The History of Isshin Ryu Karate and Sensei Matt Dorsey

Isshin Ryu karate was developed in the 1950's in Okinawa, Japan and has become one of the most popular styles taught in the United States today. The founder of Isshin Ryu karate, Tatsuo Shimabuku, combined elements from his main instructors - Chotoku Kyan of Shorin Ryu, Chojun Miyagi of Goju Ryu and Choki Motobu of his own style - to form the unique and comprehensive martial art of Isshin Ryu.

Karate-do

The curent grandmaster of Isshin Ryu karate today is Angi Uezu, 10th degree black belt. Grandmaster Uezu is the son-in-law of the founder of Isshin Ryu karate, Tatsuo Shimabuku. Grandmaster Uezu is currently in his early 70's and lives in Okinawa, Japan.

Sensei Matt Dorsey, the master instructor of Martial Arts America, began his martial arts training in 1975. He has earned black belt ranking in 3 different martial arts and has been personally taught (both in Okinawa and in the U.S.) and certified by Grandmaster Angi Uezu.

The Martial Arts America schools were started in 1980 and have taught thousands of students in the Rochester area. Besides the Martial Arts America dojos in Rochester, NY, Sensei Dorsey has run inner city karate progam at School #17 and #30 and has students running dojos in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Hampshire. He is also the Niagara District director for the A.A.U. (Amatuer Athletic Union) National Karate program.