Recent articles and comments have led me to believe that Isshinryu's Okinawan connection is soon to be extinguished - for all time. Named in 1956 that would mean it lived a short life of merely forty-six years (January 15, 1956 to today). If this turns out to be true I have wondered and will often wonder to "Why?"
I can say that in one form or another Isshinryu is thriving here in the west but I also feel strongly it does so only due to the efforts of those who teach it here, Americans. The only peripheral influence from Okinawa I detect today is from the IWKA under Kichiro Shimabuku Sensei, the first born son of Tatsuo-san. I also believe that this connection is only in name and ranking certificates and that the guiding influences from its leader are merely "figure head" only.
We westerners think and feel that if no recognition is present from Okinawa then it some how diminishes our practice of Isshinryu, some how lessens it validity as a martial art or karate-goshin-do - my words. This, as you are all aware, is not true, valid or even necessary.
So many Okinawans who could have led the charge and provided the necessary means to create and embed Isshinryu into the Okinawan culture and its martial arts culture have ridden off into the sunset seeking other venues other than Isshinryu to practice, train and live the budo discipline. We seem to have only one dedicated Okinawan that is working diligently to gain ground for Isshinryu and it is not from Tatsuo-san's family tree as Cisco is no longer with us - sadly.
Cisco, who I feel had no opportunity to carry on his father's legacy and who had the most qualifications other than one or two senpai of Tatsuo-san to actually carry on with respect and humbleness Isshinryu's legacy regretfully was not afforded that due to several family and cultural influences. Too bad, he was the essence that filled the western coffers of Isshinryu of Marines in the late fifties and early sixties.
Back on track, even the son-in-law was unable to leave his version of Isshinryu in hands that could, should and would carry on the Okinawan Isshinryu legacy that is Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei.
As more information comes from Okinawa on Isshinryu I am feeling regret and a good deal of sadness that its cultural influences are dying out and disappearing. It is further exasperated due to the complete lack of any real historical records.
In my view as well I am not pleased or excited by the current direction of westernized Isshinryu and that comes from disparity in cultural historical information and meaning that should be the foundation of the Isshinryu system. We may find that it too will be lost in the mire of anxious need to win trophies and accumulate accolades in their many forms to promote pride and ego.
My greatest hope is the influences of those who are striking out toward a greater Okinawan cultural connection will cause pause to those who lead Isshinryu so that it can reconnect to the source of what we love, admire and respect of Tatsuo-san, his Isshinryu.
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