Isshin-ryu: (which means: Whole Heart Way) was developed from Shorin-ryu (mother;
translation: First Way) and Goju-ryu (father; translation: Hard-Soft Way).
Officially named on January 15, 1956 by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku (founder).
Master Tatsuo Shimabuku: Founder of Isshin-ryu. Born on September 19, 1908 in the
Okinawan village of Chan (now Kinaka). Died on May 30, 1975.
Master Tatsuo Shimabuku took Seisan, Naihanchi, Wansu, Chinto, and Kusanku
Katas from Shorin-Ryu Karake
Master Tatsuo Shimabuku took the Seiunchin and Sanchin Katas from Goju-Ryu
Karate.
Isshin-ryu Patch: Shape of a fist with thumb on top.
Master Arsenio J. Advincula, student of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku,
designed our patch based upon the vision that Master Shimabuku
had.
3 stars: right - Goju-ryu - father, left - Shorin-ryu - mother, center -
Isshin-ryu - best of both
Dragon: fighting spirit of Isshin-ryu. The dragon is also symbolic of
Master Shimabuku as Tatsuo means Dragon Man.
Night: peace and serenity
Wind and Water: violence of typhoon surrounding goddess through which she remains calm
Goddess: Me Gami: (woman-god) half woman, half dragon
Right hand clenched in sign of power
Left hand open in sign of peace
Goddess shows gentle humility and fighting fury
Calm illustrates self-control in face of adversity
Gold: Purity
There are eight cardinal directions (basic directions of attack).
The only true Isshin-ryu kata is Sunsu.
What do Seisan and Seunchin katas Teach?
Seisan: speed and mobility
Seiunchin: stability and power
What do Naihanchin and Wansu teach?
Naihanchin: side fighting
Wansu: dump
What does Chinto kata teach? Attacking from a non-standing position and pivots.
What does Kusan-Ku kata teach? Night fighting.
What makes Isshin-Ryu different from other styles of martial arts?
a. There are no deep, lunging stances
b. Punches do not twist and the arm is never locked out.
c. Body is never over-extended so balance is never lost.
d. Hands and feet are used equally.
e. Mobile style with muscle blocks and vertical punch from hip.
Master Tatsuo Shimabuku's "Code of Karate"
1. A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth.
2. The blood circulating is similar to the moon and the sun.
3. The manner of drinking and spitting is either hard or soft.
4. A person's unbalance is the same as a weight.
5. The body should be able to change direction at any time.
6. The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.
7. The eyes must see all sides.
8. The ears must listen in all directions.
Numbers:
Ichi one
Ni two
San three
Shi four
Go five
Roku six
Sichi seven
Hachi eight
Ku nine
Ju ten