Self Defense Training Program

Gary Seabaugh's Isshinryu Self Defense Training was founded in 1969. Upon his return from his combat service with the Marine Corps, in the Republic of Vietnam, Seabaugh was stationed at Camp Smedley D. Butler in Okinawa for convalescence and treatment of his war wounds.  

Part of many combat marines' rehabilitation included robust physical exercise and competitive sports on the island of Okinawa.   Seabaugh had studied Isshinryu at Great Lakes Navel Training Base under Sensei Jim Brown and continued his training while in garrison at Camp LeJune Marine Corps Base, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Following his discharge from hospital services in Okinawa, Seabaugh resumed his study in the martial arts and he became a dedicated participant in open competition throughout dojos in Okinawa.   Seabaugh earned his black belt in elimination fighting competition in Kadena Okinawa, in the summer of 1968, and he continued competitive fighting upon his return to the United States.

On the island of Okinawa there is a history of street fighting which dates back to Japanese and Chinese occupations.   Island natives who had grown up in the tradition of the martial arts sought out like-minded military men for what amounted to open hand fights in public places. There were many quick and exciting fisticuffs around clubs and other hangouts notorious for street fighters.  

Often, these same combatants would encounter each other at local, sanctioned, competitions. On the street and in open competition, a spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect emerged which was consistent among those men who practiced the martial arts. Not surprisingly, these men often became friends, bound by their mutual respect and their interest in fighting techniques.  

By the time he left the island, Gary had many close Okinawa friends whom he had fought in and out of sanctioned events. Gary O. Seabaugh's Isshinryu Self Defense Training was developed from his fighting experiences.   The curriculum combines the secret techniques of Okinawa, Japanese, and Chinese forms of Karate, Korean Hapkido , with the skills associated with western boxing and Greco-Roman grappling.

Gary Seabaugh's Isshinryu Self-defense training is a pure self-defense curriculum. The curriculum relies on the concept of the social contract. That is, the Isshinryu student is peaceful, respectful, and composed in all situations. It is only under assault that the Isshinryu can act with power, grace, and decisiveness.

 

 

 

DO: “the way” defines the path that one follows.   The Isshinryu takes the moral path; the Isshinryu does not offend others, is respectful, humble, and kind.   This gives the Isshinryu the moral authority to defend against attack. It rights the imbalance created in nature when one person aggresses against one whom is perceived as weak.

ZANSHIN : The relaxed and composed state of mind of one who has the ability to perceive danger and assault before it occurs.

JU: The softness of humility, the yielding against force to turn an assailant's power against him and prevail.   This is the paradox found throughout all of Gary O. Seabaugh's Isshinryu self-defense techniques.

HONTAI : The state of readiness which comes from preparation and practice.   This is what gives rise to confidence and the state of relaxation, ZANSHIN. This completes the circle of self-defense and provides a psychological and physical barrier which protects the body and soul.  

Our students are taught the self-discipline and fitness concepts associated with a healthy life-style.   We emphasize speed and heavy bag work, calisthenics, sparring and boxing techniques, grappling and Hapkido .   There is no better way to teach teenagers self-respect and respect for others than this disciplined and robust physical activity. All students are invited to attend this class.

As a practical matter, our self-defense training has created a thirty year legacy of civility and cooperation among our students. Our teenagers have a safe and well supervised outlet for their natural inclinations to test themselves. Self Defense training produces mutual respect and empathy for each other which generalize readily outside of class

Gary O. Seabaugh's Isshinryu self defense training emblem

The emblem incorporates elements of the original Isshinryu design, which was revealed to Master Shimabuku during a dream, combined with military design influenced by Gary's training ground and combat service.

The woman represents the combination of American and Okinawan cultures. This reflects Gary's respect and love of his Okinawan friends, many of whom were fierce competitors.   “You must loose too many good men to prevail over others; you owe your respect to those who win over you and your humility to those whom you beat”.

The woman is welcoming with an open hand to symbolize how Isshinryu nurtures the student with a healthy life style and a warm and peaceful heart.   Her closed fist represents the danger that one faces if one decides to assault the Isshinryu.

The Chinese dragon gives homage to the secret techniques of Chinese origin.   The dragon symbolizes the peace and quiet acquired when one becomes Isshinryu.    

Two of the 5 Stars represent the disciplines of Shorin-ryu and Goju-Ryu the foundation for Master Shambuku's Isshinryu; three of the stars represent The First Marine Division with whom Gary served in combat.