OSHITA KARATE

Sensei Jon Oshita

In his own words...

 

 

Where were you born, and where were you raised?

 

"I was born in Gadsden Alabama and at the age of 5 yrs my parents moved to Monroe, NC."

 

How long have you lived in Wilmington, NC., and what brought you  here?

 

"What brought me to Wilmington NC was the ocean. I moved to Wilmington in 1999."

 

Tell us a little about yourself as a Karate Ka (student) and as a martial arts instructor.

 

"I started karate in the mid eighties. I have been training in Isshin-Ryu karate for 32 years. Karate kind of found me--I did not find it. When I was a kid I heard the sound of "kiai" coming from a building and saw a man teaching a karate class. I must have shown interest because weeks later my dad took me and my brothers to a karate school. I was apprehensive at first but I really wanted to try it.  I was hooked and I have been with Sensei ever since. Ironically the man I saw teaching in the building was and is the teacher of my instructor. "

 

What were the reasons you chose Isshin-Ryu as your art?

"I enjoy Isshin-Ryu because it is powerful with intelligent movements. The attention to detail is demanding. And now as an adult I can say that it is an art that will grow with you. As a kid I grew up watching black belt theater and Bruce Lee was an childhood idol of mine, but also the pioneers of karate were a big influence in my life.

 

The origins of Karate (White Crane)  were developed by a woman named Fang Qiniang. This means the movements are meant to stop or maim an assailant rather than to fight them."

 

Have you ever tried a different martial art?

 

"I have never strayed from Isshinryu karate , I am a purist."

 

What do you see students struggling with the most in your art?

 

"I think the most difficult part for a new karate ka is that one has to push one's self. The Sensei cannot do it for you. However all martial arts are a practice, and students will gain much from that practice. "

 

"Over time karate will become woven into the fabric of the karate ka."

 

What makes Isshin-Ryu good for kids? Grown-ups? Women? The Elderly?

 

"Karate can be customized to fit  man, woman or child. As mentioned earlier, the origin of  was developed by a woman. Karate also keeps me and others moving and thinking. It is common to find healthy 80 to 90 year old karate Sensei.  As a parent, I want to spread this knowledge to other moms and dads. I believe that karate combined with prevention can help keep a family safe."