Isshin-ryu (一心流, “one heart”) was founded by Shimabuku Tatsuo (1908–1975), who drew on his Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu teachers, and was named in 1956. It is known for its vertical-fist punch. Many American servicemen trained with Shimabuku in Okinawa in the 1950s and 60s, which is why the style has so many dojo in the United States. Its Okinawan headquarters is in Uruma.
4 Isshin-ryu dojo in Okinawa are listed on this page, 1 of them checked against the operator's own page in October–November 2026.
Lineages and histories differ between schools and are sometimes disputed; treat this as orientation, not a ruling. See Okinawan karate styles explained and where to train.
🎫 Meet the instructor before class; once approved, register at the fitness-center counter. Monthly fees (2026 page): Isshin-ryu/Kenpo/Kobudo $50; Aiki Ju-Jutsu $30 child…