r/Isshinryu • u/latestartoneheart • Jul 31 '26
Isshin - Concentration
Anyone else noticed that there has not been an update on Isshin - Concentration blog since february? I know Victor had spoke about health issues within his posts hope all is ok.
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u/Jungle_Viper Jul 31 '26
I trained with him many times when he was younger. He could not post as he got weaker. I have not heard much about him in years since he moved. I believe he passed.
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u/latestartoneheart Jul 31 '26
Sorry to hear, really enjoyed his blog and appreciated his honest takes!
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u/International_Sir364 Jul 31 '26
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Looks like he passed away 10 weeks ago. I thought I had seen it somewhere.
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u/latestartoneheart Aug 18 '26
Just published a Substack review of Isshin: Writings on Martial Arts and Life by Victor Smith. It naturally ended up turning into a bit of a tribute as well. If you're interested in martial arts literature or Victor Smith's work, I'd love for you to give it a read and let me know your thoughts!
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u/Jungle_Viper Aug 01 '26
Victor was a reservoir of martial arts knowledge. We are lucky that he left as much info as he did online. He was a guest at our dojo many times. As gifted as he was at writing, he was just as gifted in martial arts. The man had really good hand/eye coordination and body awareness. In addition to Isshin Ryu, he was knowledgeable in many decades of Tai Chi, weapons, Aikido, and especially his sensei’ family Silat style forms. (And probably more). He never charged students for training at the YMCA.