Tatsuo Shimabuku was a prominent martial artist from Okinawa, Japan, known for founding the martial art of Isshin-ryu Karate. Born in 1921, he began training in various traditional Okinawan martial arts, including Goju-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu, before developing his own style in the 1950s. Shimabuku emphasized practical techniques and a strong philosophical foundation in his teachings. His approach combined elements of self-defense, physical fitness, and mental discipline, making Isshin-ryu accessible to a wide range of practitioners. He passed away in 1975, but his legacy continues through the many dojos and students around the world.