Members of the National Karate Association of Scotland
...» About Shito-ryu
The history of Shiro-ryu
Shito-ryu is one of the four major styles of Karate in the world the others being Shotokan,
Wado-ryu and Goju-ryu. The two main strands of Karate in Okinawa consisted of the Shuri-te
(Shorin-ryu) and Naha-te (Shoei-ryu). The Shuri-te system, from which Shotokan karate was
derived, was known for its long range techniques and lengthly stances, while the Naha-te system,
from which Goju-ryu Karate developed, was known for its shorted techniques and close-in fighting
ability. Kenwa Mabuni trained under both these strands and from his studies, he took the best aspects
from each to form what is known as Shito-ryu.
The name of this style developed between 1930 and 1934 by master Kenwa Mabuni (1868-1952), is composed
of the Japanese reading of the Okinawan ideograms of its most important teachers Yasutsune Anko Itosu
'shi' and Kanryo Higashionna 'to'. The name was originally Hanko-ryu, meaning 'half-hard style' but
was later changed to Shito-ryu in honour of it's two main influences.
This system coming from Okinawa, was established in 1929 on the Japanese main islands. The first school
outside Okinawa was opened in 1934 in Osaka. This style, which was strongly influenced by the
Chinese Kung-fu expert Kenki Go (Woo Yin Gue alsia Yoshikawa 1886-1940), spread very fast over
Western Japan and became one of the largest karate methods of the country.
The speed orientated Shito-ryu is known through its typical leg techniques (Keri-waza) , blocks with
open hand (Shuto), high standing positions (Kamae), breathing methods (Kokyo) for a controlled body
tensions and power development, flexibility and mobility as well as the inclusion of the Okinawa
fighting art of Kobudo.
This list provides a fundamental guide to kata, however since there are many variations present
in Shito-ryu the number practised may vary from school to school.
