We Are Officially a JKF member Japan Renbukai Karate Organization
dojo and a proud member of USA Karate for 2023.
Chief Instructor Shihan Sensei Robert Ishimaru
..began his martial arts training in 1973. He focuses primarily on traditional Japanese karate kata of Shito Ryu and Shotokan along with Renbukai Bogujutsu for authentic protective contact sparring. With a strong Karate foundation in Shotokan he holds an advanced traditional karate shihan level black belt or 6th degree black Belt obtained in 2010.
Shihan most importantly values his Japanese Instructor Certification in the All Japan Karate Federation Renbukai and holds a (JKF) Shihan 5th Degree Black Belt grade in Renbukai. By traveling back and forth to Japan he understands traditional curriculum more succinctly as it is culturally mandated always keeping a historical perspective. Shihan focuses his teaching on Shito Ryu kata he gives his students the added benefit of the elegance and details of the many facets of Kenwa Mabuni’s kata legacy. He also enjoys the speed and footwork shito ryu enhances. He bases his curriculum and foundations of Shotokan that enhances power and focus. He believes that the Shotokan style emphasizes , kicks, punches and stances that are important for the balance and transference of power in defense and offense. For a more realistic kumite experience Shihan Ishimaru embraces BOGU kumite aspect of Renbukai and embraces the legacy of the JKF founders in Japan from 1954. In additional to traditional Japanese martial art experience Shihan Sensei studied the Chinese Martial Art of Wing Chung for 2 years bringing the details of hand trapping and checking into his current curriculum. Born and raised in Japan he is honored to keep his culture alive in the USA by teaching traditional Japanese karate. Traditional karate offers no shortcut to success.
Sensei Bettina Ishimaru
..began her training in 1984. For over 20 years she trained in Shotokan karate and obtained a 5th degree in Shotokan Karate 2010. While continuing to pursue excellence in the arts of karate she continues to pursue training in Japan and obtained a (JKF) 4th Degree Black belt from the All Japan Karate Federation Renbukai in 2022. She strives to emphasize a curriculum based on Shito Ryu kata syllabus for all of her students. She teaches fundamentals with an emphasis on “shite kata ichiro“or required forms firstly. Fitness is also a large component in her classes. Times drills for speed makes every karate ka achieve better conditioning which makes them perform at a higher level. Ultimately, she feels that competition is healthy for the practitioner to test his/her true knowledge, as the increased practice towards towards it increases overall skill. She loves teaching youth and teens as she believes that their potential is unlimited. Learning from students changes your teaching as every student is unique and their movements are adaptation to traditional karate is also unique. As a special supplement to her training Bettina studied the art of chin na or joint locking and tendon seizing. Every karate te waza (hand technique) works with positive ROM while every chin na technique works with the inverse –so they are complementary and a perfect supplement to understanding true kata success. She teaches up to 8 classes weekly. In person, group, private, video and self defense. 
Both have been committed to traditional karate instruction in PDX since 2001. They teach traditional karate with emotional IQ and take responsibility for passing the art form on to others. Both have experience in being karate practitioners for over 25 years and proudly represent All- Japan Federation Renbukai since 2008-they are true professionals. Both instructors tested in Japan for their certifications in Kanagawa Prefecture where their Hombu dojo is currently located. Both Instructors are USA Karate official license and Kata and Kumite referee holders as of 2023. They are also passed the US Center for SAFESPORT.org course required training for 2023 : Mandatory reporting, Sexual misconduct Awareness education and Coaching emotional and physical misconduct prevention. Both yearly pass NCSI background national screening examinations. It is important that the teacher and coach you train with is Yearly vetted and checked for safety guidelines and criminal screening.
Is it time to Explore a different activity for yourself or a family member? The best karate will provide you with a powerful experience for self growth. Don’t wait. Many classed have waiting lists. Join this semester classes now- Give Pacific Renbukai karate a call or send an email. Most importantly, traditional karate do is an athletic activity that teaches self discipline unique to the study of martial arts and budo. If you or your child are interested in competition we offer elite training compliant with USA Karate/ WKF KARATE rules and participate in all local, regional and National Tournaments.
With a history of Instructing in PDX for over 20 years we have the experience to provide the best karate for your family. Our curriculum and training is under the governance and rules of JKF Renbukai and USA Karate. We travel to Japan to train and reinforce our traditional techniques of our style. At USA Karate sanctioned events we compete with rules and guidance of WKF and Olympic standards. The best karate is available to all ages and it can also be available to you. Adults and children can practice separately or together. All are welcome to our club. We do not discriminate.
We teach in a Traditional Manner with a modern emotional intelligence because that is what our community wants. For everyday training, our curriculum consists of Japanese katas (forms) of intricacy and history, kihon built for self defense with practical applications and kumite (sparring) for counterattacking. Classes are convenient with multiple time slots at 2 locations in SE and S Portland. Our training focuses on elite athletes and the novice beginner. We offer more opportunities to compete in regional, national and international events unlike our competitors. 
There are city wide Women’s Only Self Defense Classes attended by teens, and adults and taught exclusively by Sensei Bettina Ishimaru a 27 year veteran of self defense training in Traditional karate, Wing chun- hand trapping, and Chin Na- joint locking and seizing. A no men policy group gives women the opportunity to share and learn safely without bias.
As Pacific Renbukai karate we are committed to our clients, to community and to PDX families while adhering Japanese traditions and excellence. We are USA KARATE Members 2021, ALL-Japan Karate Federation Renbukai members (Kanagawa, JP.) and currently Safe Sport vetted 2021 to insure your quality of instruction. The journey is long and difficult but it is worth the effort. Remember Pacific Renbukai is the best Karate in PDX.
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- S 6415 Macadam Ave, Portland, OR. 97239- :TUESDAY, THURSDAYS and SUNDAYS-See Google Calendar-* 8 classes weekly
- 2276 SE 41st Street- South East- PPS Richmond Elementary -Japanese Immersion Students Only- WED 2:15-3:30PM
