The lineage of this school is as follows.
Founder Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku Grandmaster Harold G. Long Grandmaster Tommy True

Roane School of Isshin-Ryu was Founded in 1965 by Grand Master Harold Long and first directed

by Mr. Bobby Dodd along with Master Tommy True. The school was originally held in various National Guard Armories around the county. The school moved to it's current location in 1978 and has remained there ever since.

Since its development by Tatsuo Shimabuku, Isshin-Ryu has focused on the practical aspects of

self-defense. Master Shimabuku made his living teaching Isshin-Ryu to marines stationed on Okinawa during World War II and that core philosophy continues today. Conventional Isshin-Ryu dojos emphasize the fighting aspects of training and include contact (with matching gear) during Kumite (sparring) sessions.

Our school (dojo) is dedicated to teaching students how to defend themselves through the

practice of traditional Isshinryu Karate. As such, our students receive instruction in:

1. Katas (Forms)


2. Kumite (Fighting)


3. Kubodo (Weapons: Bo, Sai and Tonfa)

When combined (specifically the Katas and Kumite), these elements form the basics for the street

defense techniques we teach. Since traditional Isshinryu eliminates fancy or flashy techniques (which could jeopardize a student’s welfare in a self-defense situation), our students learn to block hard, punch hard and kick hard for self-defense as well as tournament applications. While we do teach and encourage the competitive aspects of Isshinryu for participation in tournaments, our primary focus involves helping our students to become better equipped, both mentally and physically, to defend themselves should the need arise.

By combining effective, proven street techniques, mental discipline, tournament sparring, Katas and

weapons instruction we prepare our students to defend themselves in a variety of situations. In addition to the technical training we provide, our students are also taught what is mentally necessary when facing a confrontation, dealing with an uncertain situation or preparing to compete in a tournament. Additionally, we continually work with students on issues involving awareness, the necessity of being alert at all times and methods that can be used to avoid, minimize or confront potential dangers.

Whether a person is young or older, male or female, physically fit, inactive or somewhere

in-between; our classes are as challenging as they are fun. With practice and perseverance our students will learn how to better defend themselves, improve their physical conditioning, develop more self-confidence, sharpen their reflexes, enjoy the time invested and more. If you want to learn how to defend yourself, if you have an interest in tournament competition or simply want to participate in an activity the whole family can share, we encourage you to visit us to see what we have to offer.

Isshin-Ryu Karate is an Okinawan style of martial arts combining the best features of two other

Okinawan styles - Shorin-Ryu, a soft, deflecting style, and Goju-Ryu - a hard, blocking style. Isshin-Ryu characteristics include short natural stances, low kicks, snap/recoil techniques that do not include full extension, close-in fighting methods, and a unique vertical straight punch. Isshin-Ryu was founded by Grand Master Tatsuo Shimabuku on the island of Okinawa around 1954. The system made it to the America's when Shimabuku trained four United States Marines during World War II. Those four U.S. Marines were Grand Master's Harold Long, Steve Armstrong, Harold Mitchum and Don Nagle.