Discussion about the Isshinryu Rank standards adopted by Shimabuku Tatsuo in 1965.

 

Ralph Passero

 

That may be what it was, but those requirements have changed, each dojo it seems makes their own policy on rank goals. The sensei of any dojo sets his standard, and when holding the rank of 3rd dan, does as he pleases. This is an issue to be challenged, by many.

 

Andreas Quast

 

I think it is still about the same in Okinawa. It is very normal over there to get ranked comparatively high within the first 10-20 years. We should not try to be more Japanese than the Japanese lol

 

John Bartusevics

 

This was adapted after the accelerated promotions prior to 1960.Upon the start of the AOKA and approvd of Master Shimabuku Tatsuo, he started off with this Guideline to bring Isshin-Ryu more in line with other Styles and most Associations.Now day's, you will find most Isshin-Ryu Dojo's have more tighter Rank Promotions. One thing that i would not change is the awarding a Red/White Belt untill 7th-Dan.For whatever reason that was changed by either Sensei Harold Long or Sensei Steve Armstrong or both, and now we have Red/White Belts for 5th and 6th Degrees running around. Yes,i know the Kodokan for Judo does that. Sensei Harold M. Mitchum. Jim Advincula or I will never change that, you will be a Red/White Belt when you attain 7th-Dan

 

Albert Mady

 

I have seen several people wearing red and white belts, only to find that they were only 5th dan. I looked at the time requirements and was surprised how quickly one moved up to sho dan, other ranks. What was the reasoning for the accelerated promotions at the time, and what were the rank requirements for sho dan. Were all 8 empty hand kata required and when did the weapons kata come into play. Thank you Sir, for the history, John Bartusevics

Sandra Cail

 

 I'm going after the coveted purple or pink belts, no need for the red and white belt here!

 

 

John Bartusevics

 

Albert Mady-San,Master Shimabuku Tatsuo published this Rank Structor as a Minimum Rank Guideline. I can only talk for what took place after 1960.Remember Formal class was conducted 5 times a week for two hours, however you always put in a Hour before and another hour after class. Then on weekends ,all afternoon on Sat and most Sunday's. When you were stationed in Okinawa in the early 60's.you were a young wipper-snapper. You normally became one of three choices, a workaholic, an alcoholic, or a Physical Training Nut. Most of us in Isshin-Ryu managed to balance those three items. At first Sensei had you learn all 8 empty hand Kata's, Tokumini-No-Kun,Chatan-Yara-No-Sai and the Self-Defense Techniques.It took me 13 Months and Paul Heffernan 14 Months to attain our Sho-Dan. Paul started early 1962 and left in Nov 1964,as a Sho-Dan. I arrived on Okinawa in Nov,1961,In Dec, my friends West and Carter both Green Belts took me down to the Hamada Dojo to start.S pent a week or so before 1ST Tank  Bn went to Mt.Fuji for Cold Weather training for two months. So we improvised, we had Lt Ruyle a Brown Belt that got all the Isshin-Ryu Students together every day and trained. When i left on 30 May 1965,i was supposed to been a San-Dan, however after i did real good in the First Island-

Wide Karate Championship, the Master promoted me to Yon-Dan.

 

John Bartusevics

 

Later in late 1963,Master Shimabuku Tatsuo eliminated a few empty hand katas. The Marine training intensified and the average Marine was out in the field more than in the Dojo. I was fortunate because in May 1963 i got assigned to 3d Marine Division Special Services to take over the Duties as the Div.Judo/Karate Coordinator.So i got to practically live in the Dojo's.