Grand Master True

Grandmaster Tommy True

Tommy True studied boxing in the early stages of his military service. After seeing several

self-defense demonstrations, he started taking Judo. Later, he changed to karate because he felt it was the best means of hand-to-hand self-defense. After being discharged from the Service, Mr. True returned home to Kingston, Tennessee. In 1963, he heard about a karate instructor by the name of Harold Long. After witnessing a kumite match involving Master Long, Mr. True decided to start training at his dojo. While he has been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to study at different times with other Isshin-Ryu Karate-ka such as J.C. Burris, Toby Cooling, and others, he considers Master Long his Head Sensei. In fact, Mr. True had the privilage of performing in front of Grand Master Tatsuo Shimabuku in 1966 during one of his visits to the United States. In 1967, Mr. True was also fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work-out with Angi Uezu, Grand Master Shimabuku's son-in-law, during his visit to the U.S.. Sensei True has taught karate in Harriman, Tennessee since 1966. He was selected as the Instructor of the Year in 1982 by the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame. In 1987, he received the Spirit of Isshin-Ryu Award, and was inducted into the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame in 1988. On June 19, 1992, Mr. True was promoted to the rank of Hachi-Dan by the International Isshin-Ryu Karate Association, and by Master Long, And Ku-Dan in 1998. He presently serves as the president of the International Isshin-Ryu Karate Association. He believes that his greatest accomplishment has been the opportunity to train and work with fine students who achieve the rank, of Sho-Dan, and continue to grow and teach others Isshin-Ryu Karate. Sensei True currently lives with his wife Kay in Kingston, TN. He also has a daughter Lisa, and a granddaughter Tayler