Pacific Renbukai Karate

Pacific Renbukai Karate offers traditional Japanese karate classes that include kihon drills, kata forms, kumite sparring, speed and agility training, and self defense. It also offers in-person group classes, private lessons by internet with immediate feedback, video lessons, and an after-school karate club.

Programs

• Adult Traditional Japanese Karate Classes — Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30-7:45 · Free 1st class tryout for everyone; in person at a 2000 foot facility. Focuses on kihon (drills), kata (forms), kumite (sparring USA KARATE/FULL Contact BOGU), speed/agility training and self defense.
• Ages 5-10 years All Skills — 5-10 · Mondays/Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 · Hawthorne location.
• Teen/Adult Only — Mondays/Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 · Hawthorne location.
• Intensive Training, Black Belt — Mondays/Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 · Wednesday class listed at Hawthorne.
• After School Karate Club — While school is in session; 11:50 AM meet in front-of-office area, class until 1:30 PM; 2:45-3:45 at GYM for PPS elementary school children only · Includes early day release. Extended paid hours available until 2:30 and 3:30. Must be a club member for participation.
• Children's and Competition Instruction — Listed for Japan Certified Sensei Bettina Ishimaru.
• Women’s Only Self Defense Classes — City wide classes attended by teens and adults; taught exclusively by Sensei Bettina Ishimaru.
• Group Classes In Person — 5+ · For children, teens, men and women.
• Private Lessons — 5 days a week · Via the internet with immediate feedback individually.
• Video Lessons — Listed as in person classes and or video lessons.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• General schedule: Mondays/Wednesdays at Hawthorne, 4:00-5:00 ages 5-10; 5:00-6:00 teen/adult only; 6:00-7:00 intensive training/black belt. Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30-7:45 for advanced training only. After school program while school is in session. 2:45-3:45 at PPS elementary school gym for elementary school children only.

About the provider

The program has served the Portland community since 2001 and lists Chief Instructor Shihan Sensei Robert Ishimaru and Japan Certified Sensei Bettina Ishimaru as its leadership team. Its mission statement says it emphasizes traditional Japanese karate, self defense, self confidence, discipline, fitness, and competition. The credentials listed include JKF certification, USA Karate official licenses, kata and kumite referee holders, and SAFESPORT and background screening training for 2024/2025.

Last updated October 14, 2026.