SENSEI ERNEST STARR

A martial arts school focused on mental and strength development through Karate, Kobudo & Bojitsu, Jujitsu, and Judo.

Mr. Ernest Starr is instructor in charge of the Ohio branch of Hidy Ochiai Karate holds the rank of Shichi Dan (Seventh Degree black belt). Mr. Starr is the only authorized and licensed instructor for Wa-shin Ryu Karate in the state of Ohio. Master Hidy Ochiai is the founder and chief instructor for Wa-shin Ryu Karate Do in the United States, and Mr. Starr is one of his most dedicated students.

Mr. Starr has been involved in the martial arts since 1966. He has taught men, women and children of all ages since 1970. He was the original instructor for the SUNY Binghamton Wa-shin Ryu Karate Club and for Hidy Ochiai's Karate of Syracuse, New York.

During the 1970’s, Mr. Starr frequently competed in kumite (sparring) and kata (forms). While traveling the tournament circuit he accumulated an impressive string of accomplishments:

Started Martial Arts training in July 1966
Attained Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) – 1969
Member All USA Collegiate Team – 1969
Founded SUNY Binghamton Karate Club – 1971
Attained Ni dan (2nd Deg. Black ) – Aug. 1973
Attained San dan (3rd Deg. Black) – 1975
Karate Illustrated Magazine Article – Dec. 1976
Ranked as a top 10 competitors East Coast by Karate Illustrated Magazine – Spring 1977
Self-defense Instructor Syracuse Univ. 1978-1979 (credit awarded to participants)
Self-defense Instructor Cazenovia Coll 1978-1980 (credit awarded to participants)
Self-defense Instructor - Dewitt, NY 1974-1977
Self-defense instructor - Geddes, NY 1975-1977
Self-defense instructor -E Syracuse, NY 1977-1978
Attained Yo dan (4th Degree Black Belt) – 2004
Attained Go dan (5th Degree Black Belt) – 2007
Attained Roku dan (6th Degree Black Belt) – 2013
Attained Shichi dan (7th Degree Black Belt) – 2019

Competitive History

NY State Kumite (sparring) Champion – 1972
NY State Kata (forms) Champion – 1972
NY State Kumite Champion – 1973
NY State Kumite Champion – 1974
NY State Kata Champion – 1975
New Canaan, CT Grand Champ. Kumite – 1975
NY State Kata Champion – 1976
All-Japan Styles Tournament (Irvine, CA) - 1976
1st Place Kumite
New Canaan, CT Grand Champ. Kumite – 1976
2nd Pl. USKA Grand Nat'l Championship – 1976
NY State Kumite (sparring) Champion – 1980
50th Annual Washin-ryu
Invitational Tournament 2016
1st Pl. Kumite, 1st Pl. specialty kata
2nd pl. tradition kata

In 1976 he won second place in the light-heavy weight division of the United States Karate Association (USKA) Grand National Tournament, the largest and most prestigious tournament in the country at the time. Later that same year was featured in an article in the December 1976 issue of Karate Illustrated Magazine, and was ranked 7th amongst all competitors in the Northeast Region by Karate Illustrated Magazine in the spring of 1977.

In December 1976 he was the subject of an article in Karate Illustrated magazine, and was rated as one of the top 10 competitors in the North East region by Karate Illustrated in the spring of 1977. In 2005, 2006 and 2016 Mr. Starr won 1st place in kumite and 2nd place kata competition at the Annual Wa-shin-ryu Invitational Tournament.

HARMONIZE HIDDEN POTENTIAL

Authentencity. Self-Confidence. Moral Character. Leadership.

Sensei Ernest Starr is excited to share all the knowledge he has accumulated over the years with the Ohio community. His mission is to provide each student with the same authentic martial arts education that he first received by Master Hidy Ochiai, so that every one that walks through his doors can experience for themselves the countless benefits of the traditional martial arts.

Unbreakable Concentration

Washin-ryu sets a path for increased mental strength and physical skill.