Shihan Aaron Sandubrae

   Master Aaron R. Sandubrae, Shichi-Dan/ Shihan, began training in martial arts as a child at the age of four.  His first Sensei was his father, Sensei Allen R. Sandubrae, who taught his son the traditional Japanese styles of Shotokan and Koi-kan.  Aaron's training in Isshinryu started in 1988 with his frequent visits to California, under his grandfather Hanshi Arnold R. Sandubrae.  Arnold would also come to Oklahoma and Arkansas to visit and train Aaron.  In 1997 during one of Aaron's summer long stays in California, Arnold acknowledged Aaron's dedication and hard work as a serious private student, and honored him with several personal awards.

  In his teenage years Aaron was a serious athlete in prime physical condition.  He played competitive baseball and also played football.  During his high school years Arnold  instructed Aaron to explore other styles of martial arts that were local, while continuing his Isshinryu training, to ensure Aaron made a well informed choice for his future.  In addition to Isshinryu,  Aaron also studied the styles of Japanese Ju Jutsu and Kenpo, although Isshinryu remained his passion and focus. 

  After graduating high school, Sandubrae Shihan  moved to California for the sole  purpose of training in Isshinryu Karate  under the instruction of Grand Master Arnold R. Sandubrae, Ku-Dan, Hanshi, in Palm Springs, California. Shihan Sandubrae continued studying, earning his Adult Black Belt after years of training.  Aaron has dedicated his life to his Sensei's teachings in Isshinryu Karate.  After years of hard work Aaron was certified to teach Isshinryu Karate by Hanshi Sandubrae, and has done so ever since.  On July 20, 2018  Shihan Aaron R. Sandubrae was honored as Male Instructor of the Year by  the Isshinryu Hall of Fame.  

   Aaron is the  owner and Chief Instructor of American Okinawan Karate Academy LLC, d.b.a. Isshinryu Karate Sandubrae .  Aaron was also appointed by Hanshi Sandubrae as Co-Founder and Leader of the Isshinryu Sandubrae Goshin Jutsu Kai, a private association dedicated to preserving Isshinryu as well as the traditions and lineage of Hanshi Arnold R. Sandubrae, and the ones who came before him.   

  After decades of hard work,  Aaron R. Sandubrae earned the rank of of Shichi-Dan (7th Degree Black Belt) and the title of Shihan (Master Instructor).

•   Grand Master Sam Santilli  was one of Hanshi Sandubrae's original Sensei's in Isshinryu.  He was also a very dear friend of Arnold's.  Hanshi Santilli stands by Hanshi Sandubrae's decision to promote Aaron Sandubrae to the rank of Shichi-Dan (7th Degree Black Belt).  He was also aware of Hanshi Sandubrae's wishes for Aaron to be his chosen successor for the Sandubrae Lineage.  Hanshi Santilli told Aaron "Arnold had all the right in the world to promote you!  Shichi-Dan is what he promoted you to and that's what you put on!"  He then told Aaron how proud Arnold was of him and went on to say " I've got your back Aaron.  I wouldn't  support you if I didn't think you were worthy of it.  I know your grandfather would have wanted it." 
•   Master Pat McConnell was  Hanshi Sandubrae's #1 student for approximately 40 years. When Aaron spoke to Master McConnell about Hanshi Sandubrae's plans promoting Aaron to Shichi-Dan and naming him successor to the Sandubrae Lineage, Master McConnell said “You are the future and his [Hanshi Sandubrae’s] legacy, Aaron.  I am very happy he left that all for you.  You deserve it, and you take that and run with it…. You have my support 1,000%, you do! You deserve it, you have my support.  Aaron you put that in your biography! You do it! You wear your rank proudly!"    

   For over 20 years (1997-2018) Shihan Sandubrae competed in many tournaments and collected trophies in Kata, Kumite and Weapons.  In 2005 Aaron won his first International Tournament, 1st place  in Kumite and 2nd place in Kata, at the Isshinryu Hall of Fame.  Aaron understands the benefits of competition, however, he firmly believes that Martial Arts is not about winning  trophies, it is about Self-Defense and Self-Improvement.  

  Master  Sandubrae is originally from Oklahoma and has always considered it home.  He returned  to share  what he has learned in Isshinryu with as many students as possible.  Master Sandubrae is proud to be currently pioneering Traditional Isshinryu Karate in the state of Oklahoma.  Sandubrae has furthered the art of Isshinryu nationally by establishing a permanent presence for the art in the state well over a decade ago (est. 2009).  Furthermore, Sandubrae Shihan is the highest ranking Master Instructor in the style of  Isshinryu in the state of Oklahoma who is actively teaching. He is honored to preserve and further the art of Isshinryu, as well as the Sandubrae lineage and traditions for many generations to follow. 

  In March of 2022 Hanshi Arnold R. Sandubrae personally nominated Shihan Aaron R. Sandubrae for Lifetime Induction into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame.  Although not inducted, Shihan Aaron Sandubrae said " Being inducted into the prestigious IHOF would be a huge honor, however, the nomination itself is the Highest Honor a Sensei can bestow upon a student.  I am truly humbled and honored to have been considered." 

   Aaron R. Sandubrae, Shihan is the sole owner of the stylized Isshinryu Fist and Obi.  He is  the Registered Trademark  holder of the Stylized Isshinryu Fist. The Trademark is owned Solely by Master Aaron R. Sandubrae, All Rights Reserved.

   Master Sandubrae has chosen to supplement his training with the art of  brick breaking, which is not a mandatory part of training at A.O.K.A.   He knows all 8 empty hand Katas and Bunkai taught in Isshinryu Karate, as well as 8  weapons Katas.  Sandubrae Shihan is a Full Time Martial Arts Instructor.  He and his wife are committed to teaching the average  person practical and effective self-defense techniques.   

  Sensei Veronica Sandubrae, Yo-Dan/Renshi is Master Sandubrae's  senior student.   Together Shihan Sandubrae and Sensei Sandubrae have purchased a 4,300sqft building  in the heart of old town Piedmont, Oklahoma that is now the A.O.K.A.  Dojo.  They teach  adults and kids with plenty  of room to grow!   At their Dojo, in the daily classes, they teach self-defense and self-improvement through rigorous training.  In addition to traditional Kata and Bunkai,  as a self-defense Dojo, the lessons taught by Master Sandubrae  focus heavily on realistic  situations one may encounter in the street and use proven techniques as taught by Hanshi Sandubrae.   

   Aaron Sandubrae, Shihan co-authored  the Martial Arts  screenplay, "53 Seconds", with his wife, Veronica C. Sandubrae, Renshi.  The screenplay is a fictional story deeply rooted in Traditional Isshinryu with a modern twist.  Copies available upon request!

  Aaron R. Sandubrae Shihan is the proud Father of two boys to whom he teaches Isshinryu Karate.  They are the future of the Isshinryu Sandubrae Lineage.