Ft Davis Isshinryu
Karate Club Dojo
Chief Instructor:
Eamonn Knights, Yondan
4th Dan
Isshinryu Katas differs slightly by
Organization. The IWKA , IB and OIKA all show some differences in their
Katas. Even people who claim to follow these organizations do not always
practice the same things. It really is not that important. The basic
foundation and principles are the things, which need to be learned. Most
good teachers can teach you this.
Isshinryu Patch
This patch represents an inspirational
dream/vision that Shimabuku had while he was considering the creation of
Isshinryu. The patch itself is in the shape of an Isshinryu fist. The
female character, is a sea goddess named Magami by Master Shimabuku. She
represents the serenity that a Karateka should display. Her left hand is
held open in a sign of peace; her right is clenched in a fist,
representing strength in case of bad intentions. The dragon ascending
toward the three stars represents a sign of good luck and wisdom. Also
Master Shimabuku's first name Tatsuo, means "Dragon Man", which may be
significant as well. The three stars are interpreted to represent
several things, Among them Master Shimabuku's three formal teachers, the
mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of Isshinryu and several others.
History
Tatsuo Shimabuku, the founder of Isshinryu
Karate, was born on Okinawa in 1908. He started his karate
studies the hard way. He had to work twelve miles to his
uncle's school in Shuri, a small village twelve miles from
home. At first, his uncle did not want to accept him as a
student and sent him away several times before finally accepting
him. Shimabuku, who was only eight years old at this time, had
to do many little chores around the dojo before he was permitted
to study. He studied Shuri-te for four years.
Chotoku Kiyan who was already very famous throughout Okinawa was
Shimabuku's next instructor. Here he trained in Kobayashi-ryu.
He also studied Goju-ryu under Chojun Miyagi. Shimabuku was to
become his most outstanding student. He then went back to his
study of Kobayashi-ryu, this time under the teachings of the
legendary Choki Motobu. Desiring to increase his knowledge
Shimabuku also studied the traditional weapons. From the two
great masters Yabiku and Taira Shinken he learned about the Sai,
the short sword with the pronged handle, the Bo, a long wooden
staff, and the Tonfa, a short wooden weapon with an offset
handle.
Shimabuku studied both Goju-ryu and Shorin-ryu for thirty-two
years. He excelled in both styles and found many parts of each
very useful. He linked the power of Goju-ryu and the speed and
grace of Shorin-ryu, but he was never completely satisfied with
the total concept of each style. His dissatisfaction led to the
obvious. This was to make a combination of the best parts of
each into one system. Of course the traditionalists were, as
always, furious. They would not accept this new system. They
did everything in their power to thwart his attempts to perfect
his new style. He was ridiculed and bothered in every possible
manner. After many years, he noted that even the finest
fighters did not rotate their fist punching. A technique they
so diligently practice. To do so was actually awkward. It
looked good in Kata but was not actually used when sparring. He
believed the vertical punch was much faster and stronger. It
could be focused at any point up to and including the fully
extended arm that the other styles were so proud of.
In order to help propagate his new system, which he officially
organized soon after World War Two, he gave free lessons to U.S.
Servicemen at Camp Hansen and Kadena Air Base. Master Shimabuku
gave the birth date of Isshinryu as January 15, 1956.
Overcoming every possible obstacle Mater Tatsuo Shimabuku lived
to see his one time "maverick" style accepted in many branches
throughout the world. He remained the active head of the
Isshinryu system until his death on May 30, 1975.
There is now a bust of the Master in the Isshinryu World
Headquarters in Guishikawa-City. This statue was a gift from
the Isshinryu Karateka of Indianapolis, Indiana in the United
States.
TRAINING
LOCATION
Directions To This Location
Fort Davis Recreation
Center
1400 41st St., SE
Washington, DC 20019
(202) 645-3975 • (202) 645-3975
Email:
Homepage:
http://www.geocities.com/eyeyekman/isshin.html
Back to Last Page
Copyright © 1995
-
26-01-06
Dojos.com
All rights reserved Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited
Web Pages Designed and Maintained By
Dojos.com /
E-mail
Updated: 01/26/06 12:19:28 AM |
About us