"We should use the martial arts to pick someone up, rather than knock him down."
- Isshin-Ryu Master Jesse Gallegos, 1925 - 1995

Isshin-Ryu Karate was developed in the early 1950's by Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku. Born in 1906, Shimabuku began his training at the age of eight, and studied two major styles of Okinawan Karate, Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu. He also became adept in weaponry, particularly the Bo and the Sai. Shimabuku eventually sought to create a new style of karate, combining the best elements of Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu, eventually creating Isshin-Ryu, meaning "One Heart Method". Physically, Isshin-Ryu is a direct, no-nonsense art, emphasizing simplicity and accuracy for effective self-defense. Mentally, it develops the practitioner's self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-respect. Isshin-Ryu Karate is not a sport, but a way of life.

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