Starting Martial Arts Classes in Isshin-ryu Karate
April 1, 2008
A Brief History of Isshinryu Karate
Isshinryu, which means One-Heart Way, was created by Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku, who was classically trained in Okinawa in Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu as well as other styles. Isshinryu (sometimes spelled Isshin-ryu) is characterized by the vertical punch, low kicks, and more natural stances than most Okinawan styles. The result is a style that is suitable for every body type, with stances that provide a superior balance between strength and mobility. The techniques also contain pressure point applications built into the proper execution, though those are often not explicitly taught until higher ranks.
The style consists of eight empty-hand kata: Seisan, Seiechin, Naihanchin, Wansu, Chinto, Kusanku, Sunsu, and Sanchin. They are normally taught in that order, with the exception of Sanchin. It’s sometimes taught after Naihanchin or before the student begins sparring. Sunsu was created by Shimabuku, is unique to Isshinryu and reflects techniques from all the other kata. Some dojos also teach various kyu kata or have in-house short sequences or series of movements resembling kyu kata.
The style also includes traditional weapon kata for bo, sai, and tonfa.
Isshinryu also teaches what are called “The Charts”, a list of simple techniques and combinations. Chart I consists of upper body techniques and combinations while Chart II focuses on kicks and lower-body stretches. These are usually the first movements taught to a student and provide a solid basis for later learning kata. Charts may vary slightly from dojo to dojo but those differences are generally minor.
Starting Martial Arts in Isshinryu: What to Expect
Workouts will often begin with stretching, followed by the Charts, then kata and sparring. Isshinryu dojos tend to begin sparring early in a student’s career. At a minimum, lower belts should expect light contact sparring that gradually progresses in intensity as the student advances. Isshinryu tends to be a tougher sparring style with a strong street orientation.
Students will be expected to have a mouthpiece. Male students will need a groin protector or cup. Most dojos use some form of sparring gear as well, usually the foam formed style of headgear, hand and foot gear, although it is not uncommon to see senior students sparring without protective gear or with only light MMA gloves. Shin guards are often available if optional. Those dojos with more cross-training programs may have other gear, such as hand wraps or dojo training shoes.
It’s increasingly common to see Isshinryu practitioners expanding their ground games and mixed martial arts skills through cross-training or exploring those applications inherent in Isshinryu.
Expected Training Costs
Dojo fees can vary, ranging from free classes taught at churches and youth facilities to upscale dojos charging $100-150/month. Students will normally be expected to have a gi and to purchase weapons when weapons kata are taught.
Advancing in Isshinryu Karate
Belt structures also vary widely from school to school. Traditionally, the sequence was white-green-brown-black and the time to earn a black belt was generally 3-6 years, depending on the student’s training. Many dojos have expanded that structure to provide belt advancement and “tip testing” at each kyu rank. There is no standardized sequence of belts in the below-black-belt rank structure.
In Conclusion…
Isshinryu provides a solid foundation in traditional martial arts and is an excellent choice for students of any age.
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About the author: Cyn Mobley is a black belt in Isshinryu. She is senior editor at Bushido Press, an independent martial art book publisher specializing in dojo books as additional income streams and in preserving the legacies of the masters. Martial arts instructors who wish to publish their own dojo manuals can contact Cyn at Bushidopress.com.
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