The 35th anniversary celebration of the Zanshin-Zen Isshukai-Kan karate-do style of martial arts happened on Saturday night at the Saint Martin Center in Erie.

The event honors one of Erie's most influential martial arts leaders and community figures grandmaster James H. Hudson.

Hudson founded the karate style in 1990 during his military service on the island of Lampedusa, Italy. It's a uniquely American martial arts style drawing from Okinawan, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean traditions. The name translates loosely to "Alert Mind, Determined Way."  The style is more than self defense, Hudson said it's focused on integrity and personal development, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally too.

Dr. Hudson has impacted students throughout the U.S., Canada, Italy, and beyond, many who came for Saturday's celebration.