Isshinryu karate was founded by Tatsuo Shimabuku.  He was born in Okinawa in 1908.  He began his studies of karate at the age of eight.  Tatsuo Shimabuku's first instructor was his uncle, who taught Sensei Shimabuku Shuri-Te (Shorin-Ryu).

Sensei also trained under Master Kyan Chotoku (Top), who was one of the most famous Shorin-Ryu masters ever.  Sensei Shimabuku also trained with the founder of Goju-Ryu.  He was  Master Miyagi Chojun (Middle).  Later on Sensei Shimabuku trained under Master Motobu Choki (Bottom), who was famous for Shorin-Ryu.

After World War II Sensei Shimabuku Combined what he thought the most efective techniques were from each style into his own system.  He called this Isshinyu "One Heart Way".  Sensei Shimabuku also developed two new Katas"forms", which were Sunsu Kata, and Kusanku Sai.