Isshin Ryu

Isshin Ryu Karate is a traditional Okinawan Karate. Isshin Ryu uses very effective low kicks for self defense. The punch is a vertical fist that is stronger and faster than the twist punch used by most styles.
Karate is a good exercise to get you into shape. The class starts with some stretching and strengthening exercises. We then go through a set of basics that teach simple and effective self defense while conditioning you aerobically. The class then varies depending on what the students are working on. We practice kata, two man sparring and drills, self defense techniques, joint locks, throws and some grappling skills, some knife skills and Okinawan Kobudo (weapons).
Isshin Ryu was created by master Tatsuo (dragon man) Shimabuku. Mr. Shimabuku was an expert in Shorin Ryu, Goju Ryu and Okinawan Kobudo. He developed the innovative set of basic punches and kicks used in Isshin Ryu. He taught eight advanced empty hand kata and seven weapons kata.
My instructor is Master A.J. Advincula. Mr. Advincula started Isshin Ryu in 1958. He trained with Mr. Shimabuku for over 17 years. He lived on Okinawa for seven years during those seventeen years.
I began Isshin Ryu in 1981 with Steve Vanderford and began training with Mr. Advincula in 1985.

Hakutsuru is White Crane. Hakutsuru is old style karate. This is the karate that the Okinawans originally practiced for self defense, before sport karate and modern karate. The crane is a weak animal that uses evasion and speed. It emphasizes a simultaneous block and strike, open hand strikes to dangerous accupuncture points. Hakutsuru looks like a soft style but is very dangerous. It uses little force to cause serious damage.