Saturday, December 16, 2023

MCC - 406 Isshinryu Forms - Session Tape from 4/9/89

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U5KTb_CKrI&t=1221s


Oct 10, 2017  Kata (Miscellaneous)

Overview

This workout took place 28 years ago (4/9/89).  What makes this very special, is that it features Master George Shin, one of my mentors, and by my reckoning, one of the finest Sensei and people I have ever met.  Also featured is my martial arts brother in spirit, Master Don Wasielewski.  Both of these gentlemen trace their histories back to the original Steve Armstrong Dojo in Tacoma, WA.  I had been a long time martial artist, friend and acquaintance to Sensei Armstrong, but had not studied Isshinryu until hooking us with Sensei Don in 1984.  We traded off styles, I worked with him on sticks and swords, and he mentored me in Isshinryu.  I eventually tested before Sensei Armstrong on February 20, 1988.  For a full account of that time, you can go to (http://www.ironcrane.com/html/isshint...)

  

There aren't many videos from the period.  Back then, decent cameras cost over a thousand dollars, and tapes were expensive.  Most times, you'd use tapes for training and would re-use them to save money.  In any event, what you're seeing here is in the aftermath of the Armstrong Dojo closing.  We were visiting the school of Sensei Terry Lee in South Tacoma (Parkland) and everything just sort of came together.  Don happened to have his camera in the trunk and aside from the filming, what you're seeing is part of what might be categorized as a typical workout. We were very lucky to capture the moment, as I'm sure you'll agree.

  

These are the folks you see on the floor, and their respective ranks on that date:

  

George Shin - 7th Degree Black Belt - White Gi

Don Wasielewski - 7th Degree Black Belt - Blue Shirt

Terry Lee - 4th Degree Black Belt - Black T-shirt

Bill Mc Cabe - 2nd Degree Black Belt - Black Gi top

Dave Robinson - 1st Degree Black Belt - White Gi and moustache


Sensei Shin is in his mid 60's in the video, several years after an unfortunate heart attack.  His performance is remarkable, and typical for the man I know.  There can be no doubt as to his determination, his discipline, his skill, and his generosity as you view him throughout.  These qualities shape the man you see, and have always set him apart from others.  In his late 80's, Sensei Shin received a terminal cancer diagnosis.  As I understand it, the cancer had spread so pervasively within him, he had only a few months left.  He elected to forgo last ditch treatment, went home, and returned to his normal schedule of working out and teaching, which he still does today.  He is 92 years old ... the cancer is still there ... the doctors are baffled.

  

George Shin.  Living and proving the value of determination, discipline, skill, and generosity.



WE ARE SAD TO SAY, GEORGE SHIN PASSED AWAY 5/27/21.  HE WAS 95 YEARS OLD.  HE LEAVES BEHIND A SHINING LIFE EXAMPLE OF PROPER CONDUCT AND EXCELLENCE.


The Kata of Isshinryu - Time markers for quick viewing:


SEISAN 4min48sec; 5min54sec

SEIUCHIN  7min25sec

NAIHANCHI  10min16sec; 12min39sed; 13min15sec

WANSU  14min29sec; a5min42sec

CHINTO  16min54sec; 18min06sec

KUSANKU  19min16sec; 20min44sec; 51min58sec

SUNSU  22min24sed; 27min26sec

SANCHIN  34min58sec; 36min25sec

KUSANKU-SAI  38min13sec 

SAI CHATAN-YARA NO SAI  40min17sec

TOKO MENI NO KUN NO DAI  42min13sec; 43min10sec

BO SHI SHI NO KUN NO DAI  44min07sec; 45min56sec

URASHI BO  47min38sec; 49min03sec

TONFA  50min31sec

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