Dedicated to the preservation and expansion of Isshin-ryu Karate as taught by Sensei Sherman Harrill.
Our Mission
Gilbert’s Isshin-ryu Karate School has a simple mission: to offer authentic, traditional training in Isshin-ryu Karate in the manner and spirit Sensei Sherman Harrill passed on to his students. We are one of the few karate schools in the United States offering this unique approach to traditional karate.
Our History
Sensei Sherman Harrill
Sherman Harrill was a dedicated martial artist whose journey began in the U.S. Marines in 1958 at 17. His passion for Isshin-ryu Karate was ignited in 1959 when he started training under Tatsuo Shimabuku in Agena, Okinawa. For approximately 14 months, Harrill honed his skills under Shimabuku’s guidance. Upon his return to the United States, he continued to train rigorously, further developing his expertise and understanding of the martial art.
Harrill’s commitment to Isshin-ryu Karate led him to begin teaching the discipline after many years of personal practice and refinement. By 1983, he expanded his influence by conducting seminars across the United States, sharing his knowledge of basics, kata, and self-defense techniques. His teaching journey even took him to South Africa, where he continued to spread the art of Isshin-ryu Karate.
In 2002, Harrill faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with esophageal and stomach cancer. Despite undergoing surgery, complications arose, leading to his passing on November 4, 2002. Sherman Harrill’s legacy in the martial arts community is honored, and he was buried with full military honors in recognition of his service and contributions.
Darren Gilbert’s journey in karate began after he left the U.S. Army in July 1983. A few months later, he wandered into Wheeler’s School of Karate in Powell, Tennessee. The dojo had not yet opened, but Sherman Harrill, sitting on a couch in the break area, informed Gilbert that “Allen would be there shortly.” This initial encounter with Harrill proved to be pivotal for Gilbert.
Sherman Harrill taught several classes at the dojo before returning to Carson, Iowa. Gilbert was deeply impressed by Harrill’s teaching and philosophy. After earning his 2nd-degree black belt (Nidan), Gilbert attended Harrill’s seminars across the country whenever possible. These seminars significantly influenced Gilbert’s karate practice and progression.
Sensei Darren Gilbert
In 1999, Gilbert formally became a Sherman Harrill student; in 2001, Sensei Harrill awarded him a 4th-degree black belt (Yondan). Following Harrill’s teachings and methods, Gilbert continued his advancement in Isshin-ryu Karate. He later received his 5th-degree black belt (Godan) from Sensei Eddie Satterfield, a colleague and fellow student of Sherman Harrill.
On May 20, 2024, Darren Gilbert was promoted to 6th-degree black belt (Rokudan), marking a significant milestone in his martial arts journey.
Darren Gilbert is a dedicated karate instructor and an influential figure in the martial arts community. He teaches Isshin-ryu Karate at the University of Tennessee’s Martial Arts Club, which holds classes at TRECS (Studio 7) on Mondays from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. These classes are available to UTK students, faculty, and staff. Gilbert also teaches a Self-Defense for Nurses course for the UT College of Nursing.
In addition to teaching at the university, Sensei Gilbert conducts karate classes on Thursday nights at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Francis Episcopal Church in Norris, TN. His commitment to martial arts extends beyond teaching; he is a founding member of the American Self-defense Federation, an organization devoted to preserving and promoting traditional martial arts. Currently, he serves on the Federation’s board of directors, contributing to its strategic direction and outreach.