Members of Western Illinois Shotokan Karate-Jitsu (W.I.S.K.) competed on February 15th at the Illinois Shotokan Karate’s Annual Jennifer Malloy Invitational Karate Tournament. They competed in three events which included Kata, Basics and Kumite. The results are as follows: David Wrenn (24), Purple Belt: 1st in Kata, 2 nd in Basics, Mykel Glaue (13), Purple Belt: 1st in Kata, 1st in Basics, 1st in Kumite, Kim McClure (59) Black Belt: 4 wins in Kata, and Mark Buren (29) Brown Belt: 3rd in Kata.
Shotokan Karate (pronounced “Kah-ra-tay”) means “empty hand” in Jap-anese, emphasizing defense without weapons, jujitsu (pronounced “Joo-Jit-Sue”) focuses on close-combat techniques such as throws, locks, pins and chokes.
Together these styles form a comprehensive martial arts system. Unique to our Karate program is Stranger Smart and Bully Smart, as well as also offering advanced programs in knife defense, hand gun & rifle defense, and pressure point control (Tai ho Police Combat).
Ed Kuras, owner and Chief Instructor of WISK, has been teaching martial arts for fifty years, with the last forty at the present location, 325 University Dr., in Macomb.
WISK works with goal-setting through a ranking progress, moving from White Belt (beginner) to advanced Black Belt ranks.
Kuras, who has a Master s Degree in Kinesiology from W.I.U., is an 8th degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, as well as Jujitsu and Police Defensive Tactics. Under his guidance, his students have earned a number of awards at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
WISK welcomes students of all ages, seven years of age and up. Kuras and his assistant instructor, Marty Husband (6th degree Black Belt) prioritize excellence and safety in their teaching. For more information, call 309255-1276.
