Shito-ryu
糸東流
AI-generated content — may contain inaccuracies
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
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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