About Brawny's Dojo
About Isshinryu Karate
“The Way of One Heart” is a streamlined karate style codified by Tatsuo Shimabuku in 1956. By combining katas learned from Shorinyu karate, the breath and body control learned from Gojuryu karate, the simplified fighting principles learned from “10th dan of street fighting” Choki Motobu, and traditional weapons from Taira Shinken – Isshinryu became an easy to learn system focused on practicality and strengthening the body with previously unseen efficiency. This made the style a favorite among USMC troops who were stationed in Okinawa after World War II, many of whom brought what they had learned from Shimabuku back to the states after their tours were complete.
Isshinryu also has some original signatures that make it different from any other style of martial arts. Isshinryu pioneered the thumb-on-top vertical fist method of punching, which is all-around stronger, faster, and more versatile. Our “muscle” block technique is easy to learn and can absorb more force than “bone” blocks in other styles, while also providing a sturdy, natural base to set up counter attacks. Isshinryu also heavily utilizes footwork known as the “circle-step”, a unique and versatile movement that allows for quick forward, backward, or angled movement without compromising stability while keeping the lower-body protected.
Isshinryu trains eight empty-handed katas. Seven of which are found in the advanced sections of many other karate styles, and one that was developed originally by Tatsuo Shimabuku, himself. These katas have been streamlined for the body’s natural structure, allowing the movements to be easier applied to realistic combat scenarios. We also train techniques with several traditional Okinawan weapons – such as staff, sais, tonfas, nunchucks, and kamas.
The Philosophy
There’s also a heavy aspect of philosophy involved in the training of Isshinryu karate. Most of which is demonstrated in the emblem of Isshinryu, sometimes referred to as the “Mizugami” – which was developed by Shimabuku’s student, Master Arcieno Advincula.
The water goddess is a symbol of adaptability, swimming with and overcoming the turbulent seas of life with clear skies, representing peace of mind. Her pose with one hand open and one fist closed shows the philosophy of peace backed by a readiness to fight. The emblem is shaped like the oval of a vertical fist and outlined with the orange fire of your spirit. The dragon is a symbol of strength rising above, or sometimes Tatsuo (translated: dragon boy) Shimabuku himself. Stars come in three, representing both mind, body, spirit, and Shimabuku’s initial influences, Chokuto Kyan, Chogin Miyagi, and Choki Motobu. Or there may be five stars to represent the five founders of Isshinryu – Kyan, Miyagi, Motobu, Shinken, and Shimabuku.
You’ll also notice a symbol called the “mitsu tomoe” in our own emblems. These three swirling commas show the circle of life in Earth, Heaven, and Man are often used as protective symbols. The Brawny’s Dojo emblem pays homage to Sensei Brawny’s first teacher, who used a lion rampart over the mitsu tomoe – showing courage and leadership. Sensei Brawny chose a rearing horse. Horses are peaceful, yet known for their strength, as well as their abilities to defend themselves, learn, form friendships, and help mankind with hard work.
Your Lead Instructor
Growing up in a small town in New York, Brawny had an interest in martial arts from a young age. At thirteen, his father enrolled him in a nearby Kuk Sool Won school, where he trained alongside his father and younger brother for three years. Filled with ambitions of working in stunt choreography, alongside a desire to help those around him become stronger and healthier, Brawny sought to improve himself even further. This path eventually brought him to cross-train in Isshinryu karate. After his black belt test in Kuk Sool Won, Brawny switched to training Isshinryu full time – earning his first degree in just over a year-and-a-half.
Through Isshinryu, he branched out into Judo, Capoeira, and gymnastics. All while learning as much as he could about all forms of health and healing.
It wasn’t long before Brawny started helping his sensei around the dojo, and found a great deal of enjoyment in leading the kids’ classes. The experience brought him a lot of insight on how to work with each individual’s needs while balancing the needs of the group. Through research, patience and empathy, Brawny helped several students with a variety of special needs see great progress.
He also enjoyed travelling cross-state to compete. Brawny earned many victories in empty-hand katas, weapons katas, point sparring, kickboxing, and MMA.
Eventually, he moved to Florida to attend film school. It was during this time that his friends gave him his nickname for the determination and intensity he uses to tackle every task and challenge.
After graduating college, Brawny continued to travel, train, and study. After a few years, he settled back in Orlando to work as a personal trainer. During this time, one of his friends for help in losing weight. Brawny happily obliged and encouraged their other friends to join along. They trained in parks around Orlando as much as possible, and all saw significant improvements in their overall health.
Now, Brawny continues to teach at the Goldenrod Recreation Center in Orlando, Florida, in hopes of helping more people reach a stronger state of mind, body, and spirit.
