Shimabuku, Shinsho (Ciso) Sensei

I cruise the Internet all the time looking for any and all information regarding Isshinryu and those who spearheaded its growth, etc. In all my research I have come to understand that "almost all instruction" in Isshinryu to the "military connection, i.e. Marines," came from either a senior Marine or Ciso Sensei. Very few, very few military students actually received "hands-on" instruction from Tatsuo Sensei.

I have been led and it has been suggested that the majority of those who brought Isshinryu home in the late fifties and early sixties actually received ninety percent of instruction from Shimabuku, Shinsho (Ciso) Sensei.

It seems that such an influential person would be mentioned, at least in passing, on the many web sites, etc. as an intricate part of the growth of Isshinryu and its spread on Okinawa and on Military bases through out. Yet, except on AJA Sensei's web site, no one gives this man any credit what so ever as to the growth and spread of Isshinryu as well as instruction to us all.

Actually, I would have to say from my perspective it may be more of value to say one were the "first generation student of Shinsho Sensei" than to the founder Tatsuo Sensei. After all, Ciso Sensei, it would seem from my research at least, was actually the most influential instructor/Sensei in Isshinryu for American Servicemen.

I also believe "wholeheartedly" that Ciso Sensei has more historical significance for Isshinryu than Tatsuo Sensei first born Kichero. I have no knowledge if my Sensei ever received instruction from Ciso Sensei but do know that a few of the labeled "first gen students of Tatsuo Sensei" have been quoted as saying Ciso Sensei did provide a lot of mentoring/guidance in Isshinryu to Marines.

If I were to have been so lucky as to have been there when Ciso Sensei was instructing it would be an honor to have said that I was a first generation student of Ciso Sensei but alas neither Henry or I are able to express that as a part of our gratitude to him and his efforts in Isshinryu.

Thank you Tatsuo Sensei for developing Isshinryu and thank you Ciso Sensei for allowing all of us to benefit from your guidance and mentoring in the Isshinryu system. If I am correct it would not have been possible with out Shinsho (Ciso) Sensei's efforts.