Isshin-ryu!

The Mizu-Gami is the symbol of Isshin-Ryu Karate. Created by Isshin-Ryu founder Tatsuo Shimabuku after a dream, it embodies the Isshin-Ryu concepts of hard & soft, the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of Karate, and serenity in the face of conflict.

An essential element of success in the martial arts concern's one's ability to deal with punishment. Here, I execute the primary stance and posture from the Kata Sanchin, tested by my training partner breaking a one inch pine board across my upper arm. This demonstration is not as impressive as it may seem, I have seen solid ash shovel handles broken across shins and stomaches, with no ill effects to the practitioner. Don't try this at home, kids.

The Kata Sanchin is one practiced by many of the Okinawan stylists. I was honored to be instructed by Goju Ryu Master Yokichi Higa at his dojo in Naha, Okinawa during a trip to Okinawa in 1992. Isshin Ryu's use of this kata is derived from the Goju Ryu system, in fact, Isshin Ryu combines many of the soft elements of Shorin Ryu with the hard aspects of Goju Ryu. Master Higa spent several hours with me over the course of a couple days, and when I returned to the US I had a far greater understanding of the kata, especially the importance of correct execution of the stance and posture.

A rather forgettable tournament performance of the Bo Kata Tokumine no Kun. The six foot staff is a weapon much practiced and utilized in virtually all of the martial arts, and one's instructor must be fully cognizant of the nuances of this simple yet brutally effective weapon.

Links to Okinawan Martial Arts Sites.

After more than 2 decades observing and practicing the martial arts, I believe that the best combination of spiritual development, physical practicality, and combat effectiveness is found in the Arts of Okinawa, both empty hand (Karate) and weaponry, also known as Kobudo. Exploring the various arts through these links are a far better way of exposing oneself to their concepts than through my singular perspective. Many of these sites are far more in depth and scholarly than I would have time to develop. You are encouraged to visit as many as you are able, so as to obtain a wide and deep perspective on the Okinawan Martial Arts.

Shawn Mammon's Isshin Ryu Karate Home Page, an impressive, concise treatment of IsshinRyu

Isshin Ryu AltaVista Query - Hundreds of Isshin Ryu related sites

Shobayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate

George Matteson's Uechi-Ryu Home Page.

Sensei Matteson is the Father of American Uechi-Ryu, and has written the classic text on that style.

Thigpen's take on The Art of War, a classic text on strategy by Sun Tzu

The Virtual Ginza, more Okinawa info than you'll ever need.