A History of Isshin-ryu

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                           WHAT IS ISSHN-RYU?

 Isshinryu karate is a practical system of Okinawan martial arts. This style has positions that are upward and mobile and designed to be quick. We focus equally on both arm and leg techniques. Isshin-ryu was founded by Tatuso Shimabuku in 1954 on the island of Okinawa. He was a student of Shorin-ryu and Gojo- ryu karate. He combined what he believed to be the best of both styles to create Isshin-ryu. Tatuso Shimabuku was born in 1908 in Chun Village. He was the son of a farmer and showed a great interest in learning martial arts. His uncle was a karate practitioner and Tatuso Shimabuku begged him to teach him. At age of 8 his uncle finally agreed. Years later, as his training continued, Shimabuku he was introduced to Chotoku Kyan. Kyan was a well-known karate master of a style called Shorin-ryu. Tatsuo Shimabuku. He dedicated himself to Shorin-ryu until it was mastered. From this system he used five of the katas (forms), with slight modifications, in his future art. The next instructor to have an influence on Tatsuo Shimabuku was Chojun Miyagi. His art was naha te, which evolved into Goju-ryu. It was a powerful system that used strong stances and focused movements. Tatsuo later would modify the two forms from this style: Sanchin and Seiuchin. Master Shimabuku's next instructor was also a Shorin ryu stylist was Choki Motobu, Tatsuo refined his techniques and fighting skills with Choki Motobu. Finally Tatsuo Shimabuku would round off his training by learning kobudo (weapons) with Tiara Shinken and Yabiku Moden. After 40 years of strenuous training and self-development, as well as a long contemplation, Master Shimabuku felt he had created a unique system and Isshinryu was formally born in 1954. . He began by training the people of his island and then later U.S. marines who were stationed there. Isshin-ryu began to spread all over the world. Master Shimabuku died on May 30, 1975 at the age of 67 years old.