THE HISTORY OF ISSHINRYU

Isshinryu karate’s founder Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei was born in Okinawa in 1908. He began his study of karate at the age of eight. His first instuctor was his uncle, who taught Shimabuku Sensei Shuri-Te (Shorin-Ryu).

Having achieved a certain degree of skill under his uncle, Shimabuku proceeded to train under Kyan Chotoku Sensei, who was one of the most famous Shorin-Ryu masters ever. From Kyan Sensei Shimabuku Sensei learned: Seisan Kata, Naihanchi Kata, Wanshu Kata, Chinto Kata and Kusanku Kata plus a Bo (Staff) Kata called Tokumeni no Kun no Dai. Kyan Sensei also taught Shimabuku advanced kicking techniques (Keri Waza).

From Kyan Sensei Shimabuku Sensei went to the founder of Goju-ryu Miyagi Chojun Sensei. Miyagi Sensei taught him Sanchin Kata and Seiunchin Kata plus Kotekitai (Forearm conditioning).

Shimabuku Sensei

Later Shimabuku trained under Motobu Choki Sensei, who was a famous Shorin-ryu Sensei and streetfighter. Motobu Sensei taught Shimabukuro Fighting techniques and a special version of Naihanchi Kata.

Shimabuku Sensei`s reputation throughout Okinawa reached its peak when World War II struck. During the early part of the war, he avoided being drafted into the Japanese Army, by escaping into the countryside where he worked as a farmer. As his karate reputation spread, many Japanese soldiers organized a search for Shimabuku. The officer who finally located him agreed to keep his whereabouts silent if he would teach them Karate. It was in that manner that Shimabuku survived the war.

After the war Shimabuku combined the techinques and philosophy of his teachers into his own system, which he called Isshinryu"One heart method". Shimabuku Sensei created two new Katas: Sunsu Kata and Kusanku Sai.

Later Shimabuku was taught Kobudo (Ancient weapons art) by Taira Shinken Sensei. Taira Sensei taught Shimabuku Urashi no Kun, Shi Shi no Kun no Dai, Chatan Yara no Sai and Hamahiga No Tonfa.

After his death in 1975, his son in law Uezu Angi Sensei took over the teaching on Okinawa. Shimabuku`s many american students continued to teach the art in America.

In 1996 Uezu Sensei retired from teaching. Uezu Sensei later appointed Uechi Tsuyoshi Sensei as the new leader of the Okinawan Isshinryu Karate & Kobudo Association.

Uezu Sensei and Uechi Sensei doing Bo - Bo Kumite