“The best sermon is a good example.”
OUR SENSEI
- Founder and Chief Instructor
- Isshinryu Hall of Fame Inductee
- World Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
- World Karate Union Hall of Famer
- Texas Martial Arts Hall of Famer
- Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Famer
- International Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
- Board Member of the Isshinryu Hall of Fame
SOKE ROBERT A. KRISTENSEN
GRAPEVINE
Soke Robert A. Kristensen founded Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai in 1991 after several years of training at the Jersey Judo Karate Kai under Shihan Dale Jenkins. He also trained under Hanshi William H. Duessell and now trains under Master Toby Cooling. Soke Kristensen served in the United States Navy in Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 6 and also served as shore patrol in Sasebo, Japan. He is a Vietnam Veteran. He was a world champion competitor and Top 10 competitor in Texas for over ten years. In 2005 he was inducted into the prestigious Isshinryu Hall of Fame and currently serves as a Board Member. Soke Kristensen is a Kudan (9th degree black belt), currently teaching eight classes each week at the Grapevine Main Dojo location. He also holds black belts in Goju-ryu and Judo.
Kyoshi Maria Kristensen
Renshi Susan Harris
Renshi Tommy Thomas
Shihan Tina Palos
Renshi Jeannie Rupp
Renshi Kyle Murray
Sensei Michael Strickland
- Denton
- Began in 1992
- Top Competitor
- Earned Sho-Dan April
- 13, 2008
- Earned Yon-Dan April
- 15, 2018
- Also studied
- Taekwondo
- IHOF Male Karate-ka of
- the year nominee
Sensei Mike Harper
- Plano
- Began in 1999
- Top Competitor
- Earned Sho-Dan April
- 13, 2008
- Earned title of Sensei
- August 13, 2014
Sensei Laura Murray
Sensei Glenn Gibbs
Grapevine- Earned Sho-Dan April
- 13, 2008
- Began in April 2002
- Studied Shotokan
- Earned title of Sensei in
- 2017