Karate is a method of defensive fighting developed in Okinawa, in which hands, elbows, feet and knees are the only weapons used. The translation of the Japanese Kanji for Karate is "empty hand".

 

Karate is a unique art with which one can develop the ability to defend oneself and at the same time, cultivate qualities of the mind such as perseverance, confidence, humility and concentration.

It is an interesting fact that about 90% of all Karate systems known today come from Okinawan Karate. This includes systems such as Shotokan, Kokushinkai, Budokan and for that matter all the well known karate systems.

Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate-do was founded by the late Master Choshin Chibana. The present Grand Master is Shuguro Nakazato 10th Dan. It has the longest history among the karate styles in Okinawa, dating back 500 to 600 years.

                                                                                                                                           

Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate is characterised by its speed and daring together with precise techniques in moving from defence to attack. It is a discipline for tempering the body and mind to instil in the individual an attitude of proper behaviour and honourable action. Karate-do also involves the cultivation of an individuals compassion and morality through the acquisition of the essence of the skill itself.

At first the student wishing to learn Karate-do must shape up through basic training (Kihon). They are then assigned to practice pre-arranged sparring with partners and finally they are moved into free sparring (Kumite). Throughout the training Kata (or form) should be foremost in importance. Kata is a system of practise designed to develop defensive and attacking movements and an understanding of certain natural laws. When studied over long periods of time these movements and laws become second nature. Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan can only be mastered through hard and diligent repetition of Kata, and the strength and power for Kata is developed by applying the mind.

Shorin-Ryu Karate-do has survived through the ages. It will continue to be a significant discipline in the years to come, guiding students in a style which attempts to retain its purity of philosophy, tradition, and history. It is an art of the mind as well as of the body, seeking the qualities of correct manner, honest behaviour, kindness, and politeness in parallel with the development of physical Karate Techniques.

 

    Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate is characterised by its speed and daring together with precise techniques in moving from defence to attack.