Kailua Chamber Honors New Okinawan Martial Arts School

Senseis David and Stacie Knight (back) pose with students at Knight’s Isshin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo LLC in Kailua. The couple’s school recently was named Kailua Chamber of Commerce 2014 New Business of the Year. With them are (front, from left) Jacob, Zachary, William, Colin, (center) Reilly, Evan, Cainan, Kelii, (back) Gabe and Geroge. Photo from the Knights.

Budding martial arts dojo Isshin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo recently was named Kailua Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 New Business of the Year.

Founded in 2013 by David L. Knight and wife Stacie, Isshin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo is the only school of the Okinawan discipline in Hawaii. The school’s mission statement vows that it “promotes self-defense, physical fitness and family values in a fun, safe and positive environment.”

Chamber president Cynthia Manley observed that the school also has similarly high standards in its business dealings.

“(Isshin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo) is an excellent example of what a small business can do to succeed,” Manley said. “They work hard and give back to their community. They joined the Chamber and became visible at the meetings, the mixers, and they network often.”

Classes are open to ages 4 and up, with specialized “Little Dragon” classes for ages 4-5, women’s self-defense courses and more.

Manley noted that the Knights are willing to accommodate busy schedules, too. “Being flexible, making the customer feel important and growing with your community are all signs of a healthy business.”

The dojo is located at 43 Oneawa St., Suite 210, in Kailua. A free introductory course is available for interested students.

For more information or to view the schedule of classes, visit knightskaratekailua.com.