James Gillis

This is a very brief biography of Shihan James Gillis.

Shihan James began Shotokan training in 1959, and practiced Judo and Jiu Jitsu before that time. He started the Kandan Judo and Karate Club in 1961, which is believed to be the first karate school in Indiana. His group then was invited to join Master Masutatsu Oyama's (a real karate master, not like the so many people who are called "master.") Kyokushin in 1968. At that time Gillis was 2^nd dan in Shotokan. Mas. Oyama made him Branch Chief in Indiana.

Gillis' school grew and developed many fine black belts. His organization today is called the Kandan Karate Association and the Kandan Karate School. It is affiliated loosely with the International Karate Organization (IKO). The main honbu (center school) is located in Mishawaka, Indiana.

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