First, before I go into the twelve features of Isshinryu I would ask
anyone who is an Isshinryu practitioner to provide me the "author" of
these twelve features of Isshinryu. Can anyone provide the author's
name? Can you validate it with at least two acceptable sources? I can
tell you I can not provide any such information or documentation.
It might actually be something written by Harold Long and it is believed
that it is quoted in his book, "Isshinryu Karate - The Ultimate
Fighting Art." I don't have a copy so I cannot confirm it is located
there but depending on the year of publication vs. when it first came
out in the Isshinryu community would help a bit determining the author.
Read also "Isshinryu Statements of Fact - NOT [or maybe] where I say,
"Some of these quotes are meant to be conveyed as the unique traits of
the Isshinryu system and since I have found those traits to be less than
accurate I can only say the only "original defining characteristics
unique to Isshinryu" at its naming are the vertical fist, the thumb on
top of the vertical fist, and the muscle forearm block. I would add that
this is important that these particular features/traits, etc. were
applicable in the late fifties but today are not exclusive to Isshinryu
anymore because many have adopted this stuff." -
http://isshindo.blogspot.com/2011/04/is ... ot-or.html
Lets take a look at the features as they stand at one site:
1. The elimination of “fancy” techniques.
I don't feel from my studies and views of the systems practiced at the
time that any of them actually utilized complex techniques. We will
assume that since the systems of the late fifties as taught to the
military under limited time spans mostly taught strikes and kicks, etc.
Only a few remained longer to gain any knowledge of grappling or vital
point type training. In the Isshinryu communities I feel confident that
most of the military came back with only a rudimentary knowledge and
understanding of the system. This was the actual physical stuff, i.e.
the upper and lower basics, kata and some predefined kumite drills.
It is apparent from other systems such as Goju and Shorin, the two major
systems Marines were exposed to in those days, that complexities were
non-existent to them unless, and I mean maybe on this, they remained for
extended tours or returned for additional tours.
2. Combines the best of Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu to form a realistic, basic system of self defense.
No one can say this with any validity unless they can demonstrate with
authority that these features came directly from Tatsuo-san. We can make
some assumptions that Tatsuo-san took what he "perceived" as the
techniques he desired from the two systems to form Isshinryu but we
still cannot say they were the best, in a blanket statement. The best of
anything is dependent on individual interpretations and perceptions.
As to any combinations actually Shorin is the dominant system of
influence with a lesser influence from goju. Just look at the kata of
Isshinryu, i.e. two from goju and five from shorin and one in essence a
creation for Isshinryu.
3. Kicks thrown below the waist (for power and balance hand techniques thrown above the waist.
The original intent may be perceived that kicks were taught to strike
below the waist but then again many photo's display higher kicks. I
wonder sometimes if this comes from the matches or tournaments that
flourished in the fifties, sixties and seventies. I can only state that
when I took Isshinryu on Okinawan my Sensei actually taught and fostered
the lower kicks and in-close strikes of the hands, etc. He also
advocated very close in strategies, etc.
Now, as a feature to distinguish it from other systems on Okinawan I
have observed the use of lower kicks and a tendency to rely heavily on
hand techniques. Since it could be observed in other systems it might
actually be a Okinawan empty hand feature and not be an exclusive
Isshinryu feature. Observe Goju and Uechi ryu, many kicks are below the
waist.
I feel strongly that my studies would indicate that the lower kicks were
the essence of all Okinawan empty hand martial arts. It can still be
seen in kata of Goju, Shorin and Uechi, to name just three. Since those
were the main stay of empty hand at the time it works for me.
4. The use of short, natural stances, which allow better mobility,
eliminate wasted motion along with major shifts in the body, and are
more adaptable to the American physique
First, this is standard fundamental principles of martial systems. It is
not something special indicative of a system like Isshinryu. It
transcends any system, style or branch of martial arts. It is what makes
it work, not something we spout out to indicate just how cool and
effective our system is. It is what makes any martial arts work,
effective and efficient. Mobility, economic movement, body mechanics and
adaptability are indicative of everyone regardless of body type, etc. -
a fundamental principal of all systems.
Second, I understand that the lower stances actually came about from the
efforts of Funakoshi Sensei to gain acceptance in Japan for Okinawan
Karate. It is also used as a means to teach stances and structures as
well as build leg strength. Some how the transition to more natural
stances at later levels of proficiency got lost and I suspect it may
have been due to the sport orientation that took over the martial
aspects of karate in the mid 1900's.
5. A balance of hand and foot techniques in the Katas. (often said to
have "equal" hand and foot techniques depending on the form presented)
Originally, the one I received, said equal instead of balanced. Both are
inaccurate because there are more hand techniques than foot. Take a
look sometime. Have several practitioners view the AJA video's and count
the hand techniques. Then have different practitioners count the foot
or leg techniques. You will find that the balance is not so balanced in
the literal sense of the word. You will find this true of any martial
arts system.
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