About Bowles


Robert Bowles
HANSHI
Hanshi Robert Bowles 10th Dan
Shuri Ryu style head
Hanshi Robert Bowles, 10th Degree, founder and director of the International Shuri-Ryu Association, began his karate training in Phoenix, Arizona under
Grand Master Robert A. Trias. An interest which began as a hobby ultimately changed the direction of his life. The 1960's were exciting years, as training
in the honbu dojo became his primary focus. Local tournaments lead to national competitions and soon Bowles had established himself as one of the top competitors
in the country. Grand Master Trias personally awarded him the coveted Trias International Award, which recognizes the most spirit competitors in the world.
Interest in the martial arts was growing quickly; however, karate was still relatively new in most parts of the country. In light of the fact that Grand Master
Trias opened the first karate school in the United States (1946) and was a recognized authority in the field of martial arts, a steady stream of requests for
information flowed into the honbu dojo. Bowles was sent by Grand Master Trias as an ambassador of Shuri-Ryu to teach and promote martial across the country.
He was personally appointed by Grand Master Trias as Chief Instructor of the Shuri-Ryu system and given the lifelong commission to uphold the high standards of
Shuri-Ryu karate-do. In loving memory and with devoted purpose, after the death of his Sensei, Grand Master Robert A Trias, Hanshi Bowles established the International
Shuri-Ryu Association. Since then the Association has mushroomed around the world!
The International Shuri-Ryu Association is the largest organization of Shuri-Ryu stylists in the world!
Statement of Purpose
- To propagate the Shuri-Ryu system throughout the world.
- To maintain the integrity and excellence of Shuri-Ryu.
- To unify Shuri-Ryu stylists around the world.
- To provide a central archives for rank certification.
- To promote national training seminars and symposiums.
- To provide promotional opportunities for rank advancement.
- To encourage communication within the Shuri-Ryu family and martial arts community.
In 1972, Bowles was a member of the first United States National Karate Association team to tour Europe.
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Bowles was the first person in the history of the USKA Grand Nationals to win the Triple Crown: 1st place in Kata, Kumite and Weapons in 1973. He has won the title of USKA World Champion six times.
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