Isshin-Ryu Karate

Isshin-Ryu is a form of Karate that emphasizes circular flowing technique with more snap motions than most kinds of karate. It's also relatively new but popular enough to spread throughout the world. Many of its movements are taken from other forms and it is flexible enough to continue the borrowing process.

A master will not rush into combat, but will wait until either an attack or an expected attack. The first move will almost always be a combination of an attack and a defense followed by a Jumping or Leaping attack. Bo Staff work is integral to every movement in the form. Each kata can use the Bo Staff for both attacking and defending.

Must hold all attacks (unless spent in defense) until the end of the round.

The eight-point rule of Isshinryu are as follows:

• 1. As the heart beats on and off, as heaven and earth rule man, so harmony should be in all things.
• 2. As the blood moves through the body, as the moon and sun move through the sky, so movement should be continuous.
• 3. As the body's fluids come in and out of the body, as all things are either hard or soft, blocks and deflections (Parries) should match the attack.
• 4. Weight and unbalance are the same, lightness and balance are also the same.
• 5. No direction is correct, so any direction must be subject to instant change.
• 6. Striking should be made only at those times and places when defense is weakest.
• 7. The eye must see in every direction.
• 8. The ear must hear in every direction.

Stance

Feet shoulder-width apart, forward foot pointing slightly away from the body, rear foot pointing towards the rear. One arm tight against the waist, the other loosely extended, both hands clenched in fists. Note that the fist is somewhat different, with the thumb wrapped over the top of the clenched fist rather than toward the palm.

Level

Advanced

Years to Study

10

Dress

Karate outfit with optional school patch worn on left side of the chest. The Bo Staff is often personalized with a bit of carving and/or with some leather hand grips. They can also be painted, varnished or stained in different colors.

Alignment Requirements

None

Attribute Requirements

Str. (11), Con. (11), Dex. (13)

Number of Attacks

3

Free Moves

Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Disarm, ‘Bo’ Staff Proficiency & Kata

Purchaseable Moves

Maintain Balance, Parry, Automatic Parry, Combo Parry/Attack, Strike, Knife Hand,Fore-Knuckle Fist, Palm Strike, Kick, Snap Kick, Backward Sweep, Reverse Turning Kick,Jump Kick, Death Blow, Leap Attack, Elbow, Pull Punch, K.O./Stun, Critical

Allowed Powers

Up to 3 powers from Martial Arts Techniques or Special Katas.

Required: Fortress Penetration (Bassai Kata)

Recommended Skills

Language Modern, Artistic Ability (Gardening), Ikebana, Bonsai, Writing (Calligraphy), Haiku, Musical Instrument, Cooking, Artistic Ability (Sewing), Dancing, Go

Links to Moves

Martial Arts Kicks
Martial Arts Strikes
Martial Arts Movement
Martial Arts Evasions
Martial Arts Special Moves