Introduction to the Original Isshinryu Karate System

Book excerpt: A must have book for anyone interested in martial arts and Isshinryu karate in general. For the first time in history a first generation student of Tatsuo Shimabukuro (1908-1975), founder of Isshinryu Karate-do, is sharing his remembrances, knowledge and insights in book form. Shihan Harry G. Smith (9th dan Isshinryu karate) studied with the founder of Isshinryu karate in Okinawa from 1956-1958. He was one of the first American students to receive his karate lessons directly from the founder of the system. Today he is the most senior Isshinryu karate practitioner in the world. This book contains: the origin of karate, history of Isshinryu karate, training insights, introduction to the Eightfold Path and very rare photographs of Tatsuo Shimabukuro and first generation students.