Welcome to my little corner of the web devoted to the study of Isshin Ryu Karate.

The art we know today as "karate" (pronounced "ka rah tay") originated on the island of Okinawa, presently a part of the nation of Japan. Okinawa is one of over one hundred islands in the Ryukyu (pronounced "ree-you-cue") chain that extends from southern Japan to Taiwan. To understand the development of karate, one must understand some of the history of the island and it's people.

Since ancient times, Okinawa has been a crossroads of Asian cultures. This was due to Okinawa's central location in the East China Sea, making it an excellent trade center for goods moving to/from China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

A major root of karate can be traced to ancient China. Legend has it that Daruma Daishi (Bodhidharma) developed eighteen exercise forms for the use of the Buddhist monks living at the Shaolin Temple. These exercise forms eventually became known as Shaolin Kempo, meaning "Way of the Fist". The exercise discipline concentrated upon the art of learning to control and master the body, mind, and soul.

Since ancient times, the Okinawan people had practiced a system of self-defense referred to as Te, meaning "Hand", the second root of modern karate. During the years of trade and cultural exchange, the Okinawan people were exposed to Shaolin Kempo. Over many years, the Okinawan people synthesized these two martial traditions into what we know today as karate. The term was used as early as the late 1800's and translates as "empty-hand".

In the 14th century, during the reign of King Sho Shin, the private ownership of weapons and the use of armed retainers by lords were first prohibited. Through this the nobility was able to gain complete control over the citizens. This fueled the desire for empty-hand fighting systems.

During the 17th century, Okinawa was overrun and occupied by the Satsuma Clan of Japan. Okinawa was never to be independent again. The weapons of the Okinawan samurai were confiscated, and they were forbidden to own, use, or carry any weapons. The edict issued in 1609 also forbade the practice of martial arts. Again, this was to completely subjugate the Okinawan people. Faced with the necessity of defending themselves and their people from their oppressors and pirates, and having only their bare hands with which to fight, the samurai warriors turned to the ancient forms of Te and Kempo. In those desperate years, they developed and refined the techniques until their bodies were as deadly and effective in their defense as had been the swords that were taken from them. Karate was taught in secret and was known only to the nobility. Where and how it was taught was a mystery to most Okinawan people, for to be introduced to the discipline of karate was to be marked as one of the most poised and trusted human beings and was an honor as high as any that could be bestowed.

For over 300 years, karate remained secret and known only through word-of-mouth on the island of Okinawa. Masters taught only to small groups, usually family members and relatives. Each family developed their own personal method of training, thus many styles of karate came into being. Karate became a course of exercise valued for its health and character building.

In 1875, the Satsuma occupation ended and Japan officially recognized Okinawa as a prefecture. The need for secrecy ended. In 1902, Anko Itosu, a master of Shuri-Te, gave the first public demonstration of karate on Okinawa. Later, both he and Master Kanryo Higashionna (sometimes spelled Higaonna) introduced karate into the public school system.

In 1917, an Okinawan school teacher by the name of Gichin Funakoshi, who had studied karate in Shuri, Okinawa, gave a series of karate demonstrations at the Butokuden (the government sanctioning body for all martial arts prior to WWII) in Kyoto, Japan. These demonstrations could well be the most historic event in the history of karate, for this was the first time that this fighting system was demonstrated outside of Okinawa. In 1921 he was asked to give a demonstration at Shuri Castle for visiting Crown Prince Hirohito. The prince was so impressed, he mentioned it in his report. This led to Master Funakoshi being invited to give a demonstration to the Ministry of Education in Tokyo, leading to the adoption of karate as part of the school system in Japan.

After World War II, Okinawa was occupied by the United States. US servicemen, a long way from home and with nothing to occupy their free time, discovered karate. Those men returned home and opened the first dojo(s) in America. Thanks to them, karate has now spread world-wide.

Isshin Ryu's lineage can be traced back to primarily four different Masters,

                           
         Chutoku Kyan                 Chojun Miyagi                  Choki Motubu                   Taira Shinken
     (Shorin Ryu Master)            (Goju Ryu Master)               (Sparring Master)               (Weapons Master)

Tatsuo Shimabuku took lessons from each of these masters and combined all of his knowledge and philosophies to create Isshin Ryu Karate.

Grand Master Tatsuo Shimabuku
(Founder of Isshin Ryu)

Isshin Ryu is now being furthered by Master Angi Uezu.

Master Angi Uezu
(Isshin Ryu Master)

 

The system I teach and take is Isshin-Ryu Karate, one of the many forms of karate that originated in Okinawa. Okinawa is given credit for developing karate as we know it today and passing it down through the centuries. Our style of karate, founded by Tatsuo Shimabuku, is a combination of two older styles, Goju Ryu and Shorin Ryu. It was designed specifically for personal combat, however, Americans have modified the fighting practice to enable us to participate in sporting events.

Isshin-Ryu:

·         Uses a linear, non-twisting, punch.

·         Uses traditionally low kicks.

·         Uses close, natural, stances.

·         Balances the use of hands and feet for offensive and defensive weapons.

·         Promotes a strong body and physical conditioning.

·         Promotes self-defense awareness and understanding.

·         Helps to develop emotional stability and helps to reduce stress.

•   Helps to promote flexibility, coordination and confidence

"Tatsuo Shimabuku, originally named Shinkichi, was born on September 19, 1908, in Chan Village, Okinawa. He later changed his name to Tatsuo, meaning "Dragon Man." At the age of 12, he began training with his uncle, Kamasu Chan (also called Ganeku), in Shuri-Te. He initially began karate training in the hopes that he would be able to fend off his older brother who would frequently torment him. After a few months of training, his brother no longer posed a threat for young Tatsuo.  "

Later in his life, he studied Okinawan Kobudo with the famous master Taira Shinken, from whom he learned the techniques of the bo, sai, and tonfa.  Taira Shinken, taught Shimabuku the following weapons kata: Chatanyara No Sai, Urashi Bo (Bo #2), Shishi No Kun (Bo #3), and Hamahiga No Tuifa. 

 

Master Kyan taught Shimabuku Seisan, Naihanchi, Wansu, Chinto, Kusanku, and Tokumine No Kun (Bo #1) kata.  It is also likely that Shimabuku learned the arts of kyusho-jutsu (pressure point fighting) and tuite (joint locking) from Kyan.

 

Miyagi taught him Seiunchin and Sanchin. 

 

Motobu taught him his version of Naihanchi kata, as well as kumite techniques and how to properly train with the makiwara. 

 

Shimabuku later incorporated two additional kata into his collection: Sunsu and Kusanku Sai.  Sunsu Kata contains a combination of the techniques and principles from the other seven Isshin Ryu empty-hand kata, and was Master Shimabuku's personal favorite kata. Sunsu represents the culmination of the Master's understanding of the higher-level principles of the martial arts and is the most complete (and difficult) kata in Isshin Ryu. Kusanku Sai was an adaptation of the empty-hand Kusanku Kata.

 

On January 15, 1956, he officially announced the formation of a new style of karate, "Isshin Ryu," meaning "One-Heart (or Whole-Heart) Way." He chose this name because, according to Shimabuku, "all things begin with one." Beginning in the mid-50s, Shimabuku began to instruct a number of U.S. Marines in his front yard in Chan Village.

 

On May 30, 1975, Master Tatsuo Shimabuku passed away at his home in Agena, Okinawa, after suffering a stroke. After Master Shimabuku's death, Isshin Ryu splintered with a number of associations and independent dojos.  Kichiro Shimabuku administered the IWKA from Gushikawa City, Okinawa, Steve Armstrong continued the operation of the American-Okinawan Karate Association (AOKA), and Harold Long continued the work of the IIKA in Tennessee. In March 1977, Harold Mitchum, Ed Johnson, Arcenio J. Advincula, and Milledge Murphey formed the United Isshin Ryu Karate Association (UIKA) in Albany, Georgia.

 

Although Angi Uezu and a number of other Okinawan Isshin Ryu masters remained with Kichiro Shimabuku in the beginning, Angi Uezu left the association in 1989 and formed the Okinawa Isshin Ryu Karate and Kobudo Association (OIKKA). He soon became one of the chief proponents of Isshin Ryu Karate on Okinawa.

The Okinawa Prefecture Government recently recognized Isshin Ryu as an official style with Angi Uezu and the OIKKA as its official representative on Okinawa.

 

    Grandmaster of

   Isshin-Ryu Karate

 

"Shinkichi Shimabuku was born in Chan, Okinawa on September 19, 1908 and died May 30, 1975. He began his study of karate at a young age as the pupil of his uncle."

"Several years later, feeling that he had taught Shinkichi as much as he could, his uncle sent him to study with Chotoku Kyan. Sensei Kyan was already famous throughout Okinawa as an instructor of Shorin-ryu Karate. Being a poor farmer, Shinkichi would walk the long distance to study with Sensei Kyan for several hours each day, then return home to complete his chores. He did this for approximately four years."

"He later studied karate with Chojun Miyagi of the Goju style of karate, learning at least two kata that he later incorporated into Isshin-Ryu: Seiuchin and Sanchin. He trained with Choki Motobu, who was one of the greatest fighters in the history of Okinawa, learning Naihanchin kata. He also took up the study of the bo and sai, as well as the tuifa forms from Taira Shinken, one of Okinawa's leading kobu-jutsu instructors."

"During and after WWII, he and his family lived in Japan. He returned to Okinawa in 1947 and began teaching karate. It was also at this time, at the age of 39, that he took the name Tatsuo, "Dragon Man". The taking of a karate name is an Okinawan custom."

"During the next nine years, Tatsuo experimented with karate techniques. He was an innovator, not being satisfied with following the crowd. On January 15, 1956, he held a meeting to discuss his new style of karate, which he decides to call Isshin-Ryu. "

"Many of the senior instructors of karate on Okinawa at the time did not agree with Master Shimabuku's decision or his new style. Although he was sometimes shunned, and Isshin-Ryu was not officially recognized for many years, he persevered. It did not help the cause either when Master Shimabuku's students would win local matches and fights."

"During the 1950's and 60's, Master Shimabuku was hired to train the US servicemen stationed there. "

"Master Shimabuku continued to experiment and challenge the traditional concepts of karate until he retired from active teaching in 1971. Those fortunate Americans who were able to travel to Okinawa and train with Master Shimabuku will tell you of a man who enjoyed sake and cigarettes, and loved to joke. They will also tell you of a phenomenal martial artist, who struck awe in his students."

One day while Master Shimabuku slept, he began to dream that a man who was challenging him in his own dojo confronted him.  Master Shimabuku did not see this man as a threat, so he waved him on with his opened left hand, which symbolizes his peaceful nature.  All the while with his right hand clenched in a fist behind his head, this symbolizes strength, and Karate’s ability to destroy.  The stranger then suddenly disappeared leaving Master Shimabuku surrounded by flames.  Master Shimabuku calmly extinguished the flames with water.

The position of the hands resembled the positioning of the hands of Mizu Gami (the Shinto water goddess).  This then became the emblem of Isshin Ryu Karate.

 

"The emblem is called Mizu-gami or Me-gami (depending on whose history you read). It shows a woman that represents quiet character, who is half sea-dragon. Her left hand is open in a universal sign of peace, and her right hand is closed in a fist representing strength if evil prevails."

"In Asian mythology, the sea-serpent is born at the bottom of the sea and ascends to the heavens as depicted by the small dragon above her head. The churning sea and the gray background represents a typhoon. Mizu-gami represents a mother taking care of her child, calm and gentle as a mother would be under these circumstances, but ready to unleash the same amount of fury a mother would if her child was harmed in any fashion. The three stars represent the three arrows of karate: spiritual, physical, and mental."

"This colorful emblem represents a vision which came to Master Shimabuku, in a dream he had during the time he was developing Isshin-Ryu. The words Isshin-Ryu, when translated from the Okinawan language, literally mean "One Heart Way". [Note: The word shin also means "mind", so you may see translations as "One Heart/Mind Way".] "

The orange border represents the ring of fire Master Shimabuku saw in his dream.

The oval border stands for the vertical fist, which is the primary trait of Isshin Ryu.

The Megami is half woman and half dragon. Her left hand is open, the universal symbol of peace or soft. Her right hand is closed in a Isshin Ryu fist, symbol of hard and is ready to be used in times of need to defend.

The dragon ascends from the water into the sky or heaven, and stands for heaven. Tatsu means 'dragon' and our founders name Tatsuo, means 'dragon man'. The dragon to many followers of Isshin Ryu is Master Shimabuku, who is the spirit of Isshin Ryu.

The tiger in the headdress of the Megami stands for earth. Both dragon and tiger stands for heaven and earth.

The dark background with the three stars shows it is night. Night symbolizes darkness, which is the unknown.

The grey skies symbolize another aspect of his dream.

The three stars stands for all of Shimabuku's teachers who lighten the night bringing knowledge, Kyan, Motobu and Miyagi.

The three stars are in one line (-), the Chinese and Japanese character for one. Sensei Shimabuku told his students on the introduction of Isshin Ryu that all things start with one. The one stands for one in Isshin Ryu, for Isshin Ryu means 'One heart way'.

The three stars can also mean: mind, body and spirit or any three things. Tatsuo said that Isshin Ryu was composed of three elements: Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu and Kobudo.

The upper body / woman depicts that karate can be gentle as a woman. Symbolic of soft.

The lower body / dragon shows that karate can be fierce as a dragon if needed. Symbolic of hard.

The calm face of the goddess in a storm or in times of crises one must be calm, especially in times of danger.

The jewelry around her neck symbolizes wisdom.

The green circles on her head symbolize that the Karateka can see in all directions.

The turbulent water and storm or typhoon symbolizes danger, troubles of life and purity.

The kanji (Japanese characters) means: Isshin Ryu karate.

 

Kata are sequential, pre-determined defense, attack, and counterattack forms used against multiple opponents. In addition to giving students practice in techniques, kata develops speed, breath control, balance, calm mind, rhythm, mushin, and coordination. Until this century, kata was considered the only and ideal method of karate training.

To grasp the meaning of kata, the true essence of Karate, one must be involved in one of the martial arts. The layman cannot hope to grasp the state of mind of an individual performing a kata. To him, the kata is only a series of movements that look like a form of dance. However, these beautiful and graceful movements are in reality far more than just a series of blocks, punches, kicks, and stances. One of the major aims of the karate student is to be able to perform all of the kata accurately.

The student repeats the kata many times in each class, placing emphasis on posture, balance, speed and coordination. Great emphasis is laid on increasing the student's vigor, heart, mind, and soul. The teaching is usually conducted in a group, but individual performance of the kata is continually revised by the instructor. Gradually, the student's character, attitude and intentions are unmistakably revealed to their instructor. Only then can the instructor help the student to acquire the mental power to overcome his own weakness and recognize the vanity and false ego which lies within him. This can be accomplished only by constant practice of the seemingly simple moves of kata.

Karate begins and ends with kata. People who say they cannot use kata techniques in self-defense or kumite either do not know their kata, or their kata form is not correct.

1. Seisan
   "From Shorin Ryu. Emphasizes a straight-forward stance, seiken tzuki blocking, the mae geri, and rapid technique."
   
   
2. Seiunchin
   "From Goju Ryu. Emphasizes a strong, low stance in which the heels are shoulder-width apart and the feet are pointed out on a 45° angle. It also stresses reinforced blocks and punches, breath control, and powerful techniques."
   
   
3. Naihanchi
   "From Shorin Ryu. It is known for its "toe-inward" stance (uchi hachiji dachi). Designed for fighting with one's back against a wall or on a ledge. Most movements are performed in a lateral direction."
   
   
4. Wansu
   "From Shorin Ryu. It is referred to as the "dumping form" because of the throw it contains. The technical term for this throw is kata garuma."
   
   
5. Chinto
   "From Shorin Ryu.. It derives its name from Master Chinto. This kata emphasizes pivots and fighting on angles. Chinto is one of the most difficult kata to perform while maintaining good balance."
   
   
6. Kusanku
   "From Shorin Ryu. It derives its name from Master Kushanku. Designed for fighting under conditions with limited light, and teaches evasive techniques."
   
   
7. Sunsu
   "This is the kata that Master Shimabuku personally developed, and bears his nickname. It is the longest and most difficult kata to perform."
   
   
8. Sanchin
   "From Goju Ryu. It emphasizes strong technique and breath control. The names means "three battles", and refers to the control of mind, body, and breath during the performance of the kata."
   
   

   Weapons Kata

9. Kusanku Sai (Sai 1)
10. Chantanyara No Sai (Sai 2)
11. Tokumeni No Kun (B0 1)
12. Urashi Bo (Bo 2)
13. Shishi no Kun no Dai (Bo 3)
14. Bo-Bo Kumite
15. Bo-Sai Kumite

     Like all katas, a pattern is formed while performing each kata.  The picture below is a layout of the empty hand katas of Isshin Ryu. 

Press one of the links below to see the Master performing a kata.

     These katas were taped in 1966 and show the Master walking through each kata.

     The following videos were believed to be filmed at the Agena Dojo around 1958.

Pictures of Master Shimabuku performing and demonstrating movements of katas.

Videos of Master Shimabuku performing katas

Seiunchin Kata

   
Part 1                               Part 2                            Part 3

Naihanchi Kata

 
Part 1                    Part 2

Wansu Kata

   
Part 1                   Part 2                     Part 3