I would like to wish master Murphy's family and close student my warmest regards on this day the 21st of january, master murphy birthday. I can only hope that master murphy's teachings will reach far beyond the limitations of our physical forms and help bring peace in this much turbulent world, MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH!!!!

SIFUYOGA

GREETINGS TO MY FELLOW MARTIAL ARTS PRACTITIONERS.
THIS IS MY FIRST OF HOPEFULLY MANY POSTINGS.I DO THIS TO HONOR MY TEACHER AND FRIEND, ROBERT MURPHY.HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVENTY ONE TODAY.WHEN SOMEONE OF HIS STATURE PASSES, IT IS GOOD AND RIGHT TO TAKE A MOMENT ON THEIR BIRTHDAY TO HONOR THEM IN YOUR OWN PRIVATE WAY.PERHAPS A CANDLE, SOME INSENCE,OR A SIMPLE BOW TO THE ONE WHO TRIED SO HARD FOR SO LONG TO SHOW US THE WAY.GOD BLESS YOU MY OLD FRIEND.
STEVEN LUNDQUIST

I thought I would put up one more recent picture this evening of Soke working with the bow. Please excuse the quality of the copy.

Happy Birthday Sensei – I miss you!
I had been studying Tae Kwan Do and by a very fortunate accident I found the Iron Pony and Bob Murphy while looking for weapons. After many attempts to get him to give me instruction and being turned down (he said he was not teaching at the time) he finally said he would arrange an interview for me. The interview was with Chris Viggiano, a very young and very talented martial artist. As a result of the interview I was accepted as a personal apprentice, an event that changed my life and my thinking about life. We always practiced outside, generally in Flanders, sometimes on our farm and always wore street clothes. As time went on we became very good friends, although he was a very private person he let me into his world and I let him into mine. He was an extraordinary Martial Artist and teacher but most importantly he was an extraordinary person. The kind of person, if you are lucky, will meet once in a life time. Besides his MA he was and artist (painter) and was formally schooled in art. He loved the out of doors, his dogs, his family and his friends. I think he was most at peace when he was by himself in the woods with the animals and sometimes with a few friends. He also found freedom on a motorcycle or in a fast car. We had many wonderful times doing kata, working the bo, the jo, throwing knives, shooting bow’s, drinking beer, and sometimes (maybe the best) just sitting and talking. Who could have guessed he would leave us so early? Just days before his death I talked to him, he was developing and re-developing martial arts programs, he was excited.

I now study with Dr. Christopher Viggiano who has retained Sensei’s teachings and continues to pass them on to others. I thank Chris for that and I know without doubt that Sensei thanks him also. So, Sensei --- Happy Birthday—I know you are watching over our shoulder. Our regards to Carol, Laura, and Tara. Bob and Joan

Greetings Fellow Isshin Shorinji Ryu Enthusiasts ...

Before the night is over, thank you to those that found the time to give a little to honor our founder on what would have been his 71st birthday.

To my teacher and good friend ... although many cherished years have past since those early days of daily training with you ... and through all the behind the scenes planning for your birthday celebrations, demonstrations and re-organizing of the training methods ... I fully enjoyed every selfless moment that you gave to me. All you ever asked in return was a true commitment of myself to train wholeheartedly and research along side you so that the system that you painstakingly created could somehow be preserved and perpetuated for the next generations.

This pact I promised to you in 1980 ... and always remains steadfast and true. Your wishes from last year to me are being fulfilled. I followed your many changes and always looked to your advice. The "old crew" is coming back together to reminisce, and document all your acheivements accurately. Your teachings are quite alive and well as your Guiding Spirit is close at hand. Thank You, teacher.
____________________________________________________________

I leave you with this concept passed down to me from Soke Robert L. Murphy:

Many gravitate towards familiarity and comfort. Some are leaders and followers, loners and group affiliates. Some vacillate between these states of being never knowing where they stand. Learn diligently how to be grounded ...

Those that eat bitter and invest in loss recognize the all encompassing brightness of bliss even if it only exists momentarily.

View this art as a creation of civility, always refine yourself through the tools that you have aquired ... We are all in this together. These Arts, as in All Things, are One ...

Dr. Christopher M. Viggiano - Shihan/Shifu
Family Representative Isshin Shorinji Ryu Okinawa-Te

As a practicioner of Isshin-Shorinji Ryu Okinawa-Te, I would like to thank Soke Murphy for the knowledge that he has passed down to my instructors. Having been involved in the martial arts for almost 30 years, it wasn't until my introduction to this art by Dr. Christopher Viggiano and also Sensei Dan Flaherty, to whom I am a personal apprentice, that my previous training in various arts found unity. This art is alive and flourishing in Morris County, NJ, and I invite anyone interested to come and be a part of it.

Warm regards,

Anthony R. Fiore, Esq.

Isshin Shorinji ryu Is alive and well In Aurora Il.

It is taught by Sensei Francis in Sandwich, Il Several of the Y's in the area have instructors in OUR style. You can also join our club and Sensei's Brown and Darby.

You can go to DragonFireAurora.com for more info. I have the history and info of our style there. As well as photos etc.

Please feel free to contact me if have pictures of documents related to our style. Email to DragonFireGuy@mac.com

I would also like to thank al the folks who contributed already many of whom post here.

Thanks Isshin Shorinji ryu Gang!

You all know who you are.

Thanks for the weblink DragonFire. You have some good historical facts and pictures on your website.... Always good to hear from you guys as we get to reacqaint ourselves again.

I had not seen your site before. Very nice. A good archive some of the people that helped to develop our system. Thank you.

I thought I'd put this one up for you. What form was this from?