![Picture](/uploads/6/4/1/0/6410018/6158921.jpg?695)
World Representative for the International Isshin-Ryu Karate Federation
(IIKF)
began his Isshin Ryu Karate
training in the early 1960’s at World Fighting Arts in Buffalo, NY.
Under the tutelage of many great instructors including Ed Wipperman,
Jim Gordon, Everett Francis and John Overton, Master Jennings
developed into an excellent Karate-ka. Wishing to improve his skills
to a higher level, he traveled to Okinawa in 1972 and trained under the
founder of Isshin-Ryu Karate Chief Grand Master
Tatsuo Shimabuku and his son-in-law and number one student,
Grand Master Angi Uezu. This was in the 1970s, when the martial arts
was just beginning to develop as a viable business. Master Joe
Jennings was an innovator and leader of the early
martial arts business industry, having developed five successful
schools throughout the Western NY region. Participating in early karate
tournaments, Master Jennings developed a name for himself as a top
competitor, often winning all three divisions at the event – kata,
sparring, and weapons. During the 1970s until 1982, Master Jennings
taught countless students and produced some of the top black belts in
Isshin-Ryu, of which many are still active today as competitors and
successful school owners. From his time in Okinawa, Master Jennings
developed a close friendship with Grand Master Angi Uezu. Master Jennings
arranged for Grand Master Uezu to visit the U.S. over a dozen times during
the 1970’s through the early 1990’s where he taught seminars around the
country. He co-authored the Encyclopedia of Isshin-Ryu Karate
Book, Vol.1 and through his company Panther Productions produced the
highly regarded video series on the complete Isshin-Ryu Karate System with
Grand Master Angi Uezu. This video series is regarded as the
Blueprint for the TRUE Art of Isshin-Ryu, a complete guide for all students
and Instructors to follow. Other Books by Master Jennings include
Winning Karate and Full Contact Karate (with World
Champion Jean Yves Theriault). Master Jennings has also
co-starred with Louie Neglia in the Martial Arts action movie “Sun
Dragon.” Now living in southern California, Master Jennings continues to
teach Isshin-Ryu Karate and travels the world giving seminars on his
lifelong art. Master Jennings is a true innovator and an outstanding
representation of the honor and humility of the martial
arts.