Shito-ryu
糸東流
Shito-ryu (糸東流) was founded by Kenwa Mabuni and has the largest number of kata (型) of any karate style (over 60). It blends elements of Shuri-te (首里手) and Naha-te (那覇手), emphasizing both speed and power.
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Shito-ryu's vast kata (型) library provides an incredibly deep technical study with comprehensive bunkai (分解, practical applications). Its balanced approach to speed and power makes it one of the most versatile karate styles.
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
The largest kata catalog in karate (60+ forms)
Both Shuri-te speed techniques and Naha-te power methods
Short, mobile stances for rapid transitions
Bunkai (practical applications) for every kata movement
Tournament-focused combination techniques
Your First Class
Wear a gi. Expect basic stances, blocks, and strikes, with strong emphasis on correct form and kata practice. Classes run 45-60 minutes.
Watch & Learn
Legends of Shito-ryu
Kenwa Mabuni (摩文仁賢和)
Kenwa Mabuni founded Shito-ryu, one of the four major styles of Japanese karate, by synthesizing the teachings of his two primary masters: Anko Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna. This unique dual lineage gave Shito-ryu the largest kata syllabus of any karate style, combining the linear power of Shuri-te with the circular, close-range techniques of Naha-te.
Gichin Funakoshi (船越義珍)
Gichin Funakoshi is widely regarded as the father of modern Karate. He brought the Okinawan art to mainland Japan in the early 20th century, transforming it from a regional self-defense system into a globally practiced martial art and sport.
Chōjun Miyagi (宮城長順)
Chōjun Miyagi founded Goju-ryu — "hard-soft style" — by blending the hard striking of Okinawan Naha-te with soft Chinese internal techniques he studied in Fujian. He was the first to formally name and register a karate style, and his system's balance of power and flow influenced countless karate lineages worldwide.
Ryusho Sakagami
Related Styles
Shukokai
Shukokai was developed by Chojiro Tani from Shito-ryu, emphasizing scientific analysis of striking mechanics. Its signature double-hip-rotation technique generates exceptional speed and power for tournament competition.
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Goju-ryu
Goju-ryu (剛柔流, "hard-soft style") was founded by Chojun Miyagi, combining hard — go (剛) — striking with soft — ju (柔) — circular techniques. Its signature kata Sanchin (三戦, "three battles") develops internal strength through dynamic tension breathing.
Shorin-ryu
Shorin-ryu (少林流, "Shaolin style") is one of the original Okinawan karate styles, preserving techniques closer to the art's Chinese roots. It uses natural, upright stances — shizen-dachi (自然立ち) — and emphasizes speed and agility over raw power.
Karate
Karate is a Japanese striking art that uses punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques. Originating in Okinawa, it emphasizes kata (型, forms), kihon (基本, basics), and kumite (組手, sparring).
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