The History of Isshin Ryu Karate

Isshin Ryu Karate was created by Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku.Tatsuo was born on September 19th, 1908 in Okanawa, Japan. At the age of 12, Tatsuo began his martial arts training.

Around the time he was 23 years old, Tatsuo began training in Shorin Ryu under Chotoku Kyan. Shimabuku quickly became one of Chotoku's best students. It is here that Tatsuo learned Seisan, Naihanchi, Wansu, Chinto and Kusanku katas along with kobudo (weapon katas).Always fascinated by Goju Ryu, Shimabuku saught out it's founder, Chojun Miyagi. From Miyagi, Tatsuo learned Seiunchin and Sanchin katas.Around 1938, Tatsuo Shimabuku saught out Choki Motobu, another well-known Shorin Ryu instructor where he trained with for one year.

It wasn't until 1948 that Tatsuo Shimabuku opened his first dojo. He continued to study and develop his Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu roots but felt that either style held the completeness he was looking for. It was during this time that his interest in weapons grew. He sought out one of the most renowned weapons instructors, Shinken Taira, where he learned Hama Higa no Tuifa, Shishi no Kun, Chatan Yara no Sai, and Urashi Bo. Shimabuku created Kyan Chotoku sai and Kusanku sai using sai techniques he learned from Chotoku Kyan.

However, this hybrid style of Shorin and Goju Ryu that Tatsuo was teaching had no name. 

One night in 1955, Shimabuku fell asleep and dreamed of the goddess Isshin Ryu no Megami (Goddess of Isshin Ryu). Three Stars appeared, symbolizing the three styles Isshin-ryu derived from, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Kobudo. The stars may have also represented the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual strength needed for Isshin ryu. The gray evening sky symbolized serenity, and implied that karate was to be used only for self-defense. The next morning when Shimabuku awoke, he felt that his dream had been a divine revelation. He met with his top student, Eiko Kaneshi, and told him of his dream and his desire to break away from Okinawan tradition and start a new style of karate. The day was January 15, 1956. 

Upon announcing his decision to start a new style, many of his Okinawan students left, including his brother Eizo.

In 1955, the Third Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps was stationed on Okinawa, and the Marine Corps chose Shimabuku to provide instruction to Marines on the island. As a result of his instruction, Isshin Ryu was spread throughout the United States by returning Marines. The karate that the Marines brought back to dojos in the United States was a blend of what Shimabuku considered the best of the karate systems. Some of Shimabuku's most notable students were Don Nagle, Harold Mitchum, Steve Armstrong, George Breed and Harold Long.

Shimabuku made two trips to the United States to visit his top students in 1964 and 1966. During his 1966 trip, he visited Steve Armstrong in Tacoma, Washington, Harold Long in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Don Nagle in New Jersey. All three men were promoted to the rank of Hachi-Dan (Eighth Degree). Each of these men became a driving force in the promotion and spread of Isshin Ryu karate in the United States. 

Shimabuku was well known to not enjoy traveling far from home, and further visits representing him were conducted by his students, mainly Uezu Angi, who was his son-in-law.

Another important event took place during this trip. While visiting the dojo of Steve Armstrong, Shimabuku was filmed performing all 14 Isshin-ryu kata as well as some basic exercise and self defense techniques. Copies of this film were circulated among the top instructors. It is believed that Shimabuku did not want to be filmed, and that the recording does not represent a true expression of the various kata.

Shimabuku continued teaching at his dojo in Agena until his retirement in early 1972. He passed his legacy over to his son, Kichiro Shimabuku.

Thanks for stopping by.
~ Michael