  History
True Meaning
Training
Why Isshinryu
Karate-which translated means "empty hand"-is a term describing the Asian art of weaponless self-defense. Founded on the principle of mind-and-body unity, the karate program includes precise, sustained mental and physical conditioning to develop keen reflexes, excellent coordination and simultaneous command of the mind and body. Karate is more than physical training, for its main objective is the perfection of oneself. The art of karate combines strength, grace and beauty to give students self-confidence and to develop their integrity and serenity. Karate-do, or Karate as it was taught in the ancient orient, literally means "a way of life." In practicing Karate-do, the individual studies, trains and disciplines himself to find life's "true" meaning. The training and discipline are difficult but rewarding.
The origin of Karate is obscured by myths and legends, but some facts are known. At the time karate was developing there were many scoundrels that would rob or kill travelers whether they were monks or beggars. The monks were not recognized as clergymen by the people at this time and they were as likely to be killed by the robbers as anyone. Since the monks were not allowed to carry weapons they were taught various forms of self-dense at the monasteries along with their Buddhist religion. One legend states that a monk named Bodhidharma (Daruma Taishi 500 AD, to the Japanese) studied Buddhism in India before immigrating to China, where he taught Buddhism at the temple of Shorin-ji. Bodhidharma found great difficulty in teaching the Indian form of Buddhism to the Chinese people so he attempted to teach them Zen Buddhism which he felt was a much easier form of the Buddhism to learn. His students still found great difficulty in comprehending the Buddhist religion so Bodhidharma attempted to make some innovations that would make the religion easier to understand. He added self-defense techniques to the Zen training, for he felt that this would keep the student's minds from wandering. Even though the exercises were designed to help the students experience enlightenment in their religion, they became the basis for a style of Karate known as Chinese Kempo (or Shorin-ji Kempo as it later became known.) The defensive art taught at the temple of Shorin-ji was the finest in China for many years and there are many legends that tell of the fine Karate-Ka that were produced there. Shorin-ji Kempo eventually found its way to Okinawa and became an important factor in the development of Okinawan Karate.
10-Dan Isshinryu Karate Made Isshinryu Karate-Do 1953 From Master Chotoku (Shorin-Ryu) he took the kata and improved them. He took Kumite from Master Motobu (Shorin-Ryu) From Master Shinken, he took Kobudo (Weapons), and from Master Miyagi (Goju-Ryu) he took Sanchin, the basis of all Okinawan Karate thus Isshinryu was born.
Therefore, the human being should strive for a strong body and peace of mind through the practice of Isshinryu Karate do. This symbol is the character of Shimabuku, Tatsuo Master of Isshinryu Karate.
The grading of the Isshinryu Karate was established by Tatsuo Shimabuku, 10th Dan, Master of Isshinryu Karate-Do. Karate is divided into two main grades, or ranks, which are called "Dan and Kyu" grades. The dan grades rise upwards from first to tenth to indicate the higher skill, but in kyu grades, it is the reverse. Thus the first kyu grade precedes the first dan grade.
The following is a list of rules and requirements for the rank and promotions for Isshinryu Karate. They will be strictly enforced and followed to the letter, with no exceptions unless authorized by the instructors in writing. Equipment and Uniform All students are required to wear a Karate Gi after four weeks of training. All male students must acquire a groin protector to participate in Kumite. All students must have a mouth piece to participate in Kumite.
I. Karate A. Knowledge of Karate History B. Perfection of Stances, Punches and Kicks C. Mastering of the Karate Forms, charts, terminology, and practical application of techniques. D. Usage of time in class/Class Attendance II. Person A. Attitude B. Character C. Assistance to Others in class These qualities are very important. They weigh so heavily in Karate, that they represent almost one third of the test examination. III. Kumite A. Free fighting ability: Combination of strong hand and foot attacks. B. Body Balance C. Effective application of defense and offensive moves D. Control (One of the greatest factors considered). When a student is ready to progress in the ranks, there will be a special test for a definite kyu or rank classification. Requirements for the kyu rating will be:
Karate is a fighting art which employs almost all parts of the body in offensive and defensive moves. Karate techniques consist of many individual moves which are practiced as individual and joined together for maximum efficiency in free fighting. These practice units are: Basic drills in stances, kicking, punching, striking, blocking, combinations of these moves in formal patterns, prearranged attacks, and stepping and shifting. The combination of all of these results in skill at Karate techniques which is demonstrated in free fighting. Some of the moves are directly applicable to free fighting, while others develop basic speed and coordination. One must train and drill extensively until each technique becomes reflex, and he should develop speed, power, and balance. The preceding requirements for rank are to be followed precisely but there are many requirements that cannot be put in writing. The only way to achieve these is for the karate ka to search out on his own to find the true meaning of karate. This may be achieved without knowing it, through conversation with fellow students and the instructors is where this becomes evident. As a karate Ka learns to do what is on the lines as well as what is really between the lines, he becomes deserving of his rank and should wear it proudly and always uphold it.
Isshinryu (one heart/mind) was developed by Sensei Shimabuku, Okinawa's Grand Master of Shorin-Ryu, who devoted his life to the study of Karate. He was a master of Goju-Ryu; studied Kobayashi-Ryu under the famous Chotoku Kyan and later under the legendary Choki Motobu. He then studied the art of Bo and Sai weapons defense and Tee-fa under Okinawa's most noted instructors. Master Shimabuku combined the best of these styles into Isshinryu, which epitomizes the powerful, lightning-fast techniques that in ancient times enabled the weaponless Okinawans to defeat the sword-wielding Samurai warriors of Japan.
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 a well-rounded exercise program with some important advantages over other styles, including: 1. Isshinryu kicks and punches are thrown from natural stances, eliminating wasted motions and giving you split-second advantages over opponents using other styles. 2. Isshinryu stresses proficiency with both hand and foot techniques, making it the most versatile form of Karate because you have no weak points. 3. Isshinryu is the most realistic style of Karate, stressing "close in" techniques necessary for "street fighting" where you haven't time for elaborate, time consuming wind-ups of other styles. 4. 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 disadvantage position should you miss or misjudge. 5. Isshinryu is more adaptable to the American physique and temperament than other more rigid styles because the Okinawan Master designed it to follow natural body movements. 6. 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. 7. 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. |
