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What is Isshin-Ryu Karate? |
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The following is courtesy of the Order of Isshin-Ryu, founded by 9th degree Master Toby Cooling. The system we teach is Isshin-Ryu Karate, one of the many forms of karate that originated in Okinawa. Okinawa is given credit for developing karate as we know it today and passing it down through the centuries. Our style of karate, founded by Tatsuo Shimabuku, is a combination of two older styles, Goju Ryu and Shorin Ryu. It was designed specifically for personal combat, however, Americans have modified the fighting practice to enable us to participate in sporting events. The hallmarks of Isshin-Ryu Karate include:
Shinkichi Shimabuku was born in Chan, Okinawa on September 19, 1908 and died May 30, 1975. He began his study of karate at a young age as the pupil of his uncle. Several years later, feeling that he had taught Shinkichi as much as he could, his uncle sent him to study with Chotoku Kyan. Sensei 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 Sensei 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 Chojun Miyagi of the Goju style of karate, learning at least two kata that he later incorporated into Isshin-Ryu: Seiuchin and Sanchin. He trained with Choki Motobu, who was one of the greatest fighters in the history of Okinawa, learning Naihanchin kata. He also took up the study of the bo and sai, as well as the tuifa forms from Taira Shinken, one of Okinawa's leading kobu-jutsu instructors. During and after WWII, he and his family lived in Japan. He returned to Okinawa in 1947 and began teaching karate. It was also at this time, at the age of 39, that he took the name Tatsuo, "Dragon Man". The taking of a karate name is an Okinawan custom. During 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 decides to call Isshin-Ryu. Many of the senior instructors of karate on 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 there. 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 cigarettes, and loved to joke. They will also tell you of a phenomenal martial artist, who struck awe in his students. Mizu-Gami, the Isshin-Ryu emblem
In Asian mythology, the sea-serpent is born at the bottom of the sea and ascends to the heavens as depicted by the small dragon above her head. The churning sea and the gray background represents a typhoon. Mizu-gami represents a mother taking care of her child, calm and gentle as a mother would be under these circumstances, but ready to unleash the same amount of fury a mother would if her child was harmed in any fashion. The three stars represent the three arrows of karate: spiritual, physical, and mental. This colorful emblem represents a vision which came to Master Shimabuku, in a dream he had during the time he was developing Isshin-Ryu. The words Isshin-Ryu, when translated from the Okinawan language, literally mean "One Heart Way". [Note: The word shin also means "mind", so you may see translations as "One Heart/Mind Way".] The Kata of Isshin-Ryu Kata are sequential, pre-determined defense, attack, and counterattack forms used against multiple opponents. In addition to giving students practice in techniques, kata develops speed, breath control, balance, calm mind, rhythm, mushin, and coordination. Until this century, kata was considered the only and ideal method of karate training. To grasp the meaning of kata, the true essence of Karate, one must be involved in one of the martial arts. The layman cannot hope to grasp the state of mind of an individual performing a kata. To him, the kata is only a series of movements that look like a form of dance. However, these beautiful and graceful movements are in reality far more than just a series of blocks, punches, kicks, and stances. One of the major aims of the karate student is to be able to perform all of the kata accurately. The student repeats the kata many times in each class, placing emphasis on posture, balance, speed and coordination. Great emphasis is laid on increasing the student's vigor, heart, mind, and soul. The teaching is usually conducted in a group, but individual performance of the kata is continually revised by the instructor. Gradually, the student's character, attitude and intentions are unmistakably revealed to their instructor. Only then can the instructor help the student to acquire the mental power to overcome his own weakness and recognize the vanity and false ego which lies within him. This can be accomplished only by constant practice of the seemingly simple moves of kata. Karate begins and ends with kata. People who say they cannot use kata techniques in self-defense or kumite either do not know their kata, or their kata form is not correct.
KUMITE (Sparring) Kumite (koo-me-tay) is the application of fighting skills with an opponent. Literally translated, the word means "to cross hands". It is normally performed with referees, using a point system to recognize proper karate techniques. Kumite allows karate-ka to practice the techniques learned through kata against an actual opponent, but under controlled conditions using a set of rules. THE DOJO The word dojo is comprised of two words in Okinawan/Japanese, do meaning "the way" and jo meaning "place". Together, it translates as "place of the way". We believe that dojo is not just a word for a place to practice and learn, nor its purpose just to teach new people who want to join the karate class. It is the home of the sensei and the sensei's loyal students. The sensei teaches to learn more about his or her chosen style, not to help an outsider. Many beginners will quit due to the discipline and exercise. If a students has manners and shows respect, the sensei may grant you the privilege to study in his Dojo, if he thinks you are deserving of the opportunity. Money is the least important part of operating a dojo, although it is a necessity. If you really want to learn karate the sensei expects you to make every class. If you are unable to do so, you should explain why. From time to time the sensei will ask you to do things that will require extra effort on your part. If you can perform the task, so inform him; if you can't, tell him that also. You are possibly being tested. It is imperative that proper etiquette be practiced by all members. Though some of the rules may at first seem strange to the new student, it should be remembered that these rules have been found to provide the best atmosphere in which to learn the way of Karate. Karate begins and ends with respect and courtesy. The dojo is a sanctuary and lends itself to the person who is looking for the better things in life. BowingA bow, or rei (pronounced "ray"), is used as a gesture of respect towards other persons. Its literal translation is "courtesy". In Asian cultures, it is the equivalent of our custom of shaking hands. The rei is a technique, and should be practiced as such. There are two basic types of rei - the standing rei (ritsurei) and the sitting rei (zarei). A standing rei should be executed with the feet together. The back and neck remain straight and the bend is from the waist. A rei should be performed slowly and deliberately. When bowing from the formal sitting position (seiza), the palms are placed flat on the floor with the finger tips pointed in. A seated rei is considered more formal than a standing rei. GiGi (pronounced "ghee") is the Okinawan word for "uniform". Kyu ranks (those below black belt) will wear a clean white gi. A patch identifying the style and/or organization to which the student belongs are the only ornaments permitted for the gi. The gi should be a practical workout garment. It is not a walking billboard for your name or your school. Remember: If you're good enough people will ask for your name and the name of your school and style. The preceding is courtesy of the Order of Isshin-Ryu, founded by 9th degree Master Toby Cooling. Thank you very much Sensei Cooling. |
