Instructors
Daniel Asaka Holloway, Hachi Dan
Chief Instructor and Founder of Holloway's Isshin-Ryu Karate School, Waterford, Michigan.
Sensei Holloway was born in Japan in 1952. His father was an American serviceman and his mother was a native of the country. Sensei maintains his ethnic traditions and speaks conversational Japanese.
Sensei Holloway began his martial arts training in 1968 at the age of 15 under Mr. Norbert Donnelly. Sensei Donnelly was a world class tournament and kickboxing champion. Sensei Holloway's black belt was confirmed under the direction of Louis Grinnell and he went on to receive the rank of 6th Dan under Allen Wheeler. In 1997 he was given the rank of 7th Dan by Sensei Harold Mitchum (9th Dan-Hanchi); also confirming was the late Sensei Sherman Harrill (7th Dan). Both of the men were Okinawan-trained by Master Shimabuku with Mr. Mitchum receiving the distinction of Head Dojo instructor and highest-ranking American. Sherman Harrill was a leading seminar instructor and also held rank in weapons (Kobudo). Sensei Holloway was again promoted under Mr. Mitchum to the rank of 8th Dan in 2005. Sensei Holloway gives credit to these many fine men in his karate career.
Sensei Holloway is also the winner of many awards himself. He was the OKU Kumite champion in 1987 (executive division). He is a two time recipient of the Master Shimabuku award. He is the Master's Division Kata Champion for Isshin-ryū's largest tournament the "Hall of Fame" 2005 and in 2008 Sensei Holloway was inducted into the Isshin-Ryū Hall of Fame. He has also been recognized for his community involvement including the Civil Air Patrol and was given the "Outstanding Young Men of America Award".
Robert Filby, Go Dan
Mr. Filby began his training in 1981 when the karate school first opened. He has trained in several different karate styles and has a diverse knowledge of the arts that he utilizes in his instruction. Drawing from a military background, Sensei's Filby's rigorous and strict Thursday night class challenges and delights his students.
Dewey Bowman, Go Dan
One of Sensei Holloway's senior instructors. Has been in Isshin-ryū since 1981 and been an instructor at both the Holloway Dojo and his own from 2002–2005. Sensei Bowman is an excellent teacher and technician. He works well with both adults and kids giving practical application to complex movement. Mr. Bowman has lived in the community for over 40 years and is dedicated to improving our students through disciplined instruction.
Marianna Haggard, San Dan
Marianna has trained with Sensei Holloway since 1996. She has competed and won numerous trophies in tournament competitions. She is the lead instructor for the kids classes, and brings a fresh perspective to teaching the younger students. Marianna has a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Oakland University and works as a paramedic for Star EMS and Pontiac Osteopathic ER.
Tom Willman, Ni Dan
Tom is a great instructor with over 6½ years in the dojo. He is diligent and offers a unique perspective in karate. Tom began with his son and now assists in teaching the Wednesday and Thursday class.
Bob Burton, Ni Dan
"Mr. B" is our beloved Senior Citizen Black Belt. He brings a unique view to the Dojo and is an inspiration to many with his persevering attitude. He has over seven years in the Dojo with another four years in Isshin-ryū. He is the lead instructor for our Wednesday class.
Christy Hupman, Ni Dan
Mrs. Hupman is Sensei Holloway's daughter and has been training in the dojo since 1997. She is also a lead instructor for the kids' classes and is instrumental in making sure all aspects of the karate school are running smoothly while juggling her own two young children! Mrs. Hupman is an outstanding teacher and works as a neonatal nurse.
Gale Evans, Ni Dan
Mr. Evans has been with Sensei Holloway since 1985. He is an instructor in our adult program and often assists with the kids classes. He both teaches and attends four classes per week and is a disciplined practitioner of Isshin-ryū. Mr. Evans is our very available substitute instructor and enjoys teaching and learning. Mr. Evans is a consummate karateka, dedicated, enthusiastic, and teachable.
Ben Haggard, Sho Dan
As one of the newest black belts, Ben Haggard is just now settling into his new role as an instructor at the school. Ben has been with the school since he was very young and like his brother Andrew is extremely talented and wows the students with his incredible flexibility, agility and strength. Ben is a great help with the kids classes and is appreciated by his fellow black belts.
In memory of Sensei Eli "Chay" Uballe, March 25th, 2011.
Sensei Chay was a friend and protector for everyone that entered the dojo. He expected the best from the students, yet found ways to pick them up when they were really trying and fell short. He didn’t like it when people sold themselves short, and wanted the people he touched to find value in others.
He started his karate training at the Holloway Dojo in Keego Harbor in 1982. He was an excellent kata practitioner. Sensei Chay held the record for fastest to black belt at 4½ years. He was a blast to fight with, often surprising his opponent with his quickness, but his best fighting skill was his attitude. I never saw a moment that he would take out his frustrations on classmates. Sensei Chay was good for the dojo, always looking beyond himself to create harmony.