'Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow'....And that is the way this book grew. First just a little sketch to explain more clearly the Isshinryu fist, then another sketch to explain the floor pattern for Seiuchin Kata. A little list of Japanese words to improve the students' vocabularly. Little by little and note by note. A few mimeographed copies of the list of requirements for promotions. Always, over the years, karate students have asked, 'what can we read to help us in our studies?' There really was nothing for them. Of course there was a plentitude of books on other styles but none tailored specifically for Isshinryu. It was decided to arrange these notes and sketches into a logical order...so we have a book. This book started, and still is an aid for my students. Others of our style have found it useful. The many quotes from Master Shimabuku and the pictures used of both Master Tatsuo and Master Kichiro Shimabuku do not imply in any way that they have read or have in any manner approved or disapproved of this book. It is no more or no less a collection of information and instructions that I have used in almost twenty years of teaching. Contents Tatsu Skhimabuku Kichiro Shimabuku Courtesy and respect Introduction Glossary The symbol of Isshinryu Karate code Isshinryu-One heart way The stances Karada-Parts of the body Parts of the body used as weapons-Use of the hands; Use of the feet and legs Basic blocking technqiues Wkhre and how to attack the body Basic charts for practice The Katas (explanation)- Taikyoku; Seisan; Seiuchin; Nahanchie; Wansu; Chinto; Ku san Ku; Sun Su; Sanchin Chinquchi The kata and cardiovascular fitness The kiai The laws of bushido Dojo safety and first aid Toukrnaments and tournament rules Ancient weapons-The sai; The bo; The ton-fa; The nunchaku Requirements for promotion