Basic Principles and Exercises 16 Basic Exercises

            Note - These are not as originally set in the chart of basics. Over a period of 44 years, Master McGrath has added the 16^th basic exercise, as created by Grand Master Don Nagle before his death, to honor his Sensei. The original basics have undergone minor changes in the United States over the years and the remaining 15 basics that Master McGrath lists below, are those that he feels reflect the best chance to lay a foundation for the students, moving into both Ippon and Ju Kumite. The order, gives a good flow for the beginner to progressively master these essentials. Isshin-ryu uses it’s three basic principles, balance, speed and focus to enhance your combative skills. You will notice, over a period of time, that it is becoming easier to stop your opponent in the classes at the dojo during kumite. This is because the practice of Isshin-ryu karate will heighten your reflex actions. At many dojos, they teach you a specific group of movements to fend off particular attacks. This does not work, in real life and death situations, because the assailant may do something unique to your training. That is why you take Isshin-ryu, which trains you to enter the situation in a relaxed manner and instinctively react to the attack. Without an instinctive reaction, you will lose.  Reflex action is therefore, the next step in taking action to defend yourself. The fact that the action you take will be the appropriate action is simply a matter of learning the techniques of Isshin-ryu thoroughly, through repetition and improvement of the techniques and the moves you will be taught at the dojo. Reflex action is the result of repetition during class and at home during the days between class. This is not just something you should do, it is something you must do, or you will never reach the stage of replying to the threat of danger reflexively and that is the only way to defend yourself. If you must stop to review the techniques available during danger, the fight is lost. Your reflexes will be improved only through repetition and will be seen by you and your peers in Ippon Kumite. In time, you will move into a defensive action and offensive strike without thought. This ability will become more acute as you practice. Your effort is the determining factor in whether you excel or simply become an average student. You make the decision whether or not you are simply able to defend yourself or become an expert and role model amongst your peers. As in life, you decide what your goals will be and how you intend to accomplish them. Mr. McGrath, however, has his standards and goals in mind for his students and they do not include mediocrity. Under traditional Okinawan Isshin-ryu, the dojo adheres to the basic exercises, basic kicks, principles of Kata, Ippon Kumite, Ju-Kumite and the manner in which we apply these base elements of Isshin-ryu, in order to produce a well trained karate-ka.  Additionally, your instructors have formulated other exercises and practical applications by which your Isshin-ryu and it’s three basic elements, speed, balance and focus can be enhanced, in a limitless fashion. There will always be room for improvement. These developers include calisthenics and stretching exercises, as well as, speed work, walking the blocking exercises, walking the basics, slow motion kicking exercises, advanced Ippon Kumite, multiple opponent Ju-Kumite and kicking ippon kumite. All of these elements have become standard class involvement, meant to improve your ability to develop an all round defense and offense.

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