Isshinryu, distinct features include tate-ken, the vertical fist, but what is not listed and of equal importance is the distinct use of mae-geri, the front kick with the ball of the foot.
Even a properly executed side kick is done with the ball of the foot (Yoko-geri [横蹴り]).
Tate Ken [縦拳] for use above the waist.
Mae Geri [前蹴り] for use below the waist.
Note: kick terms in Japanese do not actually say or tell you it’s executed using the ball of the foot as those details are determined as to the needs of defense in volatile situations. Yoko Geri can be executed with the blade of the foot as well (shoba vs. yoko?).
Add in shorter natural stances and speed in mobility you find the features Tatsuo-San made use of for Isshinryu.
I came to realize that in the mae geri as with the tate ken, is also a unique mainstay of Isshinryu, the self-defend Okinawan system of empty ✋ 🤚!
[Note: in the version of Isshinryu I practice, the mae Geri was the lower body version of tate ken (conceptually speaking) and we give it the importance of the vertical fist in mae Geri’s application.]
Read more here:
Another Isshinryu luminary created a list of twelve unique symbolic concepts that make Isshinryu, Isshinryu. They titled them, “The Twelve Isshinryu Features” that go as follows:
- Elimination of “fancy” techniques;
- Combination of Shorin and Goju to form a realistic basic system of self-defense;
- Kicks applied below waist for balance and power;
- Short natural stances for mobility;
- Balanced applicable techniques of hand and feet in kata;
- Close-in tactics more applicable to street defense;
- Use of snap punches (tate-Ken) and kicks (mae-geri) without over extending joints;
- Hard and soft blocking (tactics and techniques);
- Arm blocks using muscular part of arm supported by both bones of forearm;
- FIST WITH THUMB ON TOP AS OPPOSED TO THUMB OVER TWO FINGERS TO LOCK THE WRISTS AND TIGHTEN THE FIST!
- A VERTICAL FIST INCREASING SPEED AND POWER;
- Multi-purpose techniques allowing a block to be a blow to be a block.
See also: The Twelve Features of Isshinryu
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