Who else is using the vertical fist?

 

Ittsukan Dojo - 

I always thought Norris was using an Isshinryu thumb on top fist in this photo. It's hard to tell and his chambered hand is not in that formation.

 

Ittsukan Dojo -

It's all a little confusing. Seems there were a number of famous people that used the thumb on top fist and even the vertical punch but then moved away from them. Here's Joe Lewis, who I believe did train with Shimabukuro Eizo and another of Shimabuku Tatsuo's student's that went back to Shorinryu.

 

I

And then, there's this...also a thumb on top fist.

The Gen Lee Fist Published in Street Defense - The Practical Martial Arts Magazine, Volume 2, Number 3 Manor Books, New York, 1977 Although...

ittsukan.blogspot.com

Ittsukan Dojo

This, by Bill Wallace and others 1976. Clearly his thumb is up on top.Who was Wallace's teacher? He doesn't use that in more recent photos.

 

Ittsukan Dojo -

Come to think of it, Kyan Chotoku's thumbs look pretty high in this photo.

 

 

Arcenio Advincula -

According to Nakazato John, Kyan Chotoku did not teach it and said it was Tatsuo Sensei's innovation. The photos to me show he is not making a fist with the thumb on top.

 

Ittsukan Dojo -

 Yes, I agree. I think he is just standing with loosely clenched fists. Holding them...relaxed and, natural.

Ittsukan Dojo -

Oyata Seiyu posing with what looks like a thumb on top, Isshinryu fist.

 

TBT- 1998. Tokumura Kensho Sensei showing how Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei tested the wrist on a punch.