Isaac Espinoza:

Sensei Isaac Espinoza was born in Texas and spent his childhood years at Tachakawa Air Force Base in Tokyo, Japan, where he was first introduced to karate, judo, and kendo. The time frame coincides with a period of Master Takazawa’s teachings, likely exposing a young Espinoza to Keishinkan directly.

In 1973, Sensei began taking instruction through community education programs, and practicing at the Keishinkan dojo. Yasu Odaohara came to Boise at this time to live, train and teach for the next 4 1/2 years. During this time, Sensei meets Master Takazawa for the first time, and tests for his 5th kyu.

The next few years finds Isaac traveling and instructing throughout the northwest-first in Los Angeles with Sensei Shinohara, then returning to the Treasure Valley area teaching as a 1st kyu brown belt.

In July, 1983, Isaac’s skills were assessed by Sensei Shinohara, and his skills and technique proved to merit a black belt. He also continued to teach in the Treasure Valley, and was again assessed and awarded the rank of Second Degree Black Belt, directly under Master Takazawa, and named Head of Idaho Keishinkan. He became Branch Chief of US Keishinkan in 1990.

The 1990’s were a decade of heavy training and competition for Sensei Espinoza, throughout Japan and the United States. In April of 1992, Isaac was promoted again, this time to the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt. Ko Yokoyama came to train for 9 months at the Boise dojo, and Isaac was named Director of All Japan Hard Contact Karate Federation. In April of 1994, Sensei Espinoza was bestowed the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt by Master Takazawa during his visit to Boise, Idaho.

The Willow Street Dojo, Hombu, was completed in July of 1995. Master Takazawa again visited the Boise and Seattle area, observing and testing. Sensei Espinoza was awarded the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt by Master Takazawa directly in March of 1997.

Sensei Espinoza continues to train and instruct at the Willow Street Dojo. He instructs 5 classes a week, ranging from womens’ self defense classes through advanced Kobudo( Kama , sai and Bo training). Sensei instructs a full range of students, from new practitioners to lifelong martial artists, and hosts a variety of guest Senseis. Trainings are held in the Keishinkan tradition of all levels, all abilities. Students are taught to live by the dojo creed and respect the Keishinkan tradition, paying respect to Master Takazawa and those before him.

Isaac today resides in Boise, Idaho, with his family, and is a regular contributor, biographer, and administrator of boisekeishinkan.com.

Leave a Reply

US Branch of Japan Keishinkan Karate