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BEST'S
ISSHIN-RYU KARATE
SCHOOL
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Shimabuku Sensei,
founder of Isshin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo, was born in Chan village, currently
called Kinaka, in Gushikawa City, Okinawa on September 19, 1908.
Kana was his Okinawan given name and his Japanese given name was Shinkichi.
He later chose the name Tatsuo, but had a nickname of Su nu su or Sunsu
for short. Shimabuku studied Shorin-Ryu under Chotoku Kyan who lived
in Kadena. Later he studied Goju-Ryu under Chojun Miyagi. He
also studied Shorin-Ryu under Choki Motobu. In the mid1950's, after many years
of pioneering (Chan Migwa Te), he named his style Isshin-Ryu. Shimabuku
taught Isshin-Ryu Karate to many American military men from the 1950’s
into the 1970’s. They in turn brought Isshin-Ryu to America in the
late 1950’s. Okinawan Isshin-Ryu Karate is presently one of the largest
karate styles practiced in the United States today. Shimabuku Sensei was a legend in
Okinawa. On May 30, 1975, O’Sensei, the dragon of Isshin-Ryu passed
away after a stroke in Okinawa. His legacy lives on!
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Isshin-Ryu no Megami or Megami
for short, is the name Shimabuku gave this symbol. The half serpent-half
woman was the start of his vision. The woman depicts softness and
the dragon portrays strength. The three stars within this artistry
symbolizes Shorin-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, and it’s offspring Isshin-Ryu. It
also stands for Shorin-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, and Ryukyu Kobudo, which is again
the essence of Isshin-Ryu Karate. The stars can also signify Masters Kyan, Miyagi, and
Motobu, that Shimabuku followed. Sensei A.J. Advincula
is also credited for the design of this symbol.
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