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Shorin-Ryu Karate

Many people are not familiar with the differences between martial arts schools and styles when they are looking for a place to train for themselves or a family member. The following information is about the style of karate that we teach at our school.

Our style of karate comes from the island of Okinawa, Japan and has existed for hundreds of years. In our practice, we concentrate on life-protection techniques that have been passed down through generations of karate masters. Shorin-ryu karate uses approximately 85% hand and 15% foot techniques, in addition to many grappling maneuvers and sweeping take-down moves.

Practicing and studying the art of karate-do is an excellent way for a person to improve both physically and mentally. Through consistent and patient training, individuals are able to improve flexibility, coordination, strength, and reflexes, and also sharpen their mind. Karate-do training has proven itself as a foundation in helping build a person’s character.

Shorin-Ryu karate is a martial art for all ages. A common question that we are asked is "Am I too old to start training?" Absolutely not and traditional karate is practiced in Okinawa by people all the way into their 70's and 80's. Unlike the action-based, theatrical martial arts featured on television and in some martial art schools, it is a martial art that develops one's physical strength and flexibility naturally. Adults and kids are not expected to kick high in the air or perform flips, rolls and other fad-based curriculums.

There are many styles of martial arts around the world and all benefit those who participate in them. Here are some components of our style of karate to familiarize yourself with Shorin-Ryu.

Techniques

Striking

Kicking

Kicking is equally practiced in the dojo but being able to kick high is not important. Training has to not work against your body so flexibility is a gradual process with our students and the focus of kicking is developing speed, power and balance. Most kicks in Shorin-Ryu are below the sternum level and only practiced at higher targets in order to push balance, flexibility and agility thresholds as well as gains.

Grappling/tuite(too ee tay)

Although karate focuses on striking and kicking, below the surface of our training lies a great deal of practice of grappling techniques. Shorin-Ryu is famous for it's close quarter effectiveness and throws, takedowns, chokes, joint manipulation and locks are all an intragal part of our self-defense training.

Training methods

Kihon

Like all activities and sports, a practictioner must perfect the basics in order for maximum effeciency and success. All students in the dojo are constantly honing their basic striking, kicking and blocking techniques during class through drills utilizing the upper and lower body.

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Kata(ka-ta)

Form training is a extremely important part of training in that it develops strength, focus and agility. This is the heart of Okinawan Karate.

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Kumite (koo me tay)

There are two levels to kumite in Shorin-Ryu karate. The first is yakusoku or pre-arranged fighting where two or more students concentrate of defending and countering a prescribed attack from a partner. This allows the student to concentrate on stance, timing, distance, accuracy, power and velocity.

The second is jiyu kumite or iri kumi where students are allowed to free-spar against one another, testing different attacking combinations and developing strong reactionary defense skills.

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Bunkai (boon-kai)

Bunkai is the application of basic techniques in self-defense situation. There are many levels of this training, there are basic applications where the student can take movements and apply them to certain pre-set attacks of karate techniques. and there are interpretive applications to fit a more realistic self-defense situation against such things as grabs, wrestling/grappling, hair grabs, holds and others .

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Kobudo (ko boo do)

This is the practice of traditional Okinawan weapons. This training begins at orange belt for students and is a very exciting part of the curriculum.