Master Tatsuo Shimabuku

Tatsuo Shimabuku was born in Okinawa in 1908.The name Tatsuo means "Dragon Boy". He began his study of Karate at the age of eight under some of the greatest masters ever known such as Chotoku Kiyan, Chojun Miyagi, and Motobu Choken. Just prior to World War II, Master Shimabuku was at the height of his reputation as an expert, not only as an expert of Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu, but also of weapons such as the bo and the sai. Master Shimabuku's reputation was such that Japanese officers stationed in Okinawa during WWII kept him from military conscription in exchange of Karate lessons.

After the war, U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa sought him out, and he began teaching them Karate. Some of the marines, impressed by his skills and manner, became black belt instructors and spread Karate throughout the United States and the world. The Karate broguht back by the U.S. marines was a blending of what Shimabuku thought was the best of the Karate Systems. On January 16, 1954 the system "Isshinryu" was formed, meaning "One Heart, One Mind". Shimabuku consulted with top leading Karate experts to get approval of this new system. Some were opposed to his theories and techniques.

In 1966, Master Shimabuku visited the United States, meeting with the students he taught back in Okinawa and instructing their students. In 1971, he retired from his practice of Karate and handled his title to his son-in-law Angi Uezu. Shimabuku was still active in seminars and he gave promotions out as well. On April, 1975, he was present at the grand opening of the Isshinryu Headquartes dojo in Kinaka, Okinawa. Master Tatsuo Shimabuku died on May 30, 1975 from a heart stroke. Isshinryu Karate will continue to be taught and enjoyed by those who have captured the beauty and vision of the "Dragon Boy". Thank you Shimabuku Sensei!

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