Overview of Isshinryu
Isshinryu Karate (the one heart/one mind method of the empty hand) was founded by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku. It is the combination of Shorin-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, and Kobudo. It epitomizes the powerful, lightning-fast techniques that enabled the ancient weaponless Okinawans to endure the rein of the Chinese empire and to defeat the sword-wielding Samurai of Japan with their bare hands.

The most distinctive characteristic of Isshinryu is its vertical punch. Other characteristics include blocking with the muscle rather than bone, the use of non-flashy low kicks as well as the Kata (form) Sunsu. Isshinryu has eight empty hand and six weapons kata. Isshinryu was the most popular style of Karate on Okinawa during the 1950᾿s and 1960᾿s, and its popularity in the United States is attributed to the many U.S. Marines who trained with Master Shimabuku while stationed on the island and then brought Master Shimabuku᾿s art back to the U.S.

While on the surface it seems to be a relatively “simple” system, its kata contain many levels of applications, from joint locks, throws, pressure-point attacks, and hidden techniques.

The History of Isshinryu
Tatsuo Shimabuku was born on September 19, 1908. He began his study of Karate at the age of eight when he walked 12 miles to the neighboring village of Shuri to learn Karate from his uncle. His uncle would refuse to teach, sending him home repeatedly. Finally giving into Shimabuku᾿s persistence, his uncle accepted him as a pupil. He later studied Shorin-Ryu under Chotoku Kyan, Goju-Ryu with Chojun Miyagi, and later Shorin-Ryu under Choki Motobu. He also studied Kobudo (weapons) with Taira Shinken.

As the island᾿s only recognized master in both Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu, Master Shimabuku was a highly sought after Karate instructor. Shimabuku᾿s Karate reputation throughout Okinawa had reached its peak when World War II struck. As the war grew, the Japanese Army pressed more Okinawan people into service. To avoid conscription, Master Shimabuku escaped to the countryside and worked as a farmer. Many Japanese soldiers began a thorough search. The officers who finally caught up with him agreed to keep the secret of his whereabouts if he would teach them Karate.

After the war, he returned to farming and practiced Karate privately for his own spiritual repose and physical exercise, but he had a strong desire to develop an improved style. Master Shimabuku began experimenting with a number of innovative techniques. He received a contract from the U.S. Government to teach Karate to U.S. Servicemen stationed on Okinawa. His experimentation continued, with the outcome being the prototype for Isshinryu named “Sunsu-Te.” Shimabuku wanted a system that was based on natural reactions and movements. He combined the principles of the Naihanchi and Sanchin forms and changed the blocking positions of the arms to be more natural. He also experimented with the use of the faster, stronger vertical punch. He then incorporated Master Motobu᾿s Kumite techniques and principles with slight improvements to coincide with his basic theories. Thus, the basis for Isshinryu Karate was formed.

On January 15, 1956, he officially announced the formation of Isshinryu Karate. In February 1956, Don Nagle became the first American of note to train with Master Shimabuku at his original dojo (training hall). In 1958, Master Shimabuku moved his dojo to Agena to be closer to the military bases.

In 1961, the American-Okinawan Karate Association (AOKA) was formed. Throughout the 1960᾿s, Master Shimabuku continued to teach Isshinryu to the Marines on Okinawa. Many of his American students returned to the United States and opened schools of their own. In 1964, Master Shimabuku made his first trip to the United States. He returned again in 1966, spending time with Steve Armstrong in Tacoma, Washington, Harold Long in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Don Nagle in Jersey City, New Jersey. At this time, he promoted all three to 8th Dan. Harold Mitchum was promoted to 8th Dan while still training on Okinawa. In 1974, Kichiro Shimabuku, Tatsuo᾿s eldest son, formed the Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA). Although many Isshinryu Karate-ka continued to support Kichiro Shimabuku and the IWKA, others left and joined other Isshinryu organizations or became independent. In December 1974, Harold Long traveled to Okinawa to seek Master Shimabuku᾿s permission to create a new Isshinryu association in the United States. Long and a number of other high-ranking American Isshinryu Black Belts then formed the International Isshinryu Karate Association (IIKA).

On May 30, 1975, Master Tatsuo Shimabuku passed away at his home in Agena, Okinawa, after suffering a stroke. After Master Shimabuku᾿s death, Isshinryu divided with a number of associations and independent schools choosing to no longer be affiliated with each other. Kichiro Shimabuku administered the IWKA from Gushikawa City, Okinawa, Steve Armstrong continued the operation of the AOKA, and Harold Long continued the work of the IIKA. Isshinryu is recognized as an official Okinawan Karate Ryuha by the Okinawa Prefectural Government. Kichiro Shimabuku continues to teach at his dojo in Gushikawa City, as well as overseeing the administration of the IWKA and organization of the Isshinryu World Karate Championships, held every two years.

Other Isshinryu organizations of note:
The United Isshinryu Karate Association (UIKA).
The Okinawa Isshinryu Karate and Kobudo Association (OIKKA).
The International Isshinryu Karate Association (IIKA).
The United Isshinryu Karate Federation (UIKF).
The Order of Isshinryu (OI).
The Tatsuo-Kan Society (TKS).
The United Isshinryu Council (UIC). The UIC sanctions the annual Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament and Banquet.

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