Black Dragon
Isshinryu Karate Dojo

Head Instructor: Dan Jones, 9th Dan

The first Black Dragon Isshinryu Karate Dojo® was established and the dojo name and logo registered in 1979 in Champaign, Illinois by Master Dan Jones and his students.   The original Black Dragon Instructors were or are street tested Police Officers. This real life experience was incorporated into the philosophy and instruction and passed down to all Black Dragon Instructors. These Instructors continue in the teaching of traditional Black Dragon Isshinryu Karate.  Black Dragon black belts are known for their dedication to karate, their fierce fighting abilities and for their development of mind and body.

The Isshinryu style is a street, self-defense martial art, not a sport art.  It is based on natural body biomechanics and survival techniques, which is why it is considered one of the deadliest of the martial arts. For more on the Isshinryu style click on the button to the left.

Master Jones was the senior student of the late Master Joseph L. Smith.  Master Smith studied directly under Isshinryu founder, Grand Master Tatsuo Shimabuku. This lineage of traditional Isshinryu Karate is past down to each Black Dragon student.

History of Isshin-Ryu Karate

If you follow our roots back you'll find traces of Isshin-Ryu that extend back into the 1700's.  Just for example one of the Chinese styles that influences Isshin-Ryu is the art of Ch'uan fa, translated "Fist Way".  This art was taught by the monks of the Shaolin Temples in the Hunan Province of China and is based on street fighting self-defense techniques.

By the Twentieth Century, Okinawan Karate consisted of primarily two major styles, Shuri-te and Naha-te. The techniques in both styles evolved from the original Okinawan martial art of "Te" (meaning hand) and from the Chinese Martial Arts which had been introduced to the Okinawans.

The styles of Shuri-Te and Naha-Te were eventually renamed to Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu.  Master Tatsuo Shimabuku was the first man to master both of these styles.  First he called his art "Chan Migwha-Te", which he named in honor of one of his three main instructors, Chotoku Kyan. Kyan was nicknamed "Migwha", small eyed chan.  However, after many years of refinement and study, on January 15, 1954 Shimabuku created Isshin-Do, which combined the best aspects of each style.  In 1956, at the suggestion of Tatsuo's senior student, Eiko Kaneshi, Isshin-Do was renamed to Isshin-Ryu.

Other masters that Shimabuku trained under included; Choki Motobu, Urshu Matumaura, Gajoko Chioyu, and Tirara Shinken.

After the occupation of the United States forces in Okinawan, the military sought out Master Shimabuku and employed him to train the service men stationed on the Island.  As a result, great masters, such as, Steve Armstrong, Harold Long, Joe Smith, Arsenio Avincula, Sherman Harrill and Harold Mitchum spread Isshin-Ryu throughout the U.S.

    Isshin-Ryu is based on natural biomechanics. It's punches and kicks are thrown from natural stances, which is why it's been found to be one of the most effective and deadliest forms of martial arts.  In studying Isshin-Ryu you'll learn your size and strength are not as important as your technique and dedication.

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