Just
getting started in Isshin ryu, or feel the need for some new stimulation? Let me
recommend a book or two, several video tapes. They do, however, come from different
camps. So what? This is the "One Heart" site of Isshin ryu. The
goal is for us to increase our understanding and improve our teaching of Isshin ryu.
Treat the following books and video tapes like eating fish. Pick out the bones, eat
the meat and be nourished.
A few suggestions include the following.
First, of course, there are the sensible must read books written by my Sensei and
original student of Tatsuo Shimabuku, Steve Armstrong. Several of these
books were out of print and have only recently been reprinted. The books are
Seisan, Seiuchin, Naihanchi, and Wansu. These books go step-by-
step through each of these katas.
"Where the world ceases to be the scene of our personal
hopes and wishes, where we face it as free beings admiring, asking and observing,
there we enter the realm of Art and Science" ___ Albert Einstein
Isshin ryu Karate : The One Heart Method - by Steve Armstrong
as told to Jay Alevizon:
A look at Isshin ryu by one of the outstanding early
leaders and builders of Isshin ryu karate in the United States.
Seisan
- Sensei Steve Armstrong: A traditional and pictorial step-by-step through the kata.
Seiuchin
- Sensei Steve Armstrong: A traditional and pictorial step-by-step through the kata.
Naihanchi
- Sensei Steve Armstrong: A traditional and pictorial step-by-step through the kata.
Wansu
- Sensei Steve Armstrong: A traditional and pictorial step-by-step through the kata.
Isshin
ryu Karate Do : Its History and Philosophy - Michael J. Dobyns: A respectable
book giving a historical overview of Isshin ryu.
Okinawa's Complete Karate
System - Isshin Ryu - Michael Rosenbaum: A unique look at Isshin Ryu's lineage,
the internal and external aspects of the art, and the multiple interpretations of
all Isshin Ryu kata.
Dynamics of Isshin ryu Karate - Harold Long:
The sensible application of self defense through the practice of kata.
Dynamics
of Isshin ryu Karate (Book 3) - Harold Long: A great Isshin ryu book on power,
breaking, self-defense, Bo Bo and Bo Sai kumite, and much more.
Isshin-ryu
karate : the ultimate Fighting Art -Harold Long: A must read book by one of America's
original Isshin ryu giants.
Isshin ryu Chinto Kata, Secrets Revealed
- Javier Martinez: Mr. Javier Martinez's books give an unusual self-defense or "bunkai"
applications to the kata involved. Although these applications in some cases may
be considerably different from the bunkai or Kumite applications taught by Shimabuku
Tatsuo Sensei to his original students, the books are of interest.
Isshin
ryu Kusanku Kata Secrets Revealed - Javier Martinez
Isshin ryu Naihanchi
Kata, Secrets Revealed -Javier Martinez
Isshin ryu Karate-Do -
Milledge Murphey: An overview of history, approach, and theory, of Isshin ryu.
Isshin
ryu : the one heart, one mind method - Allen Wheeler: A well-done pictorial step-by-step
of Isshin ryu's open-hand katas.
The Way of Kata, A Comprehensive Guide
to Deciphering Martial Applications - by Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder :
This is not another book of complicated and questionable techniques or weird physiological
theories. Regardless of ones style or system, when it comes to discerning each move
of ones kata, this is the book. If you obtain the book for just the fifteen general
principles to identify effective kata techniques and the twelve discrete rules for
deciphering martial applications, it will be well worth it.
Karate-Do :
My Way of Life - Gichin Funakoshi: Written near the end of his life, this book
lacks some of the fire of his earlier works, but still a book to be read by the martial
artist.
The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do... - Shoshin Nagamine: Sensei
Nagamine covers the history of karate, sparring techniques, and all eighteen Matsubayashi
Shorin-Ryu katas. Since five of Isshin ryu's hand katas come from the Shorin Ryu
linage, this book is a treasured reference source.
Tales of Okinawa's
Great Masters - Shoshin Nagamine: Another classic work by the last of the legendary
pre-war karate masters.
Lessons from the Dojo Floor - Kris Wilder: This four star
rated book not only educates and entertains, it will ultimately challenge every martial
artist from beginner to black belt. Not only a well-known Dan in Goju-ryu, the author
also holds Dan rankings in Tae Kwon Do, and Judo. The messages contained within this
book will help each of us identify our training for what it is, and the reasons we
train.
The Way of Sanchin Kata - Another four star rated
book by Kris Wilder: One of if not the best book ever written on Sanchin.
Designed for the reader to explore and verify Sanchin Kata for ones
self—regardless of style or linage. Buy it, underline it, and study it.
Okinawan Goju-Ryu -Seikichi Toguchi: This book is worth buying
just for the discussion on Sanchin kata and the instructions for proper breathing.
Karate Dojo : Traditions and Tales - Peter Urban: A fun to read classic,
written by one of America's pioneer martial artists. For many of us, this was the
first book in our martial arts' library.
Iron and Silk (Vintage Departures)
- Mark Salzman: Well written and fun. This book is of great interest to any practitioner
of Okinawa karate who understands the Chinese influence on his art.
Wearing dyed
pajamas and a bald head wig ordered out of a comic book, 13 years old "Little
Grasshopper" Mark Salzman began his quest for Kung Fu in his parents basement.
In 1982, a decade later, Salzman left for Changsha, China to teach English. And there
he developed his master-student (shifu-tudi) relationship with China's foremost martial
arts instructor.
Karate-Do Kyohan : The Master Text - Gichin Funakoshi,
Tsutomu Ohshima: Although of more interest to Shotokan Karate-Do, the detailed technique
of this style's katas will be of interest to any serious karate student.
Bushido
: The Soul of Japan - Inazo Nitobe: An unusual cross-cultural essay on Bushido--the
conduct of the militant knight.
The Weaponless Warriors - Richard
Kim: The author started his martial art training in 1926 and has studied with recognized
masters throughout the world ever since. This informal history of Okinawan Karate
is another fun to read classic.
The Bible of Karate : Bubishi - Patrick
McCarthy: "Bible" is stretching it. But, it is still a book for our library
and of great interest to any karate-ka.
The Art of War - Tzu Sun:
This logical approach to the conduct of Chinese military operations was authored
more than two thousand years ago. Today, Tzu Sun's views are being adapted by business
and others seeking to develop winning strategies in their daily endeavors.
-VSH
VIDEO TAPES -
&
DVDs
Isshin ryu
- A.J. Advincula: Nine professionally done tapes by original
Tatsuo Shimabuku student A.J.Advincula. Just the first tape alone covers everything
from the principles of Isshin ryu's blocks, strikes, kicks and body mechanic to basic
upper and lower exercises. And much more, including 1, 2 and 3 point sparring with
all basic bunkai--preferred and non-preferred. That is just the first tape. There
are four more tapes covering hand katas and four tapes covering Isshin ryu weapon's
katas. For more information click on: www.isshin1.com
Isshinryu
- This DVD by Don
Shapland
opens with a very concise IR history.
Then closes with a brief history of Canadian Isshin ryu. Don Shapland is Canadian
and planted much of the Isshin ryu that is there today. Don started back east in
1966 studying IR. He spent a decade or so living and studying in Okinawa and adds
that flavor. He returned in 2002 after investing ten years living on Okinawa studying
Ryukyu Kobudo Tesshinkan—The original Ryukyu weapons system.
The DVD covers
step-by-step the 23 kihon of Isshin ryu. Then traditional and pictorial step-by-step
through the katas Seisan, Seiunchin, Naihanshi, Wansu, and Sanchin. Each form three
times—once slow and once full power and then, finally, showing bunkai—an excellent
source for new students in particular.
The quality is professional. The editing
is excellent. It is edited to make it easy to follow, which makes for easy learning.
And the price is only $29.95 not including shipping. For those interested, it can
be ordered from: http://www.risingsunproductions.net
Power
Training for Karate - Morio Higaonna: Morio Higaonna, is considered
the most senior living Goju Ryu karate practitioner. This ninety minute tape covers
the entire karate training system: kata, bunkai, sparring stretching, weight training,
body conditioning, and makiwara work out.
Goju Ryu Karate Kata - Morio Higaonna: All twelve Goju
Ryu kata by Morio Higaonna, 9th Dan Hanshi, one of the world's most technically accomplished
teachers of any style.
The Karate of Chotoku Kyan - Zenpo Shimabukuru:
Chotoku Kyan, an Okinawa karate legend. No nonsense combat karate as it should be.
Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate Part 1 English subtitles
- Okinawa Karate's Shoshin and Takayoshi Nagamine along with historic
footage, kata, bunkai, weapons, and more.
"Blessed
be the Lord my strength,
which teacheth my hands to war,
and my fingers to
fight."
____________Psalm 144:1
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