Shorin Ryu Karate

Country of Origin: Japan

 

Introduction: 

 

Shorin Ryu Karate is believed to be one of the two main styles of karate that have been reported to have been originated in Okinawa. Most of the modern forms of karate have been greatly influenced by this ancient school of martial arts. The great martial art leader Sokon Matsumura, who was also referred to as "Bushi" was the founder of this form of karate. Another leader, Itosu Yasutsune is also said to have contributed extensively to the development and promotion of this style. Ever since this art was invented, it has been followed extensively by people in different parts of the world. With time, the art of Shorin Ryu Karate got divided into three distinctive groups namely the Shobayashi-Ryu which stands for the small forest school which was introduced by Chotoku Kyan, the Kobayashi-Ryu which means the young forest school which was designed by Choshin Chibana ; and the Matsubayashi-Ryu which refers to the pine forest school which was formulated by Shoshin Nagamine. All these three martial art form names have been inspired by the Chinese Shaolin Temple.

 

More information about style: 

 

The technique, which is followed in Shorin Ryu Karate, is entirely based on the natural flow of an individual body. It does not include any irregular breathing patterns or unbalanced stances. The main aim of the practitioner is to concentrate on using maximum force and to attain quick actions and strikes. These functions are facilitated by unique techniques like coiling. The most favorable attack method used in this form is a single blow which is so deadly that it can completely knock off the enemy.

The stances used in Shorin Ryu Karate are more upright as compared to the Japanese styles, giving this martial art form an increased level of mobility. This particular style does not emphasize on the excessive use of forwarding pressure while confronting the opponent. Also, it does not involve indirect countering like Chinese styles, hence maintaining perfect flexibility between both the regional forms of martial arts.

 

The use of the various innovative hand movements is more prominent in the style of Shorin Ryu Karate as compared to the footwork. Also, the stances used are higher than the ones followed in other styles of karate. Sometimes, the use of traditional weapons is also used while practicing this form. The main techniques that form an integral part of this school of self-defense are karate stances, sweeps, defenses, punches, kicks, and other karate moves.

 

The Shorin Ryu Karate style has enjoyed a very long history and has been given the credit of helping a lot of people all over the world defend themselves effectively and efficiently. The techniques of this art form can be applied not only in cases of fights but also in day to day life. The coordination between the soul, the mind and the body, which is the basic teaching of any form of karate, is very helpful in understanding the functioning of the world around us. If the practitioners of Shorin Ryu Karate are well versed with all the techniques of this form of martial art, they can succeed in dealing with almost all the crucial aspects of their life. Thus, karate is not just a form of self-defense; it is a way of life