Isshin-ryū

is the symbol of Isshin-ryu. It is represented on the Isshin-ryu crest and is often displayed on the front wall of the dojo next to a picture of Tatsuo Shimabuku. As an emblem for Isshin-ryū Tatsuo Shimabuku chose a half-sea-snake half-woman deity whom he had seen in a vision. She represents the strength of the snake and the quiet character of a woman, thus expressing the essence of the style.

Originally the Isshin-ryu emblem was called "Isshin-ryu No Megami", which means 'Goddess of Isshinryu.' Some Isshin-ryu karateka call it "Mizu Gami" (水神), or 'Water Goddess.' Eiko Kaneshi, Tatsuo's right-hand-man who was a Shinto priest, was asked if it was "Mizu Gami". He said it has nothing to do with water. Isshin-ryu no Megami, or Megami for short, is correct. This is coroborated by Marien Jumelet who asked Shinsho Shimabuku and Kensho Tokumura what was the correct name. The Goddess is the Goddess of Isshin-ryu karate and not the Goddess of water.

The Isshin-ryu patch is rich with cross-linked symbolism where certain features could and do have three or more intended meanings behind them. Between factions exist variations of the patch, the portrait of the Isshin-ryu no Megami, and the symbols contained therein.

Features

Isshin-Ryu employs a vertical punch with the fingers tucked in and the thumb on top of the fist. Advantages vary with opinion, but it is usually taught that the thumb placement increases the stability of the wrist when punching, and that a vertical punch strikes with the same force at any range instead of at maximum extension as with a corkscrew style punch. Another advantage is that when punching, the thumb will not get caught on an object as opposed to having the thumb sticking up or out.

In Isshin-Ryu it is believed that the vertical punch is faster than the cork-screw punch: three vertical hand punches can be generated in the time of two cork-screw punches.

Isshin-Ryu arm blocks are performed today with the muscle at the intended contact point as opposed to other styles that block with the bone. By using the two bones and the muscle to form a block, less stress is created against the defender's arm, increasing the ability to absorb a strike.

The original arm blocks were taught with palm up, wrist bent, to form a trapping motion as well as to block and/or strike with the radius bone.Fact|date=February 2008

Isshin-Ryu kicks are primarily a "snapping" motion, as opposed to placing primary emphasis on thrusting and follow-through.

ee also

*Isshin-ryū Hall of Fame
*United Isshin-ryū Karate Association

References

External links

* [http://www.isshinkai.net/history03-birthofisshinryu.html The Birth Of Isshinryu]
* [http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/karate/2008%20commerative.htm The Naming Of Isshinryu]
* [http://www.msisshinryu.com MsIsshinRyu.com ]
* [http://www.msisshinryu.com/articles/aja/interview_students.shtml Interview of Kaneshi Eiko, Shigema Genyu and Kaneshiro Kenji] (students of Shimabuku) by A. J. Advincula, 12/24/84, on Okinawa.
* [http://www9.ocn.ne.jp/~kihunkan/boukatameiitiran.htm Okinawan "Kobudo Bo Kata" Names] (in Japanese)