Although Isshinryu originated less than 50 years ago, it has a rich and interesting history.
Tatsuo Shimabuku, Isshinryu's creator, did not start out life with the name Tatsuo, which means "Dragon Boy" or "Dragon Man". His name was Shinkichi and he had a fairly normal childhood. When he was young his older brother beat him up a lot and he decided he wanted to learn to defend himself.
He had an uncle who taught Shuri-te, a very old form of karate. He went to his uncle Irshu Matsumora, when he was between the ages of 8 and 13.
