Learn About Shito-Ryu Karate - Katas, Techniques, etc.

Shito-Ryu is one of the major schools or sub-styles of Karate. This Karate sub-style was formed in 1931 by Kenwa Mabuni. The name of the style "Shito-Ryu" is derived from Kenwa Mabuni Sensei's two teachers: Ankō Itosu, a famous teacher of Shuri-te karate, and Kanryō Higaonna, a prominent teacher of Naha-te karate. Shito-Ryu combines aspects of both hard and soft, internal and external martial arts, such as physical strength and powerful stances as seen in Shuri-te styles such as Shorin-ryu and Shotokan, as well as circular movements and breathing power of Naha-te styles such as Uechi-ryu and Goju-ryu.

According to Shito-Ryu International Karate Do Kai, "In Japan, Shotokan-Ryu, Wado-Ryu, Goju-Ryu and Shito-Ryu are the four main styles of Karate. Shito-Ryu is the style that preserves most of the original Shuri-te techniques, compared with other styles such as Shotokan and Wado. It also preserves original Naha-te techniques together with Goju, although each style places emphasis on different points. Technically, Shuri-te and Tomari-te have rather fast and straight movements, while Naha-te has circular and supple movements."

Shito-Ryu is famous for practicing the most katas in Karate. To learn more about these katas or watch kata videos, please visit the main Shito-Ryu Karate Katas section. You should also visit the Karate section of our community site in order to discuss Karate techniques and/or meet Karate students/instructors.

1. Katas - Shito-Ryu Karate Katas
2. Karate Kicks - Instructions for Karate kicks such as the Mae Geri and Mawashi Geri
3. Karate Punches
4. Karate Hand Strikes
5. Karate Elbow Strikes
6. Karate Blocks
7. Karate Kihon - "Basics"
8. Karate Stances
9. Sparring (Kumite)
10. How To Tie Your Belt In Karate
11. Karate Terminology - Japanese Words, Terms & Commands for Karate
12. Self-Defense
13. Martial Arts Conditioning, Stretching and Strength Training

References

1. Shito-Ryu International Karate Do Kai, Shito-Ryu, http://www.seitoshitoryu.com/shitoryu.php, Added - 7/15/13
2. Full Potential Martial Arts, San Diego, Shito-Ryu Karate Lineage, http://www.fullpotentialma.com/resources/about-karate/, Added - 6/29/14