Shorinryu Karate
- Okinawa's Powerful Self Defence System

The empty hand system of self defence known today as Shorinryu karate is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of karate being taught throughout the world today. Rich in technique and tradition, it was created out of the need for self preservation.

'Shorin' is the Japanese pronunciation for 'Shaolin'. This name identified Shorinryu with the Shaolin Temple in China, renowned for it's fighters. 'Shorin' means 'young forest' and, depending on how it is written in Japanese, it can be pronounced 'Shobayashi', 'Kobayashi' or 'Matsumura'. These, in fact, are the major sects of the Shorinryu style, in addition to 'Matsubayashi' Shorinryu. Each uses a different character combination to represent the character for 'Shorin'. This was done to differentiate one masters 'Ryu' (or teachings) from another.

Kata lies at the heart of any Japanese martial art, and Shorinryu is no exception. Its pre-arranged solo exercises are used as the primary training method. Since the techniques of kata were developed from actual fighting, they serve as a dictionary of combat tested fighting techniques. One aspect of kata training is called 'Bunkai', or the application of the techniques contained in the kata. The beauty of Shorinryu karate is that the kata bunkai, in addition to punching, blocking and kicking, contain a grappling art known as 'tuite' and vital point striking known as 'kyusho jutsu' ('tuite' consists of grappling, joint locking and throwing techniques and 'kyusho jutsu' is the art of precisely hitting vital areas of the body, otherwise known as pressure points).

Shorinryu kata has provided the pattern for 80% of all karate-do kata - Shotokan, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Tae Kwon Do, etc., all built their kata systems from Shorinryu kata. Shorinryu kata are based on both long range and close-in fighting techniques. The fact that the style still contains grappling, joint-locking and throwing, as well as 'kyusho jutsu', as opposed to merely punching and kicking, makes it a more complete martial art. The Shorinryu style has never been watered down or lost it's link to combat reality.

Shorinryu also incorporates the use of Okinawan weapons, in a term called 'Okinawan Kobudo'. Okinawan kobudo uses the same stances and theory of movement as karate. Major kobudo tactics also include 'tai-sabaki' (or 'body-changes'), trapping and hitting and simultaneously blocking and striking. Kobudo practice is also a beneficial weight training regime, using light weights - the weapons themselves - and a high number of repetitions. Okinawan kobudo has a health aspect as well, as it can improve body functions, increase energy levels and relieve muscular pain and stiffness. It achieves this by uniquely combining a set of balanced and fluid movements designed to flex and strengthen the muscles, with the stimulation of nerve points in a manner similar to that used in acupuncture. The five principal weapons of Okinawan kobudo are Bo (staff), Tonfa (side-handled baton), Sai (iron truncheon), Nunchaku (flails) and Kama (sickle).