ADVANTAGES OF ISSHIN-RYU

Isshin-ryu’s main objective is the perfection of oneself through both physical and mental development. You will not be able to use Isshin-ryu, or any style of Karate, as self-defense until you can react without thinking; your movements must become instinctive. Isshin-ryu combines a well-rounded exercise program with some important advantages over other styles of Karate.

1. Isshin-ryu punches and kicks are thrown from natural stances, eliminating wasted motion and giving split-second advantages over opponents.

2. Isshin-ryu stresses proficiency with both hand and foot techniques, making it more versatile.

3. Isshin-ryu is one of the most realistic styles of Karate, stressing street fighting techniques.

4. Isshin-ryu stresses snap-punch and snap-kick techniques that permit one to move in and out quickly.

5. Isshin-ryu is more adaptabe to the American physique, designed to follow natural body movements.

6. Isshin-ryu may help one in the job or studies because the mental and physical conditioning provides one with an opportunity to "wind down" from daily tensions and frustrations.

THE PRINCIPLES OF ISSHIN-RYU KARATE

1. All movements are based on rapid and natural reactions.

2. The goal of each technique is to strike with maximum power using minimum effort.

3. Yin and Yang: the body remains relaxed until contact is made. At that point, it becomes hard.

4. Offense and defense is based on angular movements.

5. The use of the vertical punch with the thumb positioned on top of the fist.

6. Equal balance and mobility should be maintained in all directions.

7. Offensive techniques should be executed with naturally hardened parts of the body while defensive technqiues should be executed with the naturally padded parts of the body.

8. "Sanchin" should be practiced regularly as it aids in meditation, breath control, and body tension.

9. All movement centers around a point located three inches below the navel.

10. The triggering mechanism for all movements is proper breathing.

11. Offensive movements utilize outward gripping stances while defensive movements utilize inward gripping stances.