The WUIKA had to address an issue with claims of promotions from Sensei Mitchum. At his passing he recognized three students as his, he was Sempai to a few First Generation students of Master Shimabuku, and he acknowledged a few people that he thought were exceptional. A few he knew and had no opinion. Sensei John Ingram put this out to clear up any misconceptions. - DH
From :John Ingram director WUIKA - USA
As we all know, when a senior Karateka passes away, claims and accusations arise that are
hard to prove or disprove. Fortunately this is not the case with the UIKA. Mitchum Sensei made sure everyone knew who his senior students were. He actually turned the UIKA over to me several years before he passed away. After 2010 all dan promotions 5 th dan and above were approved by both
Holloway Sensei and myself.
There are several rank certificates that he signed to endorse a promotion but only those with
UIKA certificates are those that “he” promoted. In light of recent claims of high Dan promotions
by Mitchum Sensei I have decided to put out the following . I urge directors of other Isshinryu
associations to share this with your membership.
The following is a list along with some history. In I believe 2005 Cindy and I drove to
Chattanooga, picked up Sensei and drove him to Louisiana, where we hooked up with
Holloway Sensei. The purpose was to train with a couple of first generation students of Soke.
They both regarded Sensei as their Senpai . We all felt they should be 9 th dan. Of course the
only opinion that really mattered was Mitchum Sensei’s . They were issued UIKA certificates
with Tom Lewis Sensei’s # 1. The other was numbered #2, but the individual and Sensei had a
disagreement and falling out which resulted in Sensei revoking his rank and asking for the
certificate back.
Then fast forward to 2014.
Mitchum Sensei had approached me several times about a 9 th dan promotion. I felt I was to
young and did not want it. Even though I had 10+ years as an 8th I was only 58 years old. Then
with his increasing age , along with the fact that he would not promote Holloway Sensei and
Bartusevics Sensei ahead of me I decided to accept it. Both were my seniors In age and I
believe I speak for Holloway Sensei as well when I say Bartusevics Sensei is first generation
and very senior to us both. After Sensei’s passing he has become a great mentor to me
personally . However , Holloway Sensei and myself were both direct students of Mitchum
Sensei . I did not wear a red belt until I turned 60 in 2016. The belt I wear was Mitchum
Sensei’s belt.
So, Cindy Ingram Sensei (third in command) sat down with Mitchum Sensei to do the
certificates. Sensei had her number mine #2 . Then Holloway Sensei and Bartusevics Sensei
#3. and #4 then date them each a couple of days apart . Mitchum Sensei did not want to make
the long flight due to his age, so the plan was for me to present the promotions at the upcoming Gasshuku that was to be held in Montana by Brian Ash Sensei .
Therefore, the WUIKA recognizes : Bartusevics Sensei 9th dan , Lewis Sensei 9th dan , Tokumura Sensei 8th dan . These are our seniors and advisors. Mitchum senior students: John Ingram 9th cert# 2, Dan Holloway 9th cert #3, Cindy Ingram 8th dan.
I hope this puts any bogus claims to rest.
Also, the latest development, Jim Mitchum found something left by Mitchum Sensei that will be
able to take Holloway Sensei and I to the next level when the time is right. It insures the
solidarity of the WUIKA forever.
Thank you , John Ingram director WUIKA-USA
Bringing Tatsuo Shimabuku's Isshinryu to new generations
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Monday, June 5, 2017
UIKA - WUIKA Press Release
To Our UIKA Dojos Friends, Associates, and Families:
For years the United Isshinryu Karate Association (U.I.K.A.) has made it a mission to keep the true Isshinryu as taught by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku alive. Senseis John and Cindy Ingram (FL) and Sensei Dan Holloway (MI) have spent decades under the guidance of Master Harold Mitchum. As Master Mitchum's senior students they have dedicated their lives to Isshinryu, to continue the dream that was begun by Master Shimabuku on Okinawa.
It's with great excitement that the United Isshinryu Karate Association announces a new endeavor, one that will bring about a union between Okinawa, Europe, and North America. The World United Isshinryu Karate Association (W.U.I.K.A.) which will serve as a platform for Isshinryu practitioners to train under regional directors, is forming as a worldwide effort to unite serious Isshinryu students from many regions around the globe.
Isshinryu's first generation advisory board; consisting of Tokumura Kensho Sensei, John Bartusevics Sensei, Tom Lewis Sensei, and Bill Blond Sensei, have given their full support and backing to the idea of a World United Isshirnyu Karate Association and approve of the pursuit to unite Isshinryu practitioners the world over. This new organization, the W.U.I.K.A., will seek to continue spreading Isshinryu to those who share in the desire to keep Master Shimabuku's Isshinryu alive.
Sensei John Ingram will lead as the director of the North American region with Sensei Dan Holloway as the region's president, incorporating the United Isshinryu Karate Association under the heading of the newly formed W.U.I.K.A..
Sensei Lars Anderson of Denmark (Europe's Joshinkan Orginazation) will lead the W.U.I.K.A. European region, and has begun the process of merging with the new orginization and plans to continue in ongoing efforts to train and share Isshinryu Karate with Isshinryu practitioners in Europe.
Isshinryu students in each of the represented regions will be able to gain membership, attend training seminars and symposiums, and stay connected with others who share their love for Isshinryu. It is a great time for Isshinryu, and the W.U.I.K.A. is excited about this new journey.
Please visit our Facebook page at http://facebook.com/theWUIKA
Serving the Isshin Ryu community!
Isshinryu Groups Around The World Unite
For years the United Isshinryu Karate Association (U.I.K.A.) has made it a mission to keep the true Isshinryu as taught by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku alive. Senseis John and Cindy Ingram (FL) and Sensei Dan Holloway (MI) have spent decades under the guidance of Master Harold Mitchum. As Master Mitchum's senior students they have dedicated their lives to Isshinryu, to continue the dream that was begun by Master Shimabuku on Okinawa.
It's with great excitement that the United Isshinryu Karate Association announces a new endeavor, one that will bring about a union between Okinawa, Europe, and North America. The World United Isshinryu Karate Association (W.U.I.K.A.) which will serve as a platform for Isshinryu practitioners to train under regional directors, is forming as a worldwide effort to unite serious Isshinryu students from many regions around the globe.
Isshinryu's first generation advisory board; consisting of Tokumura Kensho Sensei, John Bartusevics Sensei, Tom Lewis Sensei, and Bill Blond Sensei, have given their full support and backing to the idea of a World United Isshirnyu Karate Association and approve of the pursuit to unite Isshinryu practitioners the world over. This new organization, the W.U.I.K.A., will seek to continue spreading Isshinryu to those who share in the desire to keep Master Shimabuku's Isshinryu alive.
Sensei John Ingram will lead as the director of the North American region with Sensei Dan Holloway as the region's president, incorporating the United Isshinryu Karate Association under the heading of the newly formed W.U.I.K.A..
Sensei Lars Anderson of Denmark (Europe's Joshinkan Orginazation) will lead the W.U.I.K.A. European region, and has begun the process of merging with the new orginization and plans to continue in ongoing efforts to train and share Isshinryu Karate with Isshinryu practitioners in Europe.
Isshinryu students in each of the represented regions will be able to gain membership, attend training seminars and symposiums, and stay connected with others who share their love for Isshinryu. It is a great time for Isshinryu, and the W.U.I.K.A. is excited about this new journey.
Please visit our Facebook page at http://facebook.com/theWUIKA
Serving the Isshin Ryu community!
Friday, January 20, 2017
UIKA 2017 Kick off!!
UIKA Family:
Happy New Year to each of you! I wish everyone the absolute best for this new year! Last year brought us together,but was bittersweet. We lost Sensei Mitcum in June making the year tough on a lot of us. Sensei was close to the organization and had a special bond with many of the folks. That was Sensei in a nutshell, making friends, mentoring, and doing his best for Isshin Ryu.
I remember one high ranking Dan approaching me and he said he asked Sensei Mitchum why he became so active in the past few years, Sensei answered and said, "it was for Master Shimabuku and Isshin Ryu". In one seminar that I did with Sensei during a Q & A session a young person asked what he felt about Master Shimabuku. Sensei paused, looked down for a moment and with those sparkling blue eyes said, "I loved the man". I'll never forget that moment as I needed to back away for a second to gather myself. But, that was Sensei, honest, caring, loving, and authentic.
Sensei would have us to be forward looking. He planned and wanted the organization to improve and continue on. One way we can do that is by taking his lead, and being the best we can be, then preparing and improving as we grow. We are better together, stronger because we care. We as UIKA members are united to the cause of preserving what Master Shimabuku taught through his student Harold Mitchum. I'm all in, preserving the dream!!
As we look to membership a few things will change to improve the organization. Memberships of one and five year are available as are "life time". Details will follow as we massage some of the things we do to improve performance. I appreciate all that folks do to help, everyone from the regional representatives to our social media and web guys, and sponsoring DOJOs, THANK YOU.
We'll see you soon, if you need anything your are welcome to contact the organization through Facebook, and the website. Additionally, my number is available at: 248-505-4698.
Use the following new membership application link:
https://goo.gl/ybi3wQ
Dan Holloway
Happy New Year to each of you! I wish everyone the absolute best for this new year! Last year brought us together,but was bittersweet. We lost Sensei Mitcum in June making the year tough on a lot of us. Sensei was close to the organization and had a special bond with many of the folks. That was Sensei in a nutshell, making friends, mentoring, and doing his best for Isshin Ryu.
I remember one high ranking Dan approaching me and he said he asked Sensei Mitchum why he became so active in the past few years, Sensei answered and said, "it was for Master Shimabuku and Isshin Ryu". In one seminar that I did with Sensei during a Q & A session a young person asked what he felt about Master Shimabuku. Sensei paused, looked down for a moment and with those sparkling blue eyes said, "I loved the man". I'll never forget that moment as I needed to back away for a second to gather myself. But, that was Sensei, honest, caring, loving, and authentic.
Sensei would have us to be forward looking. He planned and wanted the organization to improve and continue on. One way we can do that is by taking his lead, and being the best we can be, then preparing and improving as we grow. We are better together, stronger because we care. We as UIKA members are united to the cause of preserving what Master Shimabuku taught through his student Harold Mitchum. I'm all in, preserving the dream!!
As we look to membership a few things will change to improve the organization. Memberships of one and five year are available as are "life time". Details will follow as we massage some of the things we do to improve performance. I appreciate all that folks do to help, everyone from the regional representatives to our social media and web guys, and sponsoring DOJOs, THANK YOU.
We'll see you soon, if you need anything your are welcome to contact the organization through Facebook, and the website. Additionally, my number is available at: 248-505-4698.
Use the following new membership application link:
https://goo.gl/ybi3wQ
Dan Holloway
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
UIKA Announcement
UIKA Family:
Sensei John Ingram sent this out via Facebook last week. Sensei Mitchum's plan and legacy moves forward. Support our efforts to improve while still maintaining Sensei Mitchum's legacy. We look forward to seeing everyone in September.
One thing everyone found in Sensei Mitchum was his availability. Please allow me to share my availability to any of the UIKA members. I know from experience, the entire staff is willing to answer questions and make themselves available to all. ~ Sensei Dan Holloway.
Dan Holloway, dhkeiko@aol.com, 248-505-4698.
Sensei John Ingram sent this out via Facebook last week. Sensei Mitchum's plan and legacy moves forward. Support our efforts to improve while still maintaining Sensei Mitchum's legacy. We look forward to seeing everyone in September.
One thing everyone found in Sensei Mitchum was his availability. Please allow me to share my availability to any of the UIKA members. I know from experience, the entire staff is willing to answer questions and make themselves available to all. ~ Sensei Dan Holloway.
Dan Holloway, dhkeiko@aol.com, 248-505-4698.
As most everyone is now aware, Isshinryu has suffered a major loss with the passing of our Sensei, Master Harold Mitchum. I am writing this letter to make the Isshinryu community aware that I , John Ingram as Sensei Mitchum's senior student and President of the UIKA, will carry on Sensei's legacy through the running of the UIKA. I will assume responsibilities as director and Sensei Dan Holloway who is a senior student of Sensei Mitchum, also a 9th dan, will serve as president. It is my goal to make the UIKA stronger than ever and for all of the membership to be united for the common cause. I will be taking on this endeavor with the help and guidance of first generation students Sensei John Bartusevics , Sensei Tom Lewis and Sensei KenshoTokumura. All who are part of the UIKA and have pledged their support. We also have the support of His son Sensei Jim Mitchum, and Sensei Jeff Perkins who is also the president of Tokushinryu Kobudo which was founded by Sensei Kensho Tokumura. And of course I have the support of my wife , Secretary of the UIKA Cindy Ingram.
We are very excited about the alliance between Tokushinryu and the UIKA. Our next event is to be held September 16th - 18th. 16th and 17th will be Tokushinryu under the direction of Sensei KenshoTokumura. This will be followed by Isshinryu seminars. We will cover kata and unique elbow techniques that were taught by Master Harold Mitchum . The main focus of the clinic however will be Master John Bartusevics teaching the kumite techniques taught to him by Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku . On Sunday the 18th we will start with a memorial to Master Mitchum followed by a tournament utilizing AAU rules..
We are very excited about the alliance between Tokushinryu and the UIKA. Our next event is to be held September 16th - 18th. 16th and 17th will be Tokushinryu under the direction of Sensei KenshoTokumura. This will be followed by Isshinryu seminars. We will cover kata and unique elbow techniques that were taught by Master Harold Mitchum . The main focus of the clinic however will be Master John Bartusevics teaching the kumite techniques taught to him by Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku . On Sunday the 18th we will start with a memorial to Master Mitchum followed by a tournament utilizing AAU rules..
Thank you,
Sensei John Ingram,
ku Dan, Isshinryu Karate
Sensei John Ingram,
ku Dan, Isshinryu Karate
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Sensei Mitchum's Obituary
UIKA Family:
Sensei Mitchum's obituary follows. I'll be traveling to the funeral on Friday and Saturday.
The obituary has a note for a special memorial service in November of this year. That service will be the Honor Guard at the National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL. Details to be published later, this is from his son Jim Mitchum:
Harold M. Mitchum Sr.
1933 - 2016
1933 - 2016
Harold M. Mitchum a resident of Fort Walton Beach, FL passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2016. He was born to Thomas and Annie Mitchum on December 17, 1933 in Stiefletown, SC. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 18 June at 1:00 at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service. Burial services will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery and will be scheduled in November 2016 after the return of his grandson from military deployment. Harold is survived by his former wife of 28 years, Shige. He is also survived by two sons: James (Pamela) Mitchum of Valparaiso, FL; Stephen (Jackeye) Mitchum of Albany, GA; one step-daughter, Hiroko Eubank of Jupiter, FL; and one daughter-in-law, Robin Mitchum of Snellville, GA. In addition, he is survived by ten grand children: Christopher (Elizabeth), Amy (Chris), Jonathan, Tyler, Tanner, Nicholas, Jacob, Ethan, Ryan, and Tony. And, four great grand children: Ava, Anabelle, Maela, and Leah. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gerald and Jimmie Mitchum; one sister, Irene Mitchell; two sons, Harold Jr., and Leon Mitchum; one son-in-law, Ricky Eubank; and his love of 25 years, Glenda Osborne. A career in the U.S. Marine Corps had him deployed once to Korea, twice to Vietnam, and had him stationed in South Carolina, North Carolina, California, Georgia, and Okinawa Japan. He enjoyed physical fitness, playing the guitar, fishing, and sharing his vast knowledge of Okinawan IsshinRyu Karate. His legacy will be the unforgettable impact he made on the many lives he touched. His memory will be forever cherished by those fortunate enough to know him, and he will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to his favorite charity, the Salvation Army.
Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online atemeraldcoastfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to his favorite charity, the Salvation Army.
Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online atemeraldcoastfuneralhome.com
Monday, June 13, 2016
Our Sensei
UIKA Family:
On June 11, 2016 Jim Mitchum posted about the passing of Sensei Mitchum, his father. Most of you have kept abreast of the situation through Facebook.
Sensei Mitchum suffered a massive stroke during the weekend of June 4th. He was unable to recover and passed on June 11th. Jim and his family were by his side. John and Cindy Ingram got to see him. John Bartusevics and I spoke to him on Friday as well.
I spoke to him on June 1st and he was excited to be coming to Detroit again. He and Jim were to travel here on June 23rd, then all of us were participating with Sensei Willie Adams and the KIAI during the weekend. We had a short seminar planned for Sensei Adams, then a good weekend of fellowship.
There is not much to say at this point, I struggle for words. He was my Sensei, I can only say I loved him. As more information comes in I will share it.
Sensei Dan Holloway
On June 11, 2016 Jim Mitchum posted about the passing of Sensei Mitchum, his father. Most of you have kept abreast of the situation through Facebook.
Sensei Mitchum suffered a massive stroke during the weekend of June 4th. He was unable to recover and passed on June 11th. Jim and his family were by his side. John and Cindy Ingram got to see him. John Bartusevics and I spoke to him on Friday as well.
I spoke to him on June 1st and he was excited to be coming to Detroit again. He and Jim were to travel here on June 23rd, then all of us were participating with Sensei Willie Adams and the KIAI during the weekend. We had a short seminar planned for Sensei Adams, then a good weekend of fellowship.
There is not much to say at this point, I struggle for words. He was my Sensei, I can only say I loved him. As more information comes in I will share it.
Sensei Dan Holloway