Students working toward their next rank test will be expected to know history about Isshinryu Karate at the beginner level. As students level up, we want their knowledge to expand to understanding other traditional Okinawan and Japanese styles as well. Here's some great information about some of the history students will be expected to know for their test.
(This is not a complete listing, just a sampling. The complete history can be found in our curriculum book which can be found on our resources tab in the Ingram's Karate app)
White belt students will be expected to know basic Isshinryu history and terms:
What type of karate are you learning? Isshinryu
Who Created Isshinryu karate? Master Tatsuo Shimabuku
What Year was Master Shimabuku born? 1908
What year did Isshinryu officially become a style of karate? 1956 (January 15th officially)
When did Master Shimabuku die? May 30, 1975
What 2 styles of karate make Isshinryu? Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu
Why do students need to keep their knees bent when practicing karate? For better balance, and to protect the knees from being broken.
What is the reason for the Isshinryu fist placing the thumb on top of the fist? Because it engages a tendon in the wrist that helps to strengthen the wrist
Why does Isshinryu utilize a vertical fist? The vertical fist is great for in close punching, it fits well into the solar plexus, it helps to protect the elbow from being broken, and the vertical nature of the fist facilitates speed in the punch
What does the word Karate mean? Empty Hand
What does the word Isshinryu mean? One Heart Method
A student working toward the orange belt level would need to know all of the white belt information, as well as questions relating to the Isshinryu patch. See the curriculum book for a full overview of the Isshinryu Patch
A student working toward the brown and black belt level would need to expand their knowledge to knowing about important Okinawan masters like Kyan Chotoku, Motobu Choki, and Miyagi Chojun. As well as Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan; as well as important aspects of Okinawan karate history. See our curriculum book for a more detailed overview, or browse our blog for an advanced rank history study guide similar to this one.
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