Style Definitions

Instructor Certification Course
Feb. 16, 2008
Style Definitions

Wendy Mach


Ryuei-ryu (Style of the Nakaima family of Naha)

Explosive
Driving into
Linear and Circular
Open-handed
Percussive

Shorin-ryu (Small Pine Forest Style)

Natural breathing
Linear
Percussive
High stances

Shotokan (Hall of Shoto)

Dynamic
Percussive
Forward
Linear
Closed-handed

Goju-ryu (Hard/Soft Style)

Hardened body
Soft Circular Sticky
Hard Linear Percussive
Muchimi
Close-range

Kyokushin (To Master the Truth)

Full-contact
Realistic
Multi-directional
Circular


Ryuei-ryu

This style is characterized by LINEAR and CIRCULAR, OPEN-HAND, PERCUSSIVE techniques that are designed to GRAB AND THROW an opponent. Combinations of techniques that are unique to this style are performed EXPLOSIVELY in a forward direction always DRIVING INTO an opponent. Some techniques have simultaneous defense and attack applications. Generally the stances are NARROW and HIGH for MID-RANGE fighting, but when performing kata the hips CHANGE LEVEL between high and low stances. The training emphasis is on repetition of techniques until they can be performed without conscious effort. Tournament competition is encouraged. The signature kata of this style is Annan.


Shorin-ryu

This style is characterized by LINEAR, PERCUSSIVE techniques and NATURAL BREATHING. Natural stances are used that are NARROW and HIGH. The training emphasis is on developing strong techniques through solid basics. Emphasis is also placed on the details of kata performance so that each movement is hard, sharp, and powerful. The signature kata of this style is Seisan (Thirteen).


Shotokan

This style is characterized by DYNAMIC, LINEAR, CLOSED-HAND, PERCUSSIVE techniques that are performed EXPLOSIVELY in a FORWARD direction. Each technique is intended to end a confrontation. The training stances are LONG and LOW. When performing kata the hips REMAIN LEVEL. Fighting stances are shorter and higher for greater mobility when executing LONG-RANGE techniques. The training emphasis is on development of strong, coordinated body movement so that one technique will devastate an opponent and end a confrontation. The signature kata of this style is Kanku-dai (To View the Sky).


Goju-ryu

This style is characterized by the development of a HARDENED, RESILIENT body that can absorb attacking techniques allowing the practitioner to continue and defeat the opponent. Soft (STICKY) CIRCULAR blocks facilitate grabbing the opponent, followed by successive, hard (PERCUSSIVE) LINEAR attacks that are intended to end the confrontation. HIGH stances are used to facilitate CLOSE-RANGE fighting. Breathing exercises are practiced during the performance of the kata Sanchin in order to focus the breath in the lower abdomen making the stance and posture more stable. Techniques are performed slowly with heavy, sticky hands (MUCHIMI) as in isometric training. The training emphasis is on developing a strong, resilient body and mind so that the practitioner can withstand attacks without distraction, and can continue fighting to defeat an opponent. The signature kata of this style is Sanchin (Three battles).


Kyokushin

This style is characterized by FULL-CONTACT, MULIT-DIRECTIONAL, REALISTIC fighting techniques. STRIKING and GRAPPLING techniques are included in the style. CIRCULAR blocking techniques are intended to make contact with an opponent and immediately GRAB AND THROW him, followed by grappling (strangulation or joint-locking) groundwork techniques to IMMOBILIZE him. The training emphasis is on conditioning for full-contact, realistic fighting. Tournament competition in fighting is encouraged. The signature kata of this style is Garyu (Reclining Dragon).


Bunkai Oyo

The art of interpreting kata techniques and movements as responses to various realistic acts of physical violence such as uppercuts, grabs, and holds. These responses transform the punches, kicks, strikes, blocks, and movements of the kata into self-defense applications such as grabs, joint-locks, throws, strangulation, or other close-range fighting techniques that are intended to subdue an attacker. The response continues with as many techniques as necessary to immobilize the attacker or otherwise end the confrontation.





One word that defines each style:

Ryuei-ryu Explosive
Shorin-ryu Powerful
Shotokan Devastating
Dynamic (Masatoshi Nakayama’s definition)
Goju-ryu Muchimi
Kyokushin Intense (physical, spiritual)
Soul Spirit Karate (Masutatsu Oyama’s definition)

References:

Unante: The Secrets of Karate by John Sells

Wikipedia.org

Bugeisha magazine