Isshinryu (一心流) is a style of karate from Okinawa, created by Tatsuo Shimabuku ("Dragon man") and officially named on January 15, 1956. In English, Isshinryu translates to "one heart/one mind/one sprit way". When asked about the meaning behind the name of his style, Sensei Shimabuku calmly replied "Because all things begin with one."
Though Isshinryu was formally created in the 20th century, it has roots in other karate styles of Okinawa, including Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu, and Naha-te (parent style of Shito-ryu).
As part of his training, Sensei Shimabuku used to drive a nail into a 2x4 both with the edge of his hand and heel of his foot.
Shihan Dennis Sammartino (left) was a student of Master Dale Jenkins, a student of Grandmaster Don Nagle, and owned Boonton Karate-do Kai in Boonton, New Jersey.
"Shihan" is a teaching title respectfully signifying a master or a teacher of teachers. Shihan Sammartino was inducted into the Karate Hall of Fame in 2000 and attained the esteemed rank of hachidan (8th degree black belt). Together with several schools across the United States, he founded the Harmony Alliance, an organization with the purpose of preserving traditional martial arts knowledge, history, and culture to ensure it is not lost over time, regardless of style or lineage.
He passed peacefully on December 7th, 2009. His legacy lives through his students, including Sensei Steve Buschman (right). Sensei Buschman, currently holds rank of hachidan (8th degree black belt), leads the Kai (an association or organization) from his school in Connecticut, Bushido Karate Academy.
Sensei Peter George (left) started his training in 1992 under Sensei Sammartino in Boonton, NJ. He achieved the rank of shodan (1st degree black belt) in 2002 and started teaching. Sensei George currently holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt) and is head instructor of Courageous Way Academy. He is pictured with a vertical fist, one of the differentiators that sets Isshinryu apart from other forms of Karate as a unique and highly effective martial art.
Sensei George has a bachelors degree in biomedical engineering with a specialization in biomechanics and an MBA. In addition to karate, he has trained in Japanese Jujutsu, Judo, Aikido, Tai Chi, Iaido, and Capoeira.
Ensō (right) is typically drawn with one uninhibited brushstroke to express mushin no shin (無心の心), or a state of "mind of no mind". Through courage and practice, we can train ourselves to act out of humility and respect, free from judgement and bias.
The heart is the same as heaven and earth
The blood circulating is similar to the sun and the moon
The manner of drinking and spitting is either hard or soft
A person's unbalance is the same as a weight
The body should be able to change positions at any time
The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself
The eyes must see all sides
The ears must hear in all directions
I come to you with only karate: empty hands.
I have no weapons.
But should I be forced to defend myself,
my honor or my principles,
should it be a matter of life or death,
of right or wrong,
then here are my weapons:
my empty hands.
We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm, unshaken spirit.
We will pursue the true meaning of the martial way so that in time our senses may be alert.
With true vigor, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self denial.
We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.
We will pay homage to our creator and never forget the true virtue of humility.
We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.
All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Way.
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