History Overview of Isshin-ryu


Karate - Empty hand/military style of fighting

Isshin-ryu was developed by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku during the 1950's.

Isshin means "One heart method" or "One heart, one mind" and ryu means methods passed down.

Isshin-ryu is a combination of Gojo-ryu and Shorin-ryu.

Gojo-ryu was developed by a nobleman, Kanryo Higashionna, who practiced in the city of Naha so it was therefore initially called Naha-te. It is now known as Gojo-ryu, the hard method of fighting.

Shorin-ryu was developed by a farmer, Yasutune Itosu, who practiced in the city of Shuri so it was therefore called Shuri-te, then it was later called Kobayshi-ryu and is now called Shorin-ryu. This is the softer, more circular style of fighting.

There were three forms of Te Karate developed: Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomati-te. Shuri-te and Naha-te have since been incorporated into other forms of Okinawan Karate. Wansu is the only kata left from the Tomati-te style that is still used.

Isshin-ryu's main objective is perfection of oneself through physical and mental development.

Isshin-ryu utilizes the Oriental philosophy of the "hard" and the "soft"
  - Strength through speed and accuracy while muscles are relaxed, until the point of contact

Characteristic of Isshin-ryu is the development of the rapid technique; every kata begins with a block and the position of the fist with the thumb on top.

We wear a white gi for:
  1. Purity
  2. Uniformity
  3. Comfort
  4. Freedom of movement
Master Tatsuo Shimabuku's instructors were:
  • Motobu - the "bull-like" instructor
  • Kiyan - the mild and soft spoken instructor
  • Miyagi - was also mild, but was well know for his special techniques such as putting his toe through a can
Master Tatsuo Shimabuku's weapons instructors were: Yabumoben and Terashinken - both masters of weapons

Kusanku kata was created by a Chinese man, his title was Kusanku, this was not his name, no one really knows what this man's given name was.