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WHEREAS, the Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA), which has over 40,000 members worldwide, was formed in 1974 and celebrates its 50th year with the Karate Championships in Pittsburgh. The Isshinryu Karate Academy, located at 600 Greentree Rd., will host the event on August 1-3, 2024 at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, this is the fourth time Pittsburgh has been given this honor by Master Kichiro Shimabuku, son of Tatsuo Shimabuku--the founder of Isshinryu Karate in Okinawa, Japan. Over 200 competitors worldwide will compete for medals in this biennial international event, with four grand championships awarded. The event offers 80 divisions for novice, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, including a division for practitioners with special needs; and,
WHEREAS, the non-profit Isshinryu Karate Academy (IKA) of Pittsburgh has produced champions locally, regionally, and internationally. Its robust instructional programs serve students age 7 to 50+ years. Most of IKA's 18 black belt instructors studied with Hanshi William H. Duessel, the only 10th dan in the United States at the time of his promotion. Currently, Hanshi Marvin Prentice serves as IKA President and Hanshi Thomas Laurent as Vice President; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Marvin Prentice - Hanshi (9th dan) and Marine Corps veteran, has been associated with IWKA since 1974. Hanshi Prentice will be inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame on July 19, 2024; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Prentice is a City of Pittsburgh resident who graduated from Oliver High School. He was the Chief Operating Officer of the Hill House until April 2012 when he left that role to consult full time; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Isshinryu Karate Academy of Pittsburgh and congratulate Mr. Marvin Prentice for being inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsbur...
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