Out of the little islands of
the Ryukyu, in Okinawa, came a mysterious art from which legends were
born. It was said that it's tenants could kill a bull with a single strike, or
gouge soft rock with their bare hands. Such fantastic tails are popular in the
realm of Martial Arts, but these amazing feats are not the true nature of
Karate-Do.
Properly practiced Karate-Do polishes the mind, spirit and body. This is the aim of Shorin-Ryu Karate as well. If a student practices diligently, he/she will develop a sound mind, a healthy body and good manners, all part of the Way of Karate. This Way is to be practiced in and out of the Dojo.
There are many styles of Karate. Among the eldest are Shorin-Ryu and Shorei-Ryu, the fathers of most modern styles of Karate, including Shotokan. However, a martial artist knows that no style is better than the other. As our Sensei said: "Intellectually, I know that there is no best style of Karate. However, I feel emotionally that this is the best style."
Shorin-Ryu
Karate is indeed an ancient style, trully classical Karate. It focusses on speed
and agility. A Shorin-Ryu Karateka trains to be swift, like a falcon when it
attacks it's prey. Movements are fast, crisp and effective. The techniques are
diverse, including high and low kicks, intricate hand and fist strikes, elbow
and knee strikes, and take down techniques.