Comparison of karate styles

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_karate_styles

The table contains a comparison of karate styles. Some of the distinguishing features are listed,
such as lineage, general form of stances, and number of kata.

The four earliest karate styles developed in Japan are Shotokan, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Goju-
ryu.[1] The first three styles find their origins in the Shorin-Ryu style from Shuri, Okinawa, while
Goju-ryu finds its origins in Naha.

Shuri karate is rather different from Naha karate, drawing on different predecessor influences.
Shito-ryu can be regarded as a blend of Shuri and Naha traditions as its kata incorporate both
Shuri and Naha kata.[2]

When it comes to individual karate styles; Shotokan involves long, deep stances and powerful
long range techniques. Shito-ryu, on the other hand, uses more upright stances and stresses
speed rather than power in its long and middle range techniques. Wado-ryu too employs
shorter, more natural stances and the style is characterised by the emphasis on body shifting to
avoid attacks. Kyokushin, a hard style, involves breaking more often than the other styles and full
contact, knockdown sparring as a main part of its training.[3] Goju-ryu places emphasis on
Sanchin kata and its rooted Sanchin stance, and it features grappling and close-range techniques.
[4]

Contents [hide]

1 Comparison

2 See also

3 References

4 Sources

5 External links

Comparison[edit]
Styles Origin Derived From Balance of hard and soft techniques Stances Representative
Kata No. of kata

Chit-ry Okinawa Shrei-ry or Naha-te, Shrin-ry both elements exist but

more soft than hard natural stride (Seisan dachi) Shi Ho Hai, Seisan, Ro Hai Sho, Niseishi,
Bassai, Chinto, Sochin, Tenshin, Ro Hai Dai, Sanshiryu, Ryushan, Kusanku, Sanchin 15 kata
not including kihon and Bo kihon/kata

Gj-ry Okinawa Fujian White Crane, and Naha-te. both deep/natural

Sanchin, Tensho, Gekisai Dai, Seipai, Saifa 12

Gosoku-ry Japan Gj-ry, Shotokan 50 percent hard, 50 percent soft techniques

deep (beginner), natural (advanced) Gosoku, Rikyu, Denko Getsu, Tamashi 46
including weapons kata

Isshin-ry Okinawa Gj-ry, Shrin-ry, Kobud both, primarily hard natural

Sunsu 15 including weapons kata

Kyokushin Japan Shotokan, Gj-ry Hardest techniques natural Taikyoku, Pinan,

Kanku, Sanchin, Tensho, Garyu 23 (+ ura)

Shkkai Japan Gj-ry & Shit-ry 60% hard and 40% soft techniques natural
Pinan, Bassai Dai, Seienchin, Saifa, Rhai 44 +

Shind jinen-ry Japan and Okinawa primarily Shuri-te like Shit-ry, but also Naha-
te and Tomari-te both deep/natural Shimpa, Taisabaki 1-3, Sunakake no Kon More
than 60 counting all kobudo kata

Shit-ry Japan and Okinawa Shuri-te, and Naha-te both deep/natural Pinan,
Bassai Dai, Seienchin, Saifa, Rhai, Nipaipo 94

Shrin-ry Okinawa Shuri-te, Tomari-te, Chinese martial arts both, primarily fast and
soft natural Fukyu, Pinan, Naihanchi, passai, kanku, seisan 21

Shotokan Japan and Okinawa Shrin-ry, and Shrei-ry 70% hard techniques
and 30% soft/ fast techniques deep (beginner), natural (advanced) 3 Taikyoku, 5 Heian, 3
Tekki, Jion, Kanku Dai, Bassai Dai, Empi, Sochin, etc. 26 + additional

Shuri-ry Okinawa Shuri-te, Hsing-yi both deep/natural Wunsu, O-

Naihanchi, Sanchin 15

Uechi-ry Okinawa Pangai-noon Kung Fu Naha-te half hard, half soft mainly
natural Sanchin, Seisan, Sanseirui 8

Wado-ry Japan and Okinawa Yoshin-ryu Jujitsu Tomari-te and Shotokan both,
primarily soft mainly natural Pinan, Kushanku, Seishan, Chint, Naihanchi, Jion, Wanshu, Jitte
and Niseishi[5] 15 (one hidden)

Yshkai Japan and Okinawa Chit-ry 60 percent hard, 40 percent soft

techniques deep (beginner), natural (advanced) Seisan, Bassai, Yoshu, San Shi Ryu
18