What is ISSHINRYU KARATE?
Isshinryu (one
heart/mind)was developed and introduced in 1953 by Sensei Shimabuku, Okinawa's Master of
Shorin-Ryu, who devoted his life to the study of Karate. He was a master of Goju-Ryu;
studied Kobayshi-Ryu under famous Chotoku Kiyan and later under the legendary Choki
Motobu. He then studied the art of Bo and Sai weapons defense and Tee-faa (Tonfa) under
Okinawa's most noted master, sensei Taira Shinken. Master Shimabuku combined the best of
these styles into Isshinryu, which epitomizes the powerful, lightning-fast techniques that
in ancient times enabled the weapon less Okinawans to defeat the sword-wielding Samurai
warriors of Japan.
Master Tatsuo Shimabuku / September 9,1908 - May
30,1975 / FOUNDER OF ISSHIN-RYU KARATE-DO
Australian Chief Instructor Robert Slywa (over 38 years experience) N.S.W. State and
National NAS Karate Representative 1995,1996 Rochester NY. Master Uezu Invitational
Internationals 1996, Kata 4th place. Aust.Karate team member for Okinawa World Karate Titles August
1997 Also holds Dan
grades in Judo,Ju-Jitsu,Jo-Jitsu and Kobudo.
MASTER SHIMABUKU'S ISSHIN-RYU KARATE CODE
A Person's Heart is The Same As Heaven and
Earth
The Blood Circulating is The Same As the Moon
and Sun
The Manner Of Drinking and Spitting is Either
Hard or Soft
The Person's Unbalance Is The Same As a
Weight
The Body Should Be Able to Change Motion At
Any Time
The Time To Strike Is When The Opportunity
Presents Itself
The Eye Must See Every Way
The Ear Must Listen in All Directions
Isshinryu's main
objective is the perfection of oneself through both physical and mental development. As
students learn the art of self-defense, they acquire self-confidence, serenity, and the
ability to concentrate. Isshinryu Karate combines well-rounded exercise program with some
important advantages over other styles which include:
Isshinryu kicks and punches are thrown from natural
stances, eliminating wasted motions and giving you split-second advantages over opponents
using other styles;
Isshinryu stresses proficiency with both hand and foot
techniques, making it the most versatile form of Karate because you have no weak points;
Isshinryu is the most realistic style of Karate,
stressing "close-in" techniques necessary for "street fighting" where
you have no time for elaborate, time-consuming wind-ups of other styles;
Isshinryu is the most sensible form of Karate, with
snap-punch and snap-kick techniques that permit you to move in and out quickly without
committing yourself to a disadvantaged position, should you miss or misjudge;
Isshinryu is more adaptable to the Western physique and
temperament than other more rigid styles because the Okinawan Master designed it to follow
natural body movements;
Isshinryu will put you into better physical shape because
it provides you with an aggressive exercise program that will improve your muscle tone,
suppleness, speed, and wind;
Isshinryu may help you in your job, since the mental and
physical conditioning provides you with an opportunity to "wind-down" from daily
tensions and frustrations.
The
Katas are the essence of Karate. ...Katas are the distilled, concentrated wisdom
understanding, and experience of hundreds Karate masters, translated into a language of
rhythmical movement, breathing, and peak awareness.
Katas are
sequentially-designed, pre-determined defense, attack and counter-attack exercises used
against multiple opponents. In addition to giving students practice in "street
techniques", Katas develop speed, breath control, rapid techniques, rhythm and
coordination. Until this century Katas were considered the "ideal" method of
training. You will learn your Katas in the following order:
(photo: Sensei Slywa Was taught and Certified by
Master Uezu in Okinawa)
Seisan:
from Shorinryu, emphasizes a straight forward stance, mae geri and rapid technique (3rd
breathing form);
Seiuchin: from Goju, it emphasizes a strong stance in which the feet are
shoulder-width apart and the feet are pointed on 45 degrees angles. It also stresses
reinforced punches and blocks (breathing and full speed);
Nai Hanchi: from Shorinryu, is known for its Iron Horse stance. Designed for
fighting against a wall, Nai Hanchi movements are in a lateral direction;
Wansu:
from Shorinryu, is called the Dumping form because of the throw that it contains;
Chinto:
from Shorinryu, derives its name from Master Chinto. A Kata that emphasizes
pivots, Chinto is one of the most difficult to perform while keeping good balance;
Sanchin:
from Goju, is a Kata that emphasizes strong technique and breath control (three circles of
three Gods);
Kusan-Ku: from Shorinryu, was named after Master Kou Shan Kouh. It is the Kata
which is designed for fighting in the dark;
Sunsu:
means strong man or iron man. Sunsu was the nickname for Tatsuo Shimabuku. It is the only
Kata that Master Shimabuku developed on his own. It is the most difficult Kata to perform
and contains the techniques that Shimabuku felt were the best;
Kusan-Ku Sai: three sai's;
Tokomen Kun No Dai: Bo #1;
Chatan Yara No Sai: 2 Sai;
Urishi Bo: Bo #2;
Chi-Chi No Kum No Dai: Bo #3;
Tee-faa (tonfa);
Bo Sai/kumite;
Bo Bo/kumite.
Body Conditioning and Resistance
Armed and Un-armed Self-defence
Kumite
In the
semi-free Ippon Kumite phase of Karate training, one student throws on or two
"pre-arranged" techniques while another attempts to block and counter-attack.
For students who are proficient in the fundamentals of Karate, this method provides an
opportunity to sharpen reflexes, practice street techniques, and get practical experience
in Kata techniques.
Jiyu Kumite is
the most advanced stage of Karate training with students engaging in "free
fighting" with other Karate-Kas or students. Jiyu Kumite permits students to apply
all the techniques that they have practised, to be original in executing techniques, and
to determine which techniques most easily fit their body style. The main objective of Jiyu
Kumite is to find an opening in the opponent's defense. All the techniques must be under
control at all times. There is never any intent to injure an opponent, and all techniques
are delivered with minimum contact. No techniques are allowed to the joints, eyes, spine
or throat -- good "street techniques" -- but too dangerous to be used in the
Dojo. Jiyu Kumite gives the Karate student an opportunity to perfect his offensive and
defensive techniques in a real situation similar to real combat. Student practising Jiyu
Kumite develop self-confidence, speed, rapid technique, breath control and limited
"fighting" experience.
Besides Jiyu
Kumite there is also Yakusoku Kumite. This is a set of five pre-arranged sparring
techniques with a partner to practice blocks,punchs and kicks for speed and reflex
conditioning. There are also 29 sports techniques and kicks.
Costs per class $5
Lifetime Membership $60
Grade Tests $20
Weapons seminars and private lessons catered for on request.
TRAINING
LOCATION
Mailing Address
OIKA Aust.
• Post PO Box 1413
Green Valley, NSW 2168
The
Katas are the essence of Karate. ...Katas are the distilled, concentrated wisdom
understanding, and experience of hundreds Karate masters, translated into a language of
rhythmical movement, breathing, and peak awareness.