GRAND MASTER TATSUO SHIMABUKU - CREATOR 

Shimabuku was born in Okinawa, Japan on September 19, 1908. He studied karate under many masters including Master Kyan, Senior Instructor of the Shobayashi - Shorin-ryu system, Master Miagi, founder of Goju-ryu,  Master Motobu, one of Okinawa's most powerful fighters, and Taira Shinken, the developer of Kobudo Kata (the form of weaponry). By blending these arts together, Master Shimabuku created the art of Isshinryu. In the 1950s a group of American Marines began studying Isshinryu under Master Shimabuku. Don Nagle was one of those men, and he returned to the United States to open the first Isshinryu Dojo in 1957. Master Shimabuku passed away on May 30, 1975. It is our honor and privilege to pass on all of his teachings, while maintaining traditional respect for the past, present, and the future.

SHIHAN DON NASH - HACHI - DAN (8th Degree Black Belt)

Shihan Nash has traveled the United States and also to Okinawa to learn the true way of Isshinryu. He has trained with many 1st generation students of Master Shimabuku. He founded the Isshinryu Karate Klub on October 1, 1970. In 1988 he won the IWKA kata grand-championship in Ohio and the Isshinryu Spirited Award from IIKA. He has received awards from BKG, J.H. Kim, and many other organizations. Many of his students followed his footsteps in the tournament world winning many trophies. He has 48 personal black belts under him today proving passion, knowledge, and history make for a prized teacher.


SENSEI DEREK DIBIASE - Yon- DAN (4th Degree Black Belt)

Sensei DiBiase began the way of Isshinryu when he was 10 years old under Shihan Nash. He was dedicated to many sports, but Isshinryu had become a way of life. By the age of 19 he had earned his Black Belt and tested for his instuctors certificate. Some years later Sensei DiBiase began his teaching focus on his daughter. She is currently a San - Kyu (Brown Belt). At 8 years old she has accomplished 9 1st place trophies and 2 grand -championship trophies. Sensei DiBiase has strong beliefs in dedication, hard work, and a positive outlook  in all aspects of life. Quit or give up are words you will not hear from Sensei DiBiase.

SENSEI JENN NASH - NI -DAN (2nd Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Nash began her martial arts career at the age of 3 1/2. In 1988 she won First Place at the Isshinryu World Karate Association tournament in Ohio and she earned her first black belt in 1992. Sensei Nash truly believes that all of her success in sports and in life came from her martial arts training. In 2006 Sensei Nash began training for Physique Competitions where she found her new passion. She became a certified fitness trainer through ISSA in early 2008 and now hopes to change people's lives through positive motivation and by educating people on how to make healthy choices.

Isshinryu Karate Klub
526 Northern Blvd.
Bayville, NJ 08721
(732) 674-4032