Academy History

Isshinryu History

Tatsuo Shimabuku founded Isshinryu Karate. Growing up he studied under 3 masters and decided to combine the three with his personal touch to make Isshinryu. He had started teaching in 1947 and named it Isshinryu in 1951. Tatsuo was a short man at 5’2″ and taught American military soldiers that were much taller. Saying that, he taught that kicking to the head you lost power. He taught to kick below the belt.

Harrisburg Area History

Sensei Harry Smith was a student of Tatsuo and brought Isshinryu karate into the Harrisburg Area

Swatara Township Karate Academy History

Sensei Clark started the school in Swatara in 1976, but it was set up for only police officers at the time. In 1978, Sensei Clark handed the school over to Sensei Fogleman and it was then opened to the public. Through the years, Sensei Fogleman also taught karate clubs at CD East. The new school helped give him more time to teach than the limited amount allowed by the schools. Sensei Fogleman has since passed on and the school has been led by by several Senseis over the years and is now largely taught by Sensei Rich King and Shihan John Cassatt. There have been other black belts that have taught for a time and each have their own strengths and weaknesses. They all focus on the basics, katas (dance or prearranged fight), sparring, and improving each student.