promotions
Release Date: Sunday, December 10, 2006
On behalf of the IIKA Board of Directors, we would like to express our deepest congratulations to David Gabbard, Kelly Markham , and Don Bordinger on their well deserved promotions.
These men have a long tradition of loyalty to Isshin-Ryu Karate and the IIKA . They all exemplify the true spirit of Isshin-Ryu and are a shining representation of what dedication and focus on one’s art form can do. From all of us, congratulations on your accomplishment.
Sincerely,
Tommy True
President
On July 19 2006, Sensei Dave Gabbard was promoted to the rank of Hachi Dan 8th Degree in a special promotion ceremony at Martial Arts for the Heart Dojo in Winchester , Tennessee . Phil McElroy, Jim McDonald, Butch Hill, Dennis Martin, and Tony Williams attended this very special occasion. Sensei Gabbard started his training at the Nashville Dojo under Master Denny Shaffer, Phil McElroy, and Jim McDonald and has studied Isshinryu Karate for over 31 years. He has received many awards over the years and was inducted in the Isshinryu Hall of Fame in 1998. He also serves as a board member of the IIKA , and has traveled throughout the country for many years supporting Isshinryu events. David has always displayed the true Isshinryu spirit as a competitor and instructor.
Submitted by Phil McElroy
On Saturday, November the 4th, 2006 in Rogersville , TN , Kelly Markham was promoted to the rank of Hachi-Dan by Tommy True and the IIKA Board of Directors. Representatives from various schools throughout East Tennessee were on hand to share the event, fellowship, and workout.
The morning began with a 2-hour seminar on basic Isshin-Ryu techniques hosted by Mr. True. The focus of the morning was on setup, power and speed. Following the workout, Mr. True spoke to the group, recognized Mr. Markham’s 34 years of devotion to Isshin-Ryu and promoted Mr. Markham to Hachi-Dan. After the promotion ceremony all those who could adjourned for lunch
As always, everyone in attendance came away from the event with something new to work on and think about. It was a wonderful opportunity to see old friends, make new ones and share experiences.
Submitted by Tommy True
On November 9, 2006 at a ceremony at the Roane School of Isshin-Ryu in Harriman , TN , Don Bordinger was promoted to the rank of Shichi-Dan.
Don Bordinger began his Isshin-Ryu study with Grand Master Harold Long in 1966, and later partnered with Mr. Long in a Dojo in Knoxville , TN. After long days in the dojo and numerous trips with Mr. Long to events around the country, and eighteen years later, Mr. Bordinger was promoted by Mr. Long to the rank of Roku-Dan.
During those years, Mr. Bordinger was a member of the IIKA Board of Directors, where he served as Secretary. Don Bordinger wrote the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame Constitution and By Laws, and was later appointed as the Chairman of the Board and President of one of the most prestigious Isshin-Ryu organizations in the world…the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame. During his tenure with the IHOF, Mr. Bordinger assisted in the induction of Grand Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, Harold Long, Harold Mitchum, Don Nagle, Steve Armstrong, J.C. Burris, and Denny Shaffer.
Over the years, Mr. Bordinger continued to teach Isshin-Ryu Karate at the Paragon Health Club in Oak Ridge , TN , Webb School in Knoxville , TN and the Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge , TN.
Today, Mr. Bordinger still actively teaches advanced Isshin-Ryu Karate techniques (many of the same techniques he and Mr. Long used to teach to law enforcement) and principles involved with exercise physiology to ranking students at the Roane School of Isshin-Ryu in Harriman , TN , under the supervision of Master Tommy True.
Submitted by Tommy True
