TATSUO SHIMABUKU

Tatsuo Shimabuku was born in Gushikawa village, Okinawa on September 19, 1908.  He began studying martial arts at an early age with his uncle. He continued to study various Okinawan styles for many years.  Shimabuku’s most prominent instructors were: Master Chotoku Kyan (Shorin-Ryu); Master Chojun Miyagi (Goju-Ryu); Choki Motobu and Master Shinken Taira, (Kobudo-weapons).

Master Shimabuku began teaching Karate to Okinawan students in 1948.

Being an innovator from the start, Shimabuku began to experiment with theories and ideas he had, to improve on martial art techniques.  Slowly, his own style of karate began to develop. In January 1956, Master Shimabuku formally announced his new style of karate, naming it “Isshin-Ryu”, meaning “One-Heart-Method” or “Whole-Heart-Method”. When asked why he chose such a name, Shimabuku replied, “Because all things begin with one.” Master Shimabuku was an innovator and would continue to experiment and alter his style for several years.  

In 1957, he also began teaching U.S. Marines.  Many Marines came home after their tour of duty as black belts and proceeded to teach Isshinryu throughout the United States.

Master Shimabuku traveled to the United States in 1964 and 1966.  During his second visit, while in Tacoma, WA, his host Steve Armstrong filmed Shimabuku performing all the Isshinryu katas.  Master Shimabuku continued to teach his style of karate up until his retirement in 1972. He passed away in 1975, leaving a legacy of thousands of Isshinryu practitioners around the world.