Origins of Isshinryu Karate System
Isshinryu (One Heart Way) was founded by Tatsuo Shimabuku (Dragon Man) on January 15, 1956. It was primarily formed from two other major systems of Okinawan karate: Shorin Ryu which means " Young Forest" and GoJu Ryu which means "hard soft". Shorin Ryu is believed to have been founded by Sokon Matsumura during the 1800's. Shorin Ryu combines the fighting styles of Shuri-te and Tomare-te. Our lineage of Shorin Ryu comes through Chotoku Kyan. GoJu Ryu is rooted in Naha-Te. GoJu is a style that uses a combination of hard and soft techniques. It is believed that combining the two extremes originated in a chinese martial arts doctrine known as wu bei ji (pronounced bubishi in Japanese). GoJu uses hard striking attacks such as kicks and punches with softer circular techniques for blocking and and controlling the opponent, including locks, grappling, take downs and throws. GoJu also practices methods that include body strengthening and conditioning. It's basic approach to fighting is distance, stickiness, power generation etc. GoJu includes both linear and circular movements into its curriculum. Our lineage of Goju Ryu comes from Chojun Miyagi. Note Shuri, Tomare and Naha are all major cities in Okinawa.
Tastuo Shimabuku
Tatsuo was born September 19, 1908 on Okinawa in the Chan Village. His given name was Shinkichi Shimabukuro, which was changed during his career to Tatsuo meaning "Dragon Man". He began his martial arts journey at the age of 13, studying under his uncle, Shinko Ganiku. He taught him fortune telling and the fundamental elements of the karate he had learned in China. He felt that Tatsuo's training was incomplete and sent him to study under Chotoku Kyan (Shuri-te) in the village of Kadena. Our katas Seisan, Wansu, Chinto and Kusanku, and the weapons kata Tokomeni no Kun were taught to Tatsuo by Kyan. After 4 years Tatsuo sought out Chojun Miyagi (Naha-te). Tatsuo learned Seuinchin and Sanchin under Miyagi. Tatsuo studied with Miyagi for 3 years. He then sought out Choki Motobu (Tomare-te). Motobu had the reputation of going into bars and the street to pick fights to test out the effectiveness of his karate. It is said that Naihanchi was his only kata. Tatsuo was not satisfied with the completeness of any of the systems he studied, he then sought out the best weapons instructors around. He mastered the bo and sai while studying under Tiara Shinkin, and learned Hama Higa no tuifa, Shishi no kun, Chatan Yara no sai, and Urashi bo.
During the 1950's, following the war, Tatsuo was refining his karate combining what he felt was the best of each of the styles he studied incorporating his own techniques. He consulted with other masters on the island about making a new style combining the styles altogether. Because he was highly respected, they gave him their blessings. However, because the changes were so radical they were later rescinded. Prior to January 15, 1956 he was calling his system Chan Migwa te, Small Eyed Chan, after Master Kyan's nickname.
In 1955 the Marine Corps was stationed in Okinawa. Master Shimabuku was chosen to provide instuction to the marines on the island. As a result Isshinryu was spread to the United States by the returning marines. The main marines credited to the spread of Isshinryu are Don Nagle (1938-1999), Harold Long (1930-1988), Harold Mitchum (1933-2016), and Steve Armstrong (1931-2006). Others to note are Sherman Harrill (1941-2002) and Arcenio J Advincula (1938-present).
Tatsuo died May of 1975.
During the 1950's, following the war, Tatsuo was refining his karate combining what he felt was the best of each of the styles he studied incorporating his own techniques. He consulted with other masters on the island about making a new style combining the styles altogether. Because he was highly respected, they gave him their blessings. However, because the changes were so radical they were later rescinded. Prior to January 15, 1956 he was calling his system Chan Migwa te, Small Eyed Chan, after Master Kyan's nickname.
In 1955 the Marine Corps was stationed in Okinawa. Master Shimabuku was chosen to provide instuction to the marines on the island. As a result Isshinryu was spread to the United States by the returning marines. The main marines credited to the spread of Isshinryu are Don Nagle (1938-1999), Harold Long (1930-1988), Harold Mitchum (1933-2016), and Steve Armstrong (1931-2006). Others to note are Sherman Harrill (1941-2002) and Arcenio J Advincula (1938-present).
Tatsuo died May of 1975.
Today
Isshinryu is taught here at Hobbs Family Karate by Sensei Monique Blough. She holds the rank of San Dan, 3rd Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu. Sensei Mo's sensei is Richard Rosenthal, Nana Dan, 7th Degree Black Belt. Sensei Rosenthal is a student of Arcenio J Advincula, a first-generation student of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, founder of Isshinryu. Master Advincula is actively training and teaching in his dojo, Megami Garden Dojo, in Carlsbad, CA.