Robert Hanula began his commitment to the Asian martial arts as a way of life in 1968. As owner and instructor of the Hershey Dojo, he holds a 8th Degree rank in Isshin-ryu Karate & Kobudo. He is recognized as a certified instructor by the Okinawa Isshin-ryu Karate & Kobu-Do Association, of Gushikawa City, Okinawa, Japan. He also holds a 5th Degree Black belt rank in JuJitsu. On May 17, 1998, he was inducted into the Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers & Legends Hall of Fame as Master Instructor of the Year. On May 1, 1999, he was inducted into the Okinawan Isshinryu Karate Kobu-Do Association Hall of Fame. He has trained in Okinawa - Japan, Europe, and the US with numerous world class martial art instructors. His extensive training experience includes advanced instruction from numerous prominent first and second generation Isshin-ryu instructors.
He has been a practitioner of Isshin-ryu Karate and Kobu-Do for over 42 years. He has been a professional martial arts instructor for 35 years. He personally teaches virtually every lesson. Each member receives his personal attention along with teaching tailored to suit their individual needs. Using traditional karate training methods and precepts as a guide, the goal is to maximize each member's human potential.
His relentless pondering, study, and research of Isshin-ryu Karate, the martial arts, and every related science or subject was, and continues to be, broad and deep. It has been said that "For every ten thousand hacking their way through the jungle, there is one who is chopping at the roots." By virtue of his good fortune and actions, he has been at the roots of Isshin-ryu Karate for decades. He has been true to the original teachings of karate, has worked hard, and has made personal sacrifices to disseminate them. Since the beginning he has set high guidelines for himself. He seeks to gather and preserve historical facts and accurate historical accounts. And among many other things, he has focused on the acquisition of a comprehensive and complete understanding of cultural, artistic, athletic, and human understanding of the martial arts in general and Isshin-ryu Karate-do in particular; the implications, the reasons why, the relevance, and the real meanings.
He achieved the rank of captain during his successful and full career in law enforcement with the Pennsylvania State Police, receiving an honorable discharge upon his retirement. During his career, he gained priceless direct experience regarding human violence which has significantly enhanced his martial arts knowledge and expertise.
One of his favorite quotations which he feels best epitomizes his attitude and beliefs as a martial arts teacher come from Sherman Harrill (1941-2002), one of his teachers;
"I do not teach Karate, because that alone is the art of empty hand fighting. I teach Karate-Do, which is a way of life. The longer you are in this Dojo the more you will understand the great difference between the two."
