ABOUT US

Thank you for your interest in Spencer's Isshinryu Karate. Our specially designed program is taught by enthusiastic instructors, who have a passion for sharing their martial arts knowledge with others (it's not just their job).

When you visit our dojo you will find the following benefits:

  • The emphasis of Spencer's Isshinryu Karate is establishing discipline in your child through the two fundamental martial arts training principles of attention and respect. Both attention (standing perfectly upright and still while listening to the instructor) and respect (bowing to all higher ranking students and instructors) are developed in a child through mental focus and physiology.
  • Spencer's Isshinryu Karate builds confidence and character by providing your child with control over his or her body and an ability to stand up to negative peer pressure and other intimidating situations.
  • The movements involved in the Isshinryu karate system develop coordination and increases strength and flexibility, which is very important during the growth years. Our kata (forms) training also develops concentration and timing.
  • The awarding of the higher levels of karate belts gives your child a sense of achievement and accomplishment. The importance of this is that it develops the principles of goal setting. We work on your child's immediate, short term and long term goals, which your child will be able to apply to other areas in life and carry with him or her into the future.
  • Spencer's Isshinryu Karate also teaches free-style competition, which helps to develop a sense of sportsmanship in a controlled and competitive situation.
  • The core of Isshinryu karate is its self-defense value. We are very careful to teach children that karate is not to be used outside the karate school in any manner other than in true self-defense. The result is a self-confident child, who does not need to bully or show-off to other children.
  • Most importantly, we have FUN at Spencer's Isshinryu Karate! Our students meet many new friends and burn off extra energy.

Please call us if you have any questions.

We believe strongly in the value of our program for ALL ages! We train children from the age of 4 years old as well as adults.

OUR INSTRUCTORS

Sensei Angie Spencer - began her training in 1988 via a women's self-defense course held at a local women's health club. Her instructors at that time we just preparing to open their school at the local YMCA and Sensei Angie continued her training there. She trained and taught at the Rapphannock YMCA for over 9 1/2 years before leaving to begin her own school in 1997 - Spencer's Isshinryu Karate.

Sensei Spencer received her Sho-Dan (black belt) in 1993 directly from Master Angi Uezu after testing in front of a panel including such high ranking Isshinryu Karate Masters as: Master Angi Uezu, Master Reese Rigby, Master Nick Adler, and Sensei Marilyn Fierro. Master Uezu was visiting Fredericksburg, VA from Okinawa at the time.

Sensei Angie has trained under Master John Devine (9th Dan) of Lebanon, PA since 1995. She was promoted to the rank of San-Dan in 1999. She began teaching for the Stafford County Parks and Recreation department that same year.

In June 2006 Sensei Angie was promoted to Yon-Dan (4th degree black belt). "This promotion has come after many years of training, teaching, learning and perserverence. It's not always easy pushing oneself along, when you don't see your instructor on a regular basis. You just have to be commited to your training and keep on keeping on." - ANGIE SPENCER

November 13, 2010 - Sensei Angie was promoted to Go-Dan (5th degree black belt) during a visit from Master Devine and his wife Sensei Ann.

Sensei Angie - Camp 2004

in Lebanon, PA

Sensei Gail DeWitt - began her training in 1992 and was promoted to San-Dan (3rd Degree) in June of 2006.

Sensei Jon Thomas - currently holds the rank of Ni-Dan (2nd Degree).

Sensei Jeff Davidson - currently holds the rank of Sho-Dan (1st Degree).