ISSHINRYU KARATE

At our Safety First dojo, we are honored to continue the teaching of Isshinryu Karate as handed down from Sensei Stephen Armstrong, who learned this style directly from the founder, Tatsuo Shimabuku.

Tatsuo Shimabuku

Tatsuo Shimabuku started studying martial arts at a very early age and in his lifetime, mastered many styles including Goju-Ryu, Shorin-ryu and various weapons.

He began teaching “Chan Migwha-te” (forerunner to Isshinryu Karate) to U.S.  servicemen after World War II.  It was during this time that Shimabuku began experimenting with new techniques to be quicker and faster.  He used kendo protective equipment during kumite (sparring).  He also started developing different ways to block and punch (most notably the vertical punch).

With the approval of his teachers, Shimabuku combined many techniques learned from those styles into his own style, and on January 15, 1956, officially announced the formation of Isshinryu Karate, meaning “One-Heart Way”, because according to him, “all things begin with One.”

An interesting note, Shimabuku’s chosen name of Tatsuo, means dragon.

It is by way of  Steve Armstrong’s original schools that our dojo has as its highest ranking belt, Bill Kortenbach, 5th Dan, upon opening of our dojo on October 1st, 2006.

Benefits of Isshinryu Karate

Karate Black Belt
  1. To build a person’s SELF IMAGE to bring out the latent      power or talent implanted in every human being.
  2. To develop habits of study, hard work, self confidence,     physical conditioning, self defense, self discipline,         sportsmanship, personal philosophy and self reliance.
  3. To train the individual to think for himself, his family,
    his religion and his work.
  4. To foster creative thinking, individual initiative, and intelligent self-expression.
  5. To prepare students to use
    their education in a way which will benefit themselves and others.
  6. To place more value on spiritual rather than physical ability.
  7. To see that the discoveries of this physical science serve, rather than master or destroy man.
Steve Armstrong

Isshinryu Creed

I come to you with only Karate, empty hands. I have no weapons; but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, right or wrong, then here are my weapons - Karate, my empty hands.

Building Your Character

HONOR, that you may bring it to your name.
COMBAT, that none may take your honor from you.
HUMILITY, that you may clearly see the path of honor.