Allen Wheeler was born October 11th, 1919 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He served his country in the United States Army in the European Theater during World War II. He was an automatic rifleman and a hand to hand combat instructor in the Army.
For over 57 years Allen Wheeler studied and taught self-defense and was a historian of karate. As a Karate Master, Allen Wheeler was both a leader and a positive role model, using karate to install in people of all ages, races and background, the values of self-improvement, goal setting, hard work and good citizenship.
Allen Wheeler began his training in Isshin-ryu karate in 1961. He opened Wheeler’s School of Karate in 1971 in Powell, Tennessee. He started the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle in a Karate School in the United States. Allen’s family is active in karate, his wife, daughter, son and grandson are all black belts, making three generations of karate experts.
Master Wheeler authored and co-authored seven books on Isshinryu Karate and self-defense. The first book published in 1978 sold over 100,000 copies. His book Allen Wheeler – In His Own Words is an autobiography detailing the life of an incredible master of the martial arts. He also produced several videos
Master Wheeler founded the Okinawan Karate Do Union in 1987; it is an association of Martial Artists with members across the United States and many countries around the world. Internationally recognized martial arts experts from all over the world would visit and train with Master Wheeler and his students in Powell, Tennessee. The techniques and theories taught and practiced at his school made it one of the most advanced, martial arts instructional facility in the United States.
The depth of his knowledge and the size of his character made him a true master of Isshin-ryu Karate.
Allen Wheeler students saw him as a leader in life as well as in karate, a man who willing helped people through the most difficult challenges in life. Many of his students trained under his direction for over 30 years. They said, “The depth of his knowledge and the size of his character made him a true master of Isshin-ryu Karate”.
Master Wheeler explored the connection between martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine using what he learned to help people with a wide variety of ailments. Master Wheeler encouraged his students to study Chinese Medicine to help find more ways of helping others. Many of his students developed skills in healing. Some work with cancer patients and help relieve pain and the side effects of chemotherapy. Others work with hospice groups and Church based healing organizations. Many others help others in daily life with whatever problems that arise. His students tell of how this teaching changed their lives for the better.
Master Wheeler felt that helping people was far more important than fighting. He would say that when you help someone you can make a friend and that is the best defense of all.
The recognition and awards Allen Wheeler received are too numerous to list in total, but here are a few of his accomplishments:
PhD, in Karate, awarded by the, “College of Yudansha” of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, July 9, 1988.
- Ju Dan (10th Degree Black Belt) July 8, 1993.
- He was awarded, “Headfounder of the Year” in 2000 by the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
- He was inducted into the International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame in 1993.
- The Hawaii Martial Arts International Society honored Master Allen Wheeler with the “Golden Lifetime Achievement Award.” They also designated the Okinawan Karate Do Union the 2003 “Organization of the Year.”
- He was inducted into the International Isshin-ryu Karate Association Hall of Fame 1983.
- He received the “Master Shimabuku Award” from the Okinawan Karate Do Union.
- Master Wheeler was past president of the International Isshin-ryu Karate Association and the Okinawan Karate Do Union.
- Twice Master Wheeler was chosen by his peers as the Instructor of the Year.
Master Allen Wheeler passed away on February 14, 2005 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville. He was 85 years old. RIP Master Wheeler. You will always be loved.
