Isshin-Ryu – Major Karate Style
Isshin-Ryu is one of the main styles of Karate. This style was created by Tatsuo Shimabuku in 1957, who studied Goju-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu Karate. Isshin-Ryu focuses on punches, kicks, kobudo (traditional weapons training), kumite and kata.
This Karate style has schools around the globe but most Isshin-Ryu schools are located in the United States. Isshin-Ryu means “One Heart Way”. In addition, the symbol of the Isshin-Ryu is the Megami (sometimes called the Mizugami) or the “Water Goddess”.
Isshin-Ryu is known for the vertical punch or vertical fist punch. This is where the fist is positioned vertically for a punch versus the horizontal fist placement see in most traditional punches.
Key Elements of Isshin-Ryu
- Isshin-Ryu Katas – Video and/or written kata instructions.
- Isshin-Ryu Code
- Isshin-Ryu Creed
- Isshin-Ryu Upper Body Basics – There are usually 15 upper body basics taught in Isshin-Ryu.
- Isshin-Ryu Lower Body Basics – There are usually 9 lower body basics taught in Isshin-Ryu.
- Vertical Punch – Details on the advantages of an Isshin-Ryu vertical punch.
Demonstration of Isshin-Ryu Techniques
Vertical Punches versus Horizontal Punches
Reference Sources
- Information kindly provided by Michael, Added – 01/04/17