Chief Technical Advisor
10th Degree Black Belt
MICHIGAN
Hanshi Bowles is the founder and director of the International Shuri-Ryu Association. He began his Karate training in Phoenix, AZ. under Grand Master Robert A Trias. An interest, which began as a hobby ultimately, changed the direction of his life. The 1960's were exciting years, as training in the Honbu dojo became his primary focus. Local tournaments lead to national competitions and soon Hanshi Bowles had established himself as one of the top competitors in the country. Grand Master Trias personally awarded him the coveted Trias International Award, which recognizes the most spirit competitors in the world. Interest in the martial arts was growing quickly, however, karate was still relatively new in most parts of the country. In light of the fact that Grand Master Trias opened the first karate school in the United States (1946) and was a recognized authority in the field of martial arts, a steady stream of requests for information flowed into the Honbu dojo. Hanshi Bowles was sent by Grand Master Trias as an ambassador of Shuri-Ryu to teach and promote martial arts across the country. He was personally appointed by Grand Master Trias as Chief Instructor of the Shuri-Ryu system and given the life-long commission to uphold the high standards of Shuri-Ryu karatedo. In loving memory and with devoted purpose, after the death of his Sensei, Hanshi Bowles established the International Shuri-Ryu Association.
