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NEWS

For Immediate Release

Contact: Irv Guyett, Co-Chairman

Phone:    412-261-3522

Cell:        412-901-6046

Email:     ipguyett@comcast.net

OVER 500 COMPETITORS TO ATTEND PITTSBURGH'S

INTERNATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

2009 Biennial Tournament Features 14 Rings of Simultaneous Competition

Pittsburgh, March 11, 2009 - The 2009 Isshinryu (ish-in-ru) World Karate Association (IWKA) championships will be hosted by The Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh. Over 500 competitors from United States, Canada and Asia are expected and will compete in Kata, Weapon and Sparring events on Saturday, June 20 at the Pittsburgh Hilton, downtown. Men and women, adults and children, will compete at the novice, intermediate or advanced levels, based on their levels of accomplishment. Trophies will be awarded to participants in 80 divisions, ages six to 70 plus years. This international tournament is held every two years.

Belt Color Indicates Level of Competition

           The color of the belts, worn by the competitors, signify levels of achievement and dictate the division in which they compete:

           ● Novice: White, yellow or orange.

           ● Intermediate: Blue or green.

           ● Advanced: Purple or brown.

           ● Highest level: Black.

Black Belt Competition and Grand Championships

           The highest level of Isshinryu Karate is the Black Belt in which men and women will compete in six divisions based on age and level of

accomplishment within this rank - 1st and 2nd degree, 3rd through 5th degree and 6th degree.

           Men and women who are chief black belt instructors (dans) at sixth degree levels and higher will also compete. These black belt demonstrations of skill and precision culminate in the Grand Championships in the 18 years (Junior Black Belt) and older divisions. Dan is the Japanese word for rank of Black Belt Instructor.

           In addition trophies will be awarded to adult black belt and non-black belt competitors in the Handi-Capable Division, designed specifically to encourage those with special needs to participate.

           The all day, IWKA tournament begins at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 20 with judging of competitions in all 14 rings at the same time.

Karate Excellent Sport for Youngsters

           The year 'round sport attracts boys and girls who compete in the Mighty Mites Division (6 to 7 year olds), Pee Wees (8 to 9 year olds), Juniors (10 to 11 year olds) and three pre-teen and teen events (12 to 17 year olds).

           "We have watched these youngsters build self-confidence and self-esteem," said Dr. Irvin Guyett, 5th degree black belt and instructor. "It is not uncommon for a karate students, with the support of their families, to improve their grades in school, as well."

           The public is welcome. General admission tickets, for children and adults, can be purchased at the door for $10.00.

Seminars Offered by Grand Master and Hanshi

           Thursday, June 18, Hanshi William H. Duessel, founder of the Karate Academy, will conduct a weapons seminar for Brown and Black Belts from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  Duessel, at 82 years old, is recognized worldwide as one of Isshinryu Karate's most accomplished instructors.

           Friday, June 19, Master Kichiro Shimabuku from Okinawa, Japan, will conduct two seminars for men and women; the 1:15 p.m. seminar for Brown and Black Belts and the 3:15 p.m. seminar is open to all ranks. Attendees must pre-register.

           Following the seminars, a Celebration Dinner on Friday, June 19, will honor Hanshi Duessel and Master Shimabuku and begins with social hour at 6 p.m. Competitors and their guests are welcome to attend. Reservations are required.

Okinawa Master to Visit Pittsburgh

           Master Kichiro Shimabuku is the oldest surviving son of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, who developed the Isshinryu system. He carries on the traditions of Isshinryu and attends the international tournaments.

           All events will be held in the Hilton Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, PA.

The Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh

           The Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh, a not-for-profit organization, has produced champions locally, regionally and internationally, located at 600 Green Tree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Most of its 18 black belt instructors have studied with Hanshi Duessel, who is the only 9th Dan in United States.

Students of all ages are welcome and currently range in age from 7 to 50 years. Membership is $60 a month.

For additional information on the tournament, to register or on the Academy visit the web site: www.iwka2009-pittsburgh.com

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