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

My Custom Worbington Steele Sais Arrived

I am starting to train again for my Ni Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) and have to re-learn my weapon katas. The sai and bo have always been my favorite weapons but it always seemed like the sais always were lacking in build quality.

My old pair of AWMA/Century sais not only arrived a bit rusted but are now even more rusted and falling apart on me. With that being said, I decided to go online and search for a different brand or better quality sai. Unfortunately, my search returned little to no results but I did manage to find a couple sites that can make custom sais that are form fitted.

I ended up going with Phillip Worbington of Worbington Steele (worbingtonsteele.com). Phil is not only a Nana Dan (7th Degree Black Belt) but also a master machinist. Who better to trust in making my sais? Phil's site described what dimensions he needed from me. I sent over my request and measurements and he did the rest. It was fast and painless.

Within two weeks I had my sais in hand and I honestly couldn't be happier. I will be training with them this week and will let you know how they are. I can say that right now the sais look exceptional and have a wonderful feel to them. They are very balanced and on the lighter side which is great.

Here are some pics until I can do a more robust review after playing around with them for a bit longer:

My Worbington Sais are truly a work of art.

"Isshin Ryu Karate Do" etched into the sais

I chose a cone shaped tsukagashira (butt end of handle) to pack more of a punch.

I chose an antique finish for my sais. Look at the weld job!

I chose a black tsuka (handle) wrap. Other colors available.

Thanks for stopping by.
~ Michael

Welcome

Welcome to my Isshin-Ryu Karate Do blog-site. My name is Michael Bielat and I have a black belt in Isshin-Ryu. I am 29 years old and reside in Buffalo, NY.

Mizu Gami - The Symbol of Isshin-Ryu Karate

My journey into Martial Arts started around 20 years ago when I was only 8. I advanced up to a green belt in Isshin-Ryu karate before quitting. Interestingly enough, during that hiatus I was probably more into Martial Arts then when I actually took classes. I did a whole lot of learning about all different styles of karate. After a year or so I begged and pleaded with my parents to send me back to karate. I attended a new Isshin-Ryu school founded by one of my old teachers. It was there that I earned my black belt in 2000. I was an instructor there for a good 4 years as well before taking yet another hiatus.

I was offered a paid internship in my field of study during my Junior year of college that I couldn't refuse. I then was hired right after graduation, got married and had some kids.

My son is now 4 and we have signed him up for karate at the same place that I trained and worked with my old instructor. It was just the motivation I needed to get back into it myself. Sure enough, I am back into karate more than ever before and have created this site to help others learn more about Isshin-Ryu Karate Do.

Thanks for stopping by.
~ Michael