Tatsuo Shimabuku is the founder of Isshin-ryu karate. He was born in Okinawa on September 19, 1908. Tatsuo, meaning Dragon man, was a nickname given to him for his prowess in the martial arts.  It is believed that he began martial arts training around the age of 12 or 13.  

Tatsuo Shimabuku contributed greatly to the martial arts being spread in the United States by teaching US Marines and servicemen stationed in Okinawa in the 1960's and early 1970's.

The martial arts world suffered a great loss when Tatsuo Shimabuku passed away on May 30, 1975.