Javier Martinez started in Isshin-Ryu on December 1972.   He started at Fort Buchanam Isshin-Ryu Dojo under Master Russell P. Best (first generation student of Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku).  After being reassigned, Sensei Best left Puerto Rico leaving in charge Sensei Eduardo Caro and many others.  After many years Eduardo Caro stopped practicing karate leaving Isshin-Ryu without leadership in the Island.  In order to continue the grow; it was around 1988 when Javier Martinez contacted Master Chester Holubecki.  It was under the supervision of Sensei Holubecki that Isshin-Ryu flourished again in the Island becoming one of the most important karate styles in Puerto Rico.  Sensei Martinez developed a very talented staff of black belts including his two sons Edgardo and Alex.  Several independent Isshin-Ryu practitioners without any guidance were also taken under the Puerto Rico Isshin-Ryu Karate-Do Dojo.  It was under the tutelage of Sensei Holubecki that Sensei Martinez started his investigation on the origins and meaning of the katas.  His studies focused on the Isshin-Ryu katas and their Chinese origins.  In 1996 he published his first book on Isshin-Ryu katas "Chinto".  He then published many other books on Isshin-Ryu katas (4).  In 2001 he published his most recent work "Okinawan Karate- The Secret Art of Tuite" which became a best seller in the martial arts community.

Master Martinez has studied Isshin-Ryu Karate-Do for forty years and teaching for thirty one.    He can be found teaching his 65 active students at the Puerto Rico Isshin-Ryu Karate Studio. 

Sensei Martinez works on "El Vocero de Puerto Rico" as Art Director since 1988.  He also owns a guitar store and on his spare time he builds classical guitars and many other musical instruments.  He is also a leading classical guitar player and composer in the Island.

The following newspaper article was published in Master Martinez home town, in Puerto Rico. - Javier Martinez.pdf

Isshin-Ryu Kusanku Kata Secrets Revealed (April 1999)

Okinawan Karate, The Secret Art of Tuite

Isshin-Ryu Seiuchin Kata, Secrets Revealed (July 2000)

Isshin-Ryu Chinto Kata, Secrets Revealed

Isshin-Ryu Naihanchi Kata, Secrets Revealed