The following is a post from Sensei A.J. Advincula

Isshinkai Enbukai 2002

The Isshinkai Tomonokai Enbukai was the beginning of returning to our roots with Okinawa.

Isshinkai Karate-Do Enbukai Oct 18-20, 2002 was a successful event. Our guests from Okinawa have had a great time and Uechi Tsuyoshi is still looking at photos and videos and wants to see more. He has stated that the old ways are important to learn and preserve. One of the reasons for the Okinawa Rengokai.

I want to thank all who supported this historical event. I am sure our founder of Isshin-ryu would have been happy seeing this event occur. All we can do is try to preserve the teachings of Tatsuo.

With this in mind, I hope that during this Isshinkai Enbukai that we not only  leave this event with a better understanding of Isshin-ryu karate and Kobudo but also about the culture of Okinawa as Tatsuo wished.

"Even if we cannot promote friendship between Okinawa and America through karate, my true hope is that if karate becomes popular in the USA and Hawaii, then Okinawa would also become more well understood," said Mr. Shimabuku. ---Interview of Tatsuo printed in the Okinawan Times Newspaper April 30, 1960.

With this in mind, I hope that during this Isshinkai Enbukai that we not only  leave this event with a better understanding of Isshin-ryu karate and Kobudo but also about the culture of Okinawa as Tatsuo wished.

As Karate begins and ends in courtesy, let me end by giving a Okinawa proverb. "Ichariba choodee- Once we meet, we are brothers and sisters". This means that we are family and friends forever and Yes, the Isshinkai is family. To all who supported this event I thank you all.

Shikinoo chui shiihii shiru kurasuru. - Let's live helping each other in this world.

Impromptu and laughter was the course of the day.  All opened their hearts and we all opened our hearts to those who could not attend for many reasons. But it was not necessary to be at this event to be a part of the Isshinkai Enbukai. Kanpai was given to all who were here in heart and spirit. Another Okinawan proverb is, "Choo kukuru ru dee ichi. - The heart is the most essential human quality".

I have accomplished many things in my life time but this event was high on the list. I knew that Tatsuo's wish of others learning about Okinawan culture and beliefs of "Friendship" were being accomplished when Michie talking about the gathering at her home in Oceanside, Ca with Canadians, others from USA, Germany and our Okinawan guests all drinking Orion beer said, "This is family. Seeing all together having a good time is just like Okinawa. This is a family. One big family"

Now this alone tells me that we were successful in our quest in bringing together the family of Isshin-ryu.  In attendance were members of Tokumura, Kichiro, Uezu, Shigema. Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu. Members attending were both old and young which brings to mind the Okinawan proverb Uya yushi kwa yushi. - Parents and children teach one another".

Yes Michie It is family. Seeing all together having a good time is just like Okinawa. This is a family. One big family. And Michie never lies.

As Karate begins and ends in courtesy, let me end by giving a Okinawa proverb. "Ichariba choodee- Once we meet, we are brothers and sisters". This means that we are family and friends forever and Yes, the Isshinkai is family. To all who supported this event I thank you.  

Kanpai!