Back to Women of Martial Arts www.bohans-family.com
Stephanie Huskey, Isshin-Ryu Karate-Do
|
|
"Kata competition is still the most challenging and rewarding part of tournaments; it provides a way to demonstrate the true spirit of Isshinryu. Although I have competed in many tournaments, some of the most memorable experiences are the ones that I lost. I have learned many lessons from both winning and losing. In one tournament, I made it to the Grand Kata Championship and was feeling particularly prepared for the event with my Chinto kata. The adrenaline was going, I was focused; my kata was balanced, powerful, and crisp. When I made it to the last move, I was thinking to myself, “You have got this- you are going to win!” The last move in Chinto is a punch on one knee where I felt the final rush of power as I finished. I was so excited about my performance that I stood right up after the punch without too much of a pause. Gym floors are pretty dirty and after walking around barefoot all day so were my feet. The dirt and my speed caused my foot to slip a little…not enough for me to fall, but enough for everyone else to see that I had lost my balance. Needless to say, that Championship is not in my list of wins, but I think of it every time I do Chinto kata. (There is now a good, dramatic pause there as I snap my head around before standing up.)"
"Sometimes, I have placed in tournaments and known that my performance was lacking. There have been times that I have lost my place, particularly in weapons competitions, and had to create some impromptu moves before I recovered. Once, I told the judges I would be performing Sanchin kata instead of Sunsu kata- I did Sanchin even though it was not “tournament-ready.” Winning a tournament may provide confidence and a nice award, but a learning experience from winning or losing that you think of often is much more valuable."
Learning to Instruct: "After earning my Sho-Dan in 1993, Carol Burris invited me to assist her with the children’s classes. I watched carefully the teaching techniques she used to inspire, motivate, and drive the children as she allowed me to take on greater responsibilities. Mrs. Burris showed me how to not only be a dynamic and energetic children’s instructor, but also be a confident and goal-oriented person. By 1996, I was one of the lead instructors of the same children’s classes at Burris Martial Arts where I began my training. Around this time, Master Burris began having me teach sections of the adult class. With his guidance, I learned how to teach Isshinryu by making it genuine, interesting, and personally fulfilling for students. Master Burris illustrates by his own example how to be a dignified leader that easily earns respect from all. These two wonderful leaders and instructors have significantly shaped the course of my karate training and my personal development."
"An addition, I had the privilege of training with some great instructors and karate-kas at Burris Martial Arts Center in addition to the phenomenal guidance of J.C. and Carol Burris. Some of these memorable instructors included Fred Melton, Sid Wright, James Ogle, Doyle Seiber, Bob Davis, Lee Paul, Dennis Thomas, Patrick Lee, and Larry Coleman. Each of these taught me something unique about Isshinryu. Many times by being a member of this great dojo or knowing one of these instructors, I was provided opportunities such as a workout with Joe Lewis. "
Transition: In 2000, Stephanie graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College, got married, and began working. Her commitment to Isshin-Ryu was challenged when she accepted a management position, which required her complete dedication. She was away from actively training in the dojo for almost 2 years; during this time, she continued training sporadically on her own. She returned to karate training and tournament competition at the Hall of Fame tournament in 2004. Only four months after the birth of my first daughter, Stephanie earned a Grand Championship. Since this event, she has been active in the dojo.
Karate Academy: In 2005, Steven Allen (Stephanie's brother) and Stephanie began Karate Academy; this was the result of years of dreaming. Their vision was originally one of a grand, multi-activity facility, but they soon realized that a great Isshinryu dojo is one like Burris Martial Arts Center- about the art and the people rather than the building. The facilities are not what matters, only the people inside. Excellent training doesn’t require new or expensive equipment; it only requires dedication and passion. As they prepare to make our first Sho-Dan promotion, which will be Patrick Huskey, her husband, they realize how very briefly most people are involved with Isshinryu.
"Our goal is to, through Isshinryu principles and training, increase the confidence and self-concept of each student while teaching them valuable life skills they will use long after their Isshinryu experience is over. As our students and former students grow into adults, Steven and I hope that we have provided them with a foundation on which they can make better (not perfect!) decisions and utilize the mental and physical skills of their training to remain safe. Our training focus at Karate Academy is Clarity, Integrity, and Knowledge. Through the art of Isshinryu, we hope to accomplish this."
Goals for Isshinryu: As an experienced kata competitor, Stephanie hopes to see both men and women put the passion and intensity back into kata. Kumite tends to draw much attention because of its high demand for focus and technique; it also provides a release and challenge for each participant. Kata performance should be the same. In fact, kata should provide more of these qualities than Kumite, as it is the true spirit and essence of Isshinryu Karate. Point Kumite, as we know it today, is purely for sport. It is the game that attracts competitors and spectators.
However, kata presents the personal, spiritual side of Isshinryu that should be performed with as much intensity and excitement. A well-performed kata should draw the attention of spectators without words. Kata should be so dynamic that people can’t stop watching; they should want to see more. An Isshinryu kata should inspire other karate-kas to achieve their potential, motivate spectators to begin training, and show what Master Shimabuku wanted to pass on. Kata requires no words or fancy explanations. It is about the focus, the repetition, and the commitment to improvement. This is a great opportunity for women of Isshinryu to show others the true spirit. They are able to provide a little “finesse,” as Mrs. Burris always teaches, to the Katas that shows the soft and hard sides of the techniques. Ultimately, the attitude one needs to perform these speechless, dynamic demonstrations should carry over into other aspects of life, such as relationships with other karate-kas.
Family & Education: Stephanie graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am currently working on a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Sport from Capella University. Currently, Stephanie works at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tennessee as an Enrollment Services Specialist. Stephanie is married to Patrick and has two daughters, Sydney and Norah.
Photos:
|
December 13, 1988
January 11, 1989
January 19, 1993
April 21, 1997
August 22, 1998
December 24, 1998
December 25, 1998
March 27, 1999
March 28, 2000
August 29, 2002
February 31, 2006
August 2006
January 2007