DECEMBER 2018
As the Christmas and New Year’s holidays are approaching a quick reminder to see me to order equipment that may be desired by December 13th. All items are priced at our discounted rates.
I have four (4) of Hanshi Duessel’s DVDs of the hand and weapons katas – ($40)
I have a few of Hanshi Duessel’s Bo and Sai posters – ($15)
Karate gi’s – sizes 00 – 2 ($20) 3 – 4 ($30) 5 – 6 ($35) – heavy duty gi’s by cost
School Patch – ($5) – Isshin-ryu Patch – ($8)
IWKA membership from Okinawa ($35)
Safety Hands and Feet – ($38) Head gear ($20)
There will be NO CLASSES on December 24, 25 , 31 and January 1.
Information about our style and Founder of Isshin – Ryu Karate
Tatsuo Shimabuku (also referred to as Soke) was born in Okinawa in 1906 and died May 30, 1975. He began his study of karate at the age of 8 when he walked some 12 miles to the neighboring village of Shuri to learn karate from his uncle. His uncle sent him home; obstinately he returned and was sent away several more times. His uncle finally gave in to his persistence and accepted him as a pupil.
For about four years, Master Shimabuku was privileged to study karate in the dojo of his uncle each day after completing the most menial domestic chores. Having received a certain degree of skill in Shuri-te karate, he went on to formal training in Shorin Ryu. He met Chotoku Kyan, who was already famous throughout Okinawa as a karate instructor and became one of that master’s leading pupils. He also studied karate with Chojun Miyagi of the Goju style of karate, and Choki Motobu of the Shorin Ryu system. Later, he again took up the study of the bo and sai, as well as the tuifa forms from the instructors Taira Shinken and Yabiku Moden, who were responsible for providing Okinawa’s instructors with these particular skills.
Master Shimabuku’s reputation throughout Okinawa had reached its peak when World War II struck. During the early part of the war, he did his best to avoid conscription into the Japanese army by escaping into the countryside where he worked as a farmer. As the situation grew more and more desperate for the Japanese, and as the need to press the Okinawans into the service became urgent, he was forced to flee.
As his reputation in karate spread among the Japanese, many soldiers began a thorough search, as they wanted to study karate under him. The officers who finally caught up with him agreed to keep the secret of his whereabouts if he would teach them karate. It was in this manner that Master Shimabuku survived the war.
After the war, he returned to farming and practiced karate privately for his own spiritual repose and physical exercise. But as one of the island’s leading practioners of both the Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu styles of karate, he felt a strong need to combine the various styles of karate into one. After consulting the aged masters and the heads of schools, Master Shimabuku founded one of the world’s major styles of karate, the Isshin Ryu system.
Isshin-Ryu Kata Information
Kata are sequentially designed, pre-determined defense, attack, and counterattack forms used against multiple opponents. In addition to giving students practice in “street” techniques, kata develops speed, breath control, balance, calm mind, rhythm, motion, and coordination. Until this century, kata was the only and ideal method of karate training. Students learn kata in the following order:
- Seisan
From Shorin Ryu. It derives its name from Master Seshan. Emphasizes a straight-forward stance, seiken tzuki blocking, the mae geri, and rapid technique - Seiuchin
From Goju Ryu. Emphasizes a strong, low stance in which the heels are shoulder-width apart and the feet are pointed out on a 45 degree angle. It also stresses reinforced blocks and punches, breath control, and powerful techniques. - Naihanchin
From Shorin Ryu. It is known for its “Toe-inward” stance (uchi hachiji dachi). Designed for fighting with one’s back against a wall or on a ledge. Most Movements are performed in a lateral direction. - Wansu
From Shorin Ryu. It is referred to as the “dumping form” because of the throw it contains. The technical term for this throw is kata garuma. - Chinto
From Shorin Ryu. This kata emphasizes pivots and fighting on angles. Chinto is one of the most difficult kata to perform while maintaining good balance. - Kusanku
From Shorin Ryu. It derives its name from Master Kushanku. Designed for fighting under conditions with limited-light, and teaches evasive techniques. - Sunsu
This is the kata that Master Shimabuku personally developed, and bears his nickname. It is the longest and most difficult kata to perform. - Sanchin
From Goju Ryu. It emphasizes strong technique and breath control. The names means “three battles”, and refers to the control of mind, body, and breath during the performance of the kata.
