Quite some time ago (2002) I noticed an individual, Javier Martinez, was writing books on Isshinryu. I purchased them and was following his posts on the Isshinryu discussion groups.
What he was writing was intriguing, abet quite different from what I was working towards. I am fine with that, there is room for many points of view. However the more I read and followed what I saw varied a great deal from how I experienced Isshinryu, having my own background in many different arts too.
I found he had also trained with Sherman Harrill, and even that Sherman had done a clinic at his school. It made sense to ask Sherman for his opinion on what Javier was doing.
This was Sherman's response.
Subj: Re: Javier's on a Roll Sensei
Date: 4/15/02 9:36:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time
In a message dated 4/15/02 5:18:07 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Isshim writes:
I am curious on your opinion.
Isshinryu upper block secret by Javier Martinez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y705yfj12vo
Isshinryu Seisan Kata bunkai Javier Martinez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIl5UXxVxT0
The beginning of Naihanchi Tuite bunkai.
Isshinryu version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qustDdHO3m8
Seisan Kata 5th movement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZDcttzkTPs
Chinto bunkai by Javier Martinez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RspJuPQOf3s
Kusanku bunkai Isshinryu Javier Martinez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZRZ9b-Pnsw
Martinez Isshinryu Karate / Tuite
Demo 1990 - Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxBkgytvksE
Victor
The way I view this is it doesn't make any difference to me if he changed or forgot the kata, it is ear marked Isshin~Ryu. I will not change the kata because it works quite well for me and as you have seen I have no problem applying techniques from the way Sensei taught it.
All I can see is this is the type of ammo Javier needs to back up his claims.
I have said all along that if they don't like the system they are more than welcome to either start their own or study another style to their liking. Instead of trying to make excuses for the style and changing it all they need to do is understand the system they are in. People have changed things from the start of time, as it will change some form teacher to student.
I really doubt that any student can say they teach everything exactly the same as their teacher without some change.
Hell I know I don't, most from lack of time with Sensei and the other is Sherman Harrill's development. I am saying all of this because I am a first generation student loyal to my sensei as you are to yours and to the system of Isshin~Ryu.
Sherm
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