thumb|Shōrin-ryū

Shōrin-ryū (少林流) is one of the major modern Okinawan martial arts and is one of the two styles of karate as mentioned in the 'Ten Precepts' of Ankō Itosu. Shorin-ryu diverged into many styles and it became an umbrella term to encompass all of the schools derived from it.

At that time not all karate schools had a name. However it is quite common to refer to Choshin Chibana’s school as Shōrin-ryū, following the name he adopted in 1933; which is also known as Kobayashi-ryū to make a distinction from other 'Shōrin-ryū' schools.

The characters 少林, meaning "sparse" or "scanty" and "forest" respectively and pronounced "shōrin" in Japanese, are also used in the Chinese and Japanese words for Shaolin. "Ryū" means "school". Shōrin-ryū combines elements of the traditional Okinawan fighting styles of Shuri-te.

The specific weapon arts often associated with Okinawa, known as Ryukyu Kobudo, also originated within this aristocratic class rather than among the peasantry. Law enforcement officials (pechin) and royal bodyguards utilized specialized tools like the sai (a truncheon carried by palace police) and the bo (staff) as part of their official duties to maintain peace within the kingdom. The narrative of the weaponless peasant was largely popularized in the 20th century during karate's introduction to mainland Japan to appeal to a broader public and foster a romanticized martial spirit, obscuring the art's true origins as a sophisticated system of the Ryukyuan gentry.

Training

Shōrin-ryū is generally characterized by natural breathing, natural (narrow, high) stances, and circular, rather than direct movements. Shōrin-ryū practitioners assert that correct motion, moving quickly to evade violence with fluid movements and flexible positions are important, and that a solid structure is vital for powerful blocks and strikes. Stances that are too deep generally make body movement difficult. Another feature in this system is how the student is taught to punch. Generally, there is neither a horizontal nor vertical punch in Shōrin-ryū. Punches are slightly canted to the inside, with the largest knuckle of the forefinger (third from the tip) in vertical alignment with the second knuckle of the pinky finger. It is believed that this position is key in lining up the bones of the arm and creates a faster, more stable and powerful strike.

Kata

Some of the key kata in Shōrin-ryū are:<sup>p.&nbsp;30</sup>

These are Series not truly thought of as 'kata'

  • Fukyu Gata (Popular)
  • ichi
  • ni
  • san (in some schools)
  • Kihon (Basics)
  • shodan
  • nidan
  • sandan
  • yondan
  • godan

<br />Shōrin-ryū Core Kata

  • Naihanchi
  • shodan
  • nidan
  • sandan
  • Pinan
  • shodan
  • nidan
  • sandan
  • yondan
  • godan
  • Passai
  • sho
  • dai
  • Gojushiho
  • Dai Ni Gojushiho
  • Chinto
  • Kusanku
  • sho
  • dai
  • Jion

The following Kata are not taught in all Shōrin-ryū systems or dojo

  • Seisan
  • Ananku
  • Wankan
  • Rohai
  • Wanshu
  • Gorin
  • Koryu Passai
  • Teesho
  • Ryuko

The study of weapons generally only starts at dan-level, and weapon kata are not standardised across the style.

  • Shōrin-ryū Shidōkan normally called Shidōkan or Okinawan Shidōkan
  • Shorinkan
  • Shorinkan USA Lineage
  • Shōrin-ryū Seibukan
  • Matsubayashi-ryū
  • Shōrin-ryū Kokau
  • Shōrin-ryū Kyudōkan normally called Kyudōkan
  • Shorin-Ryu Koshinkan
  • Oshukai
  • Chubu Shōrin-ryū The specific order of colors varies from organization to organization.

In a Kyū/Dan system, the beginner grade is a higher-numbered kyū (e.g., 7th Kyū) and progress is toward a lower-numbered Kyū. The Dan progression continues from 1st Dan (Shodan, or 'beginning dan') to the higher dan grades. Kyū-grade karateka are referred to as "color belt" or mudansha ("ones without dan"); Dan-grade karateka are referred to as yudansha (holders of dan rank). Yudansha typically wear a black belt.

Requirements of rank differ among styles, organizations, and schools. Kyū ranks gradually stress proper stances, balance, motion and coordination. Speed, timing, focus and power are examined at higher grades. Minimum age and time in rank are factors affecting promotion. Testing consists of demonstration of technique before a panel of examiners. Black belt testing is commonly done in a manner known as shinsa, which includes a written examination as well as demonstration of kihon, kumite, kata, and bunkai (applications of technique).

Notable practitioners

  • Chosin Chibana (founder)
  • Kentsu Yabu
  • Joe Lewis (martial artist)
  • Mike Stone (karate)
  • Bill Wallace (martial artist)
  • Jim Kelly (martial artist)
  • Shūgorō Nakazato
  • Kazuo Hoshiyama
  • John Corcoran (martial arts)
  • Tiffany van Soest
  • Tadashi Yamashita
  • Rina Takeda
  • Yukio Sakaguchi
  • Leo Howard
  • Katsuya Miyahira
  • Higa Yuchoku
  • Ankichi Arakaki
  • Eizo Shimabukuro
  • Ciriaco Cañete
  • Robert John Burke

Notes

References