Isshinryu Statements of Fact - NOT [or maybe]

"All stories have a beginning; over time it becomes difficult to remember which version is the truth." - Gronski.org "Origins of Shaolin Kung Fu: History of the Various Forms [http://blog.gronski.org/]

In Isshinryu, as with other martial labeled systems, sometimes oversteps its intent simply because one cannot "prove" the validity of such statements that I am providing in the following post. In my efforts to provide a more accurate, to me and my view that is, picture of the system I would say about the following:

"Isshinryu stresses proficiency with both hand and foot techniques, making it he most versatile form of Karate because you have no weak points."

[In some factions/circles they also profess that the system has an equal number of both hand and foot technique in kata which is not accurate. Do your own count if you practice the system or just call up a kata on Youtube and do a count. In all likelihood you will find a lot more hand stuff then kicks, etc. unless you wish to hide this fact under the guise that the other foot waza are secret/hidden bunkai ;-).  I would also ask how anyone can say that Isshinryu is the most "versatile form of karate" with out some sort of research done by an authoritative and scientifically driven organization. Don't folks tend to scream when banks, retailers, and so forth fail to provide the truth in their advertisements but when karate dojo put it out we assume its accuracy and don't question its validity?]

"Isshinryu is the most realistic style of Karate, stressing close-in techniques necessary for "street fighting" where you haven't time for elaborate time consuming wind-ups of other styles."

[The "most realistic style of karate?" Really, who says so and who says they are the ultimate authority. I might have said that I believe it to be the most realistic to my practice but then again I am not trying to irk out a living by the volume of members, etc. Who says Isshinryu is for street-fighting? I can say that it has that potential depending on intent of instruction as long as the person instructing has adequate credentials and experience in violence, etc. I can say most of Isshinryu is for sport, not street.]

"Isshinryu is the most sensible form of Karate, ... "

[Sensible to whom? In my view all systems are good, they all serve a purpose. If you practice Isshinryu most likely you chose it because it or the Sensei fit some perceived need or notion that fit your comfort zone, body style, personality, etc. I can say that I believe most folks regardless of the system of practice can say that theirs is the most sensible, for them.]

"Isshinryu is more adaptable to the American physique and temperament than other more rigid styles because the Okinawa, masters designed it to follow natural body movements."

[Yet, all systems of karate and/or other martial systems are practiced by Americans. Is this saying they had a more difficult time learning their systems than those who learned Isshinryu because their systems are NOT adaptable to American physiques and temperaments? Poppykosh, all systems are good and they all serve a purpose. If it does not follow natural body movements then they require a contortionist to do them. There are adjustments in all physical activities regardless so once again in my opinion, poppykosh!]

"Isshinryu will put you into better physical shape because it " provides you with an aggressive exercise program that will, improve your muscle tone, flexibility, speed, and wind."

[Ok, I can buy this a bit simply because most every dojo, Isshinryu or otherwise, do lots and lots of strenuous activity as warm up and basics. All physical activities that require us to get up off the couch and move are beneficial and will contribute to health and fitness. In my humble opinion it is NOT an aggressive exercise program, it is a budo or fighting or combative system originally but I guess now that it is a sport system it is different.]

In closing, I feel personally it is important to do our best to remain true to the spirit of karate-do, to Tatsuo Sensei's intent for Isshinryu, and to the culture and customs the Okinawan's developed through out their long history. Truth in how we "see," "speak," "act," and "instruct" or system is an important consideration. I try to look at what I broadcast so I can try to pass along accurate stuff. I often ask that if errors or omissions are discovered to provide corrective and constructive feedback/comments and I will make a change.

Some of these quotes are meant to be conveyed as the unique traits of the Isshinryu system and since I have found those traits to be less than accurate I can only say the only "original defining characteristics unique to Isshinryu" at its naming are the vertical fist, the thumb on top of the vertical fist, and the muscle forearm block. I would add that this is important that these particular features/traits, etc. were applicable in the late fifties but today are not exclusive to Isshinryu anymore because many have adopted this stuff.

Think of it this way, just because you say it; just because no one can disprove it; just because no one can connect it to some rule, law, or government requirement does not mean you should use it, say it, write it, or advertise it. It may attract the uninitiated; it may sound cool; it may look cool with graphics YET should you use it?

Ok, someone said, "It isn't going to hurt anyone and it is only a small little white lie anyway." NOT, if you say you are the ultimate course in self defense; you learn my system and can defend anyone against anything. Then your former student gets into a physical altercation, gets hurt, hurts their attacker, etc. gets arrested, gets sued, and so on don't you think a good attorney/lawyer is going to use this to help defend their clients actions and when done in criminal court the others family is going to sue you in civil court? Yes? No? Maybe?