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In 1972 Al Panazzola began training at the Isshinryu Okinawan Karate School of Windsor, under the tutelage of Master Instructor Lloyd Russett. He continued training, honing his skills and progressing in the tournament circuit, until July 12,1977 when he was awarded his Shodan, (first degree Black Belt) by Sensei Lamon Kersey, Master Lloyd Russett, Sensei Bob Markovic.
He moved through the Dan ranks, being awarded with his Nidan in 1979, and Sandan in 1983. On July 18,1987 he was tested at the American Okinanwan Karate Association Grand Nationals by a panel consisting of 1st generation Isshinryu practitioners Master Steve Armstrong and Master Lewis Lizotte. Also on the board were Masters Willie Adams, Ron Boucher, Steve Young and Sam Santilli.
In 1993, Master Panazzola became the first person in Canada to be promoted to Godan (5th degree black belt) by Master Shimabuku's Son in law, and right hand man, Angi Uezu. Also on the board were Master Pete Carbone and Master Lamon Kersey.
From his promotion to Shodan in 1977 until 2004 Master Panazzola was an instructor at Mr. Kersey's Karate School in Windsor.
At the AOKA World Tournament, in 2006, the first time a major Isshinryu event was held in Canada, Master Panazzola tested for and was awarded his Roku Dan.
Master Panazzola has had a very successful tournament career, collecting over 600 trophies in all categories, Kata, Weapons, Kumite and Grand Champion. He has won multiple Competitor of the year honours, and was the first ever to win a tournament, Triple Crown and Grand Champion Trophy at MKKS. He once brought home 7 trophies from a single tournament, and was inducted into the MKKS Hall of Fame.
Together with Master Kersey, they ruled over the tournament circuit, where Master Panazzola was considered the most intense competitor on the circuit. They competed in Detroit, New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Gatlingurg TN, to name a few. He competed against such greats as Billy Blanks, Mike Bernardo, Chris Casamassa, Terry Creamer, Troy Soles, Clyde Dennis, Steve Young, Team Plowden and the John Paul Mitchell Team.
He has trained with Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Joe Lewis, Angi Uezu, Nick Adler and Seiyu Oyata.
After all these achievements, his greatest accomplishment occurred on September 18, 2005 when he opened Karate Rocks Family Martial Arts.
Master Panazzola has sat on the AOKA Promotions Board since 2008.
Master Panazzola has a Top Ten Finish in his age group in the Detroit Free Press Marathon, has qualified for the Boston Marathon, and competed in both Duathlons and Triathlons.
He has always found the time to coach and mentor many sports, such as Track and Field, Travel Hockey and Travel Volleyball.
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