More Than Martial Arts. A Lineage. A Family.
Founder of Isshinryu
Grandmaster Shimabuku (September 19, 1908 – May 30, 1975) was named Shinkichi Shimabuku when he was born in Chan, Okinawa. He began his study of karate at a young age as his uncle’s pupil.
Several years later, feeling that he had taught Shinkichi as much as he could, his uncle sent him to study with Master Chotoku Kyan (Shorin-ryu). Master Kyan was already famous throughout Okinawa as an instructor of Shorin-Ryu Karate. Being a poor farmer, Shinkichi would walk the long distance to study with Master Kyan for several hours each day, then return home to complete his chores. He did this for approximately four years.
He later studied karate with Master Chojun Miyagi (Founder of Goju-ryu), learning at least two kata that he would later incorporate into Isshin-ryu: Seiuchin and Sanchin.
In addition, he trained with Master Choki Motobu (Founder Motobu-ryu), who was one of the greatest fighters in the history of Okinawa. From him, Tatsuo learned Naihanchin kata. During this time, he also studied under Master Taira Shinken (Okinawan Kobudo), from whom he learned the bo, sai, and tuifa forms.
During World War II and a few years after, he and his family lived in mainland Japan. He returned to Okinawa in 1947 and began teaching karate at the age of 39. It was also at this time, as part of Okinawan tradition, that he took the karate name Tatsuo (Dragon Man).
For the next nine years, Tatsuo experimented with karate techniques. He was an innovator, not being satisfied with following the crowd. On January 15, 1956, he held a meeting to discuss his new style of karate, which he decided to call Isshin-Ryu.
Many of the senior instructors of karate in Okinawa at the time did not agree with Master Shimabuku’s decision or his new style. Although he was sometimes shunned, and Isshin-Ryu was not officially recognized for many years, he persevered. It did not help the cause either when Master Shimabuku’s students would win local matches and fights.
During the 1950’s and 60’s, Master Shimabuku was hired to train the US servicemen stationed in Okinawa.
Master Shimabuku continued to experiment and challenge the traditional concepts of karate until he retired from active teaching in 1971. Those fortunate Americans who were able to travel to Okinawa and train with Master Shimabuku will tell you of a man who enjoyed sake and cigars and loved to joke. They will also tell you of a phenomenal martial artist, who struck awe in his students.
