Tag Archives: tatsuo

Passing of Isshin-Ryu’s Creator – May 30, 1975


Isshin Ryu Karate’s founder Shimabuku 島袋 was born in Chan village on September 19,1908, Meiji 41 – year of the “Monkey”.  His given Okinawan name was “Kana” and his given Japanese name was “Shinkichi“.  As an adult, he chose the name “Tatsuo” – 龍夫 Dragon Man. He studied Karate under Okinawan Masters Kyan Chotoku 喜屋武 朝徳, Miyagi Chojun 宮城 長順 and Motobu Choki 本部 朝基. He further pursued Kobudo training with Master Taira Shinken 平 信賢. Shimabuku combined their teachings with his insights to form his own style. On January 15th, 1956, he announced the name of his style as Isshin Ryu 一心流, One-Heart Way. Isshin Ryu’s Dragon Man passed away on May 30th, 1975. His Karate lives on.

Isshin Ryu’s Dragon Man

島袋龍夫

Over a century ago, in the small village of Chan, on a small island in the south pacific, a boy was born. One day he would become a Karate Master whose art would reach beyond the shores of Okinawa and spread across the globe.

“Dragon Man” of Isshin Ryu, Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei
(September 19, 1908 – May 30, 1975)

A good day for 100 Seisan (13) Katas

島袋龍夫

Over a century ago, in the small village of Chan, on a small island in the south pacific, a boy was born. One day he would become a Karate Master whose art would reach beyond the shores of Okinawa and spread across the globe.

“Dragon Man” of Isshin Ryu, Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei
(September 19, 1908 – May 30, 1975)

島袋 龍夫

Over a century ago, in the small village of Chan, on a small island in the south pacific, a boy was born. One day he would become a Karate Master whose art would reach beyond the shores of Okinawa and spread across the globe.

“Dragon Man” of Isshin Ryu, Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei
(September 19, 1908 – May 30, 1975)