Business Spotlight: Isshin-Ryu Karate Club

This week, we caught up with Sensei Edward Cavazos, the chief instructor of the Romeoville Isshin-Ryu Karate Club, run out of the Romeoville Recreation Center. Cavazos began studying martial arts as a student at the rec center 28 years ago. We spoke with him to learn more about the club and his journey to becoming a sixth-degree black belt in Isshin-Ryu Karate.

Romeoville Patch: How long have you been operating in the Romeoville, area?

Edward Cavazos: The Romeoville Isshin-Ryu Karate Club has been a program offered at the Romeoville Recreation Center for more than 35 years.

Patch: What is Isshin-Ryu Karate?

Cavazos: Isshin-Ryu Karate originates from Okinawa, Japan. It was developed by Tatsuo Shimabuku, who took the best elements of two major karate systems, Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu, and combined them into Isshin-Ryu. It focuses on strong, direct techniques that can be used for self-defense.

Patch: How is your program different from your competitors?

Cavazos: Our program is the longest-running martial arts program in the area. I hold a master's degree in education from the University of St. Francis, I have 13 years of elementary school teaching experience and currently teach second grade. I have been in charge of the Isshin-Ryu Karate program for 18 years. You will not find another martial arts program in the area with a chief instructor who brings that level of education and experience to the students.

Also, as part of the recreation center, we can offer excellent training at a reasonable cost to our residents. We run classes all year long, offering programs for 5- to 7-year-olds, 8- to 13-year-olds, and age 14 through adult. Registration is through the recreation center.

Patch: What are the core lessons students learn from your karate club?

Cavazos: Students learn an effective self-defense system to protect themselves, or their family, from harm. They learn both when to use their skills, and when not to. They develop a better sense of self-discipline, self-respect and self-worth.

Patch: Why was Romeoville selected as the location for the Club?

Cavazos: The late Jesse Gallegos, a ninth-degree black belt out of Aurora, founded our club. He was responsible for many Isshin-Ryu Karate programs developing in facilities similar to the Romeoville Recreation Center. He wanted as many people as possible to experience the benefits of strong martial arts training. A fantastic quote of his was, "We should use the martial arts to pick someone up, rather than knock him down".