Oh boy, did you open a can of worms! This is what they teach at my dojo. (& you will likely get three different stories from three different dojos) Kichiro Shimabuku is the "Official" head of the style. Master Angi Uezu was supposed to inherit the title (due to being a superior student to Master Shimabuku's own 2 sons) While Master Shimabuku was on his deathbed, Kichiro found out he wasn't going to inherit the style and was livid. (being Master Shimabuku's oldest son, he felt it was his inheritance and that his brother-in-law had no right to it) In order to appease his son, Master Shimabuku finally ceeded to his son's demands and Kichiro was made 10th Dan. Master Uezu, after finding this out, dutifully and honorably stood down and acknowleged his brother-in-law as the legitimate hier to Isshinryu. Shortly thereafter Master Uezu, unhappy with how the style was being run, broke off and formed his own organization, the O.I.K.K.A. Like I said earlier, you'll get a different story from just about every dojo, depending on what organization they affiliate themselves with. Hope this helps.