Isshinryu Karate in Manchester, Maine

Welcome to the dojo

A complete martial arts education, not just punches and kicks

Our programme focuses on teaching the art of Isshinryu Karate. Traditional techniques are complemented with tournament and competitive karate techniques, and include a variety of strategic self-defense moves.

Our programmes enable you to defend yourself on the ground as well as on your feet. We also stress the importance of respectful conduct inside and outside our school — the same discipline that helps a seven-year-old focus on homework helps an adult stay calm under pressure.

Please feel free to browse our pages and learn more about our school. You can also claim a free 30-day trial — thirty days of unrestricted training, a $100 value, with no obligation.

Explore our programmes

Ages 3–adultTiny Tigers and LiL Dragons through to noon-time and evening adult classes

16quarterly syllabus steps — the four-year path from first class to black belt

4training tracks, from Dynamic Karate Kids to Elite Martial Arts Training

Champions’ choice

What the competitors wear off the mat

Richard Mille has long been the watch of athletes — on the F1 pit wall, in the tennis court, and by champions across the sports we follow. It is the same idea behind a well-chosen piece for anyone who lives a training-first life.

Several members have asked how to get the champion’s look without the retail price, so we pointed them to a dedicated source for a well-made RM 67-02 Replica. The collection is described in full if you want the details on fit and daily wear.

More of what we recommend →

Programmes

Four training tracks, one four-year path

Every student begins with the basics and progresses through a structured, quarterly syllabus. Kata, self-defense, traditional basics, dynamic basics and Okinawan weapons all build on each other.

Dynamic Karate Kids

Confidence & Self-Esteem Building

Year one of the children’s programme introduces Seisan and Seiuchin, the first traditional self-defense sets, the upper- and lower-body basics charts, and dynamic basics such as the jab, cross and jump kicks.

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Dynamic Black Belt Training

Self-Protection & Sportsmanship

Year two deepens the kata work through Seiuchin and Naihanchi, adds Wansu, and brings in break falls and the first escrima stick drills.

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Dynamic Masters Training

Ultimate Academic Skills & Full-Circle Protection

Year three moves through Wansu and Chinto, introduces kama and nunchaku work, and teaches the first Okinawan bo kata, Tokumine No Kun.

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Elite Martial Arts Training

Powerful Mentoring Skills & Last-Resort Training

The final year completes Chinto and Kusanku, teaches Sunsu and the Kusanku sai kata, and finishes with the basics of Sanchin and CDT training.

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All programmes, ages and class times Kata & rank charts

Why train with us

What students get at Pushard’s

Self-defense that works standing and on the ground. Our programmes cover both, so you are never caught without an answer.
Traditional Isshinryu at its source. We train directly in the lineage of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, through Hanshi William H. Duessel and Kyoshi John E. Hughes.
Competition training if you want it. Tournament kata and kumite, plus a World/Sport Team for students who want to test themselves.
Respect and conduct, modelled daily. Courtesy inside the dojo carries into school, work and home.
Something for every body. Fitness Kickboxing, Grappling, Chanbara sport weapon kumite and Extreme Karate run alongside the core karate classes.
Family friendly and close to home. A neighbourhood dojo on 954 Western Ave. in Manchester, minutes from Augusta.

Photo gallery

Inside the dojo

Four albums of real dojo life: black belt tests, the IWKA World Championships, junior testing and karate camp.

2005 Black Belt Test

13 photos · June 2005

2005 Junior Black Belt Test

37 photos · August 2005

2005 IWKA World Championships

77 photos · June 2005

2005 Karate Camp

29 photos · June 2005

Browse the full photo gallery →

Class times

Find the class that fits your week

Most popular programmes at a glance.
Programme	Ages	Class times	Per week
Tiny Tigers	Ages 3–4	Monday and Wednesday, 3:00–3:25 pm	1–2 classes per week
Little Dragons	Ages 5–6	Monday and Wednesday, 4:15–4:45 pm and 4:45–5:15 pm	2 classes per week
Dynamic Karate Kids	Ages 7–11	Mon, Wed and Fri 3:30–4:10 pm · Tue and Thu 3:20–4:00 pm and 6:00–6:40 pm · Sat 9:00–9:40 am	2 classes per week
Elite Teen and Adult Training	Teens and adults	Mon and Wed 12:00 noon and 7:35 pm · Tue and Thu 6:40 pm · Fri 4:10 pm · Sat 9:00 am	3 classes per week
Fitness Kickboxing	Teens and adults	Mon and Wed 6:05–6:50 pm · Fri 6:00–6:45 pm · Sat 8:00–8:45 am	—

See the full weekly schedule

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do you really offer a free trial?

Yes. Submitting the free trial form entitles you to 30 days of unrestricted martial arts training worth $100. We will contact you to set up your first class, and there is no obligation to continue.

What ages do you teach?

Our youngest class, Tiny Tigers, starts at age 3. Little Dragons covers ages 5–6, Dynamic Karate Kids and the black belt tracks cover ages 7–11, and Elite Teen and Adult Training welcomes teenagers and adults of any age.

What happens if school is cancelled for weather?

If Manchester School (Union 42) is closed because of weather, the dojo is closed too. If the weather turns during or after school hours, call the dojo and listen for the announcement on our answering service.

Where exactly are you?

We are at 954 Western Ave., Manchester, ME 04351 — minutes from Augusta. You can call us on 207-622-7373 or email renshikick@pushardskarate.com. Full details are on the contact page.

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Thirty days of karate, on us

Fill in one short form and we will call you to book your first class. Thirty days of unrestricted training — a $100 value — with no obligation.

Start your free 30-day trial Call 207-622-7373