Okinawa
Where Is Okinawa
The Beginnings At Okinawa
As you read and study about Okinawan history, you will no doubt
find various accounts relating to the significant cultural influences
that led to the development of martial arts.....
Okinawa, the birthplace of Isshin-ryu Karate, is the largest island
in a chain known as the Ryukyu Islands, and is located in the Pacific
Ocean approximately 350 miles south.....
The story of karate begins on Okinawa,
the largest of the Ryukyu Islands. “Okinawa is approximately 6 miles wide and only about 70
miles long” (“A Brief History of Traditional Karate”)......
Shorin-ryu & Goju-ryu
The Three Golden Stars
Founder Of Isshin-ryu
Often referred to as the “parents” of Isshin-ryu, Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu are the two styles that Master Tatsuo Shimabuku blended to create Isshin-ryu.....
On the Isshinryu patch are three golden stars rising above a
dragon in a calm, gray sky. There are several different interpretations of the
meaning of these stars.....
Legends are born of many notions, and when properly fed, tend to grow over time. Who among us could have ever imagined that, at roughly five feet tall and one hundred and twenty.....
Master Angi Uezo
The Pioneers Of Isshin-Ryu
Features / Isshin-ryu Code
Angi Uezu was born January 3, 1935, in Chiyaranka City on the island of Saipan. His father was 6th generation Okinawan of Samurai lineage from Shuri, his ancestors served.....
As we know, before creating Isshin-ryu, Master Shimabuku was
extensively trained in Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu and Kubodo (weapons.)
Naturally, having mastered these areas.....
The Mizu Gami
One afternoon Master Shimabuku was teaching in the courtyard of his
home in Agena. There was a tank in the yard that he used to collect
rainwater for his thirsty students and to.....