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ANCIENT MASTERS
of
ISSHINRYU KARATE-DO |
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The 1936 meeting of Okinawan Karate Masters |
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Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945) One of the most famous Shorin Ryu teachers. He was a perfectionist. Shimabuku became one of his best students. Around 1931, when Shimabuku was in his early 20's, he used to walk barefoot to the place where master Kyan lived. Shimabuku then trained with him 6 hours everyday after helping his parents with the farm chores.
Shimabuku trained with master Chotoku Kyan for four years and he learned the following kata from him: Seisan, Naihanchi, Wansu, Chinto, Kusanku, a sai kata, Kyan no Sai and the long bo kata, Tokumine No Kun. |
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Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953) Master Miyagi went to China to study Kenpo. Back in Okinawa he developed his own style of karate called Goyu Ryu (hard/soft style). Shimabuku began training with Miyagi in 1936 and trained with him for the following 3 years.
Miyagi was known for his powerful grips and his hard training. From Chojun Miyagi, Shimabuku developed the katas Seiunchin and Sanchin. |
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Choki Motobu (1871-1944) Motobu was a master of Shorin Ryu and a less formal teacher. Motobu became famous when a young Chinesse boxer challenged him to a fight , Motobu already in his 50's, knocked out his young opponent with one single strike.
Shimabuk trained with Motobu for only one year in 1938. From hiim, Shimabuku developed a new version of the kata Naihanchin. |
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Shinken Taira (1898-1970) Shimabuku learned from the years 1951-1961 Kobudo (old weapon arts) from Shinken Taira to deepen his knowledge in this art of fighting.
From Taira's kobudo, Shimabuku added the following kata to Isshinryu: Chatan Yara No Sai, Urashi No Kun, Shishi No Kun, and the tonfa kata, Hamahiga No Tuifa. |
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Tatsuo Shimabuku (1908-1975) After many years of dedication and continuous training in martial arts, Tatsuo Shimabuku founded Isshinryu Karate on January 15, 1956 at a special gathering with several of his students. Shimabuku crated this new style, "Isshinryu" which translates as "One Heart, One Mind Method". It is said that one of his students asked Shimabuku why such a funny name for the name of this new style and the master replied "because all things begin with one". Shimabuku passed his knowledge on to the American marines stationed in Okinawa, and they were the ones who brought Isshinryu to the United States. Shimabuku visited the U.S. in 1964 and again in 1966. |
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Angi Uezu (1935- ) In 1956, Angie Uezu met Shimabuku's daughter, Yukiko, and after a brief courtship, the couple married and moved into master Shimabuku's home. After some period, Uezu began training daily with Shimabuku as he would do for the next 17 years. Uezu became an excellent competitor in Okinawa and in the U.S.A. In 1967, Uezu took over as Shimabuku's representative to travel around the world and conduct seminars. This would end up to be a lifetime commitment.
For over 30 years, master Uezu trained, taught, and promoted the spirit of Isshinryu karate. Due to heart problems, and serious injuries on the master, he retired from karate, but he is still involved in promoting students and often, visits Isshinryu dojos in Okinawa. |
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Kichiro Shimabuku (1938-) Master Kichiro Shimabuku began his training in 1956, right after his father, Tatsuo Shimabuku founded Isshinryu officially. Besides his interests in Karate, he attended Business College in Tokyo and earned a degree in Business. When Master Tatsuo Shimabuku passed away, Kichiro took responsibility of the administration of the American Okinawan Karate Association. In 1975, he assumed the rank of 10th dan.
Today, master Kichiro Shimabuku travels around the world participating in seminars and tournaments and he is considered the grandmaster of Isshinryu Karate |
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