Episode 86. Isshinryu, AAU Nationals & Competing As A Family
The conversation
About James Gray.
James Gray sat down for Kumite Lifestyle. That conversation is episode 86, “Isshinryu, AAU Nationals & Competing As A Family”.
James is an Isshinryu karateka from Florida. He met Nick in the grand champion round at the Isshinryu Hall of Fame, and he has been a loyal supporter of the podcast from the start.
When the episode was recorded, he had just driven home from the 2026 AAU Karate Nationals in Florida, where he competed along with his wife, his son and two of their students.
James talks about a tough loss in the black belt kumite division that made him ask what he was doing, and why it matters that karate has more podcasts and stories out there.
“it's getting that information out there”
From the episode
- A tough loss can make you rethink and come back stronger.
- Karate is better as a family.
- Share information so the whole community grows.
- Discipline
- Isshinryu Karate
- Location
- Florida
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