Shorin Ryuu

I take Shorin Ryu karate. "Ryuu" is the proper romanization of the commonly accepted (and thus proper nowadays) word "Ryu" as in style as well as dragon. That is the roots of my avatar and nickname. Because dragons are cool, right? ...riiiiiiiight.....

This is a rather selfish thread. I was just wondering who does/did Shorinkan Shorin Ryu here (as in under Hanshi Nakazato in Okinawa). Just curious. (Or maybe its just me, literally )

Me and two other friends, enamored of bad kung fu flicks (Bruce Lee) wanted to be cool and take it. I had always wanted to take it because of its self-defense value and I wanted to be stronger (I was a bit, and still am, of an exercise junkie). After that phase, I focused solely upon its practical combative (non-tournament) value and how it made me a more well balanced person. This phase still holds true today.

Well said, Sauzin. There are many schools that teach weaponry without empty hand (many of them Okinawan). I don't how easy they are to find in the states though (I simply haven't looked). If you look at the history of Okinawan weaponry at any rate, it developed independently of unarmed systems but closely intertwined. What I mean to say is even though the "Ryu" system of style separation is generally a newer, Japanese introduction, the empty hand systems certainly had their own characteristics in a general sense (it was not uncommon for people to study under many teachers, including in China, meaning stylistic training wasn't rigid and confining like today). Weapon "systems" were even less confined, students (and masters) might travel around, and learn, for example, sai from this family of martial artists and bo from this town or island, etc. Most of these students were adepts at armed and unarmed combat. Bottom line: while it isn't an exact necessity to learn weaponry within a system of karate, it simply helps to have coordination and all that. Especially with a weapon like the nunchaku, a lot of beginning training is simply how to control the weapon and what to do when something goes WRONG. It is a matter of practicality that a lot of unarmed combat instructors know weapons as well. Ha! You can never get a short answer from me!

In many cases in the states, especially, it is harder to get your black belt outside of the Orient. I think a lot of that has to do with the American mindset that "something monumental" has to be achieved in order for it to be meaningful. My style is no exception. No one is ever asked to test that is not prepared, but belt tests range from an afternoon to several days (my shodan was over two days) and include pretty much a "technique section" and a "haze section". The technique section is kata, drills, sparring, grappling, groundwork, that sort of thing. The haze section is exercises (ranging from pushups to fun with cinderblocks, etc.). I've spoken to several teachers in different styles and a lot of say that over in Okinawa, for example, a lot of belt tests are very simple, saying that you just do a few kata here and there, maybe some drills and whatnot and you get your belt (different from say, Kyokushinkai tests in Japan!). I'm not sure I feel such a regimen is necessary anymore (of course I have feelings on the whole belt system in general), but a lot of people "get a lot out of it". For one who has gone through basic training and stuff like that (both as a trainer and the trained), getting hazed during a belt test isn't as big of a deal, I suppose. And of course, back in the "old days", which realistically, didn't end until relatively recently, the whole belt system didn't exist...

In most schools, you are not invited to test unless you are ready. Unless you break mentally, you should have no problem. That being said, relax (as much as possible). I'm not sure if I am as much a big a fan of this anymore (more philosophical reasons, not that I can't hack it), but I know that many of our tests in my style range from hours to days and involve lots of physical exercise and stuff.

I am incredibly biased and do not like Shotokan as a style. Therefore I would advise a switch to Shorin Ryu. However, seeing as you are not me, I would recommend you try out the Shorin Ryu (what style, teacher by the way?) for a little bit and see how it goes. If it doesn't "click" for you, then go back to shotokan, if it does, then go to Shorin Ryu. You can email me on via my profile to see my gripes with Shotokan, but I don't want to do it in the forum (sometimes I am too blunt and it may offend people). Edit: I wouldn't have recommended the switch if the only thing you were concerned about were the sparring methods, by the way (maybe I would have, I don't know ). If anyone else wanted to email me too, that is fine, but I will be very candid.

This isn't an attack on martial arts in China, it is just something I've heard from many people who have studied in the East, written books on the subject, etc. At any rate, I have heard from multiple sources that most or a good deal of all good Chinese martial arts is found outside of the Chinese mainland (Taiwan, Hong Kong for these purposes, etc.) due to the Communist influences in promoting some styles (or ways of doing them) and disapproving others. Not that there isn't a good deal to learn on the mainland, but that a large grouping of talent left the mainland in the last century due to communist influences. Has anyone heard anything similar or to the opposite effect?

I've only heard a few references to it in my readings, mainly hat an opponent is pulled to the ground, scissored and kicked, so it must be a very close-in type of style. I think one trademark of the style is to ride out an opponent's throw and attack them. Like I said, I only know it through references here and there (like so-and-so was a dog boxer and he liked to do this...).

Its obviously going to depend on the situation. These are just tips, not some "ultimate guide" Attacking their knees (collapsing them inward or outward) is an excellent fast technique you can use if you are closing up. Attacking the collarbone is another good target. It takes very little effort (I think 10-15 pounds at most) to break it. WARNING: If you strike downwards, there is danger of puncturing the lung. I recommend striking in towards the back, as it will cause the bone to lodge in the muscle. Extremely painful and can take the fight out of someone quick, as pretty much any movement causes extreme pain (not to mention they lose the function of half their upper body). Take it for what its worth, they won't work in all situations, but they are good targets to start with.

I'm sort of against boxing now, as it can cause serious injuries down the road and competition is really designed to hurt the other guy (I did box in college, by the way). It got me in great shape and everything and our coaches were excellent, but I just don't think it is a good idea anymore. (No, I didn't have a bad experience where I got beat up terribly and that made me change my mind, it is more of a long-term fitness concern).

I'm not a Wado Ryu guy (for some reason, I recall answering this question a year go, maybe? Up until yesterday, that was last time I posted...anyway...) but I believe Wado Ryu was founded by Hironori Ohtsuka who studied Shotokan under master Funakoshi. However, I think it is much lighter then Shotokan and contains some elements of judo and kendo, I believe. I've also noticed some higher, more Okinawan blocks *cough* strikes *cough* than in other Japanese styles of karate. I've also seen a more relaxed punch than other Japanese styles of karate.

Ditto...I tore my ACL and a little bit of the menisucs playing handball, had a patellar tendon graft and it is fine (not a year out yet), I just need to make my healing leg as strong as my non-injured leg, but as far as stability goes, it is awesome. Meniscal tear will be even less of a hassle, i believe.

Kobayashi Shorin Ryu (Shorinkan) Okinawan system In my opinion, covers a broad range of fighting, from stand up to ground. I like it because it is designed for close-range infighting, which is what I prefer to do. In some ways, very similar to ShorinRyu Sensei's style (I've actually taken Matsumura Shorin Ryu for a while, although it was Kenshin kan). Hand techniques are probably weighted slightly more than leg techniques in terms of frequency. There are many types (fist, fingers, any surface...etc.) and range from strikes, to soft parries to ripping/tearing (Shaolin Chin na types) etc. Kicks are low (plenty of vulnerable targets below the waste) Blocks are actually always strikes (no blocks in karate). Basic grappling and joint manipulation in the beginning progresses to more advanced pressure point manipulation, whether striking or grappling. Very heavy on in-fighting. May appear to be a "hard" style in the beginning, but is actually much softer at the higher levels. Higher level learning incorporates breathing and internal energy mechanics. Unlike Matsumura, there is not a Hakutsuru in our system officially per se, although many high level practictioners know a version or two. I was shown some of the Matsumura stuff, 3 practice Hakutsuru kata and Hakutsuru Sho, but I have to struggle through it as I don't have a teacher right now... Like a lot of Okinawan systems, heavily influenced by Chinese systems (External Shaolin schools, although there is a mix of soft and hard) Main weapons taught are bo, sai, nunchaku, tonfa, kama, and nitonbo although there are also nunte, tekko (and a bunch of others that i haven't been taught) that aren't officially in our weapons system, which is Yamani Ryu. Kata plays a big role and bunkai (application) is the main focus of the kata (otherwise it becomes a dance), although it is taught on multiple levels (to include energy and breathing). Kata is supplemented by training drills, some teachers emphasize these more than others. Sparring varies from teacher to teacher. Some dojos its heavier than others, although it almost always incorporates all levels from stand up to ground fighting. Sometimes we do yakusoku kumite, which is sort of a two-person kata. There is no set timing, so even though you know what move comes next, it still keeps you on your toes. I think it is a good distance and timing drill. Unfortunately, I don't have a teacher as I have just moved to California (nearest one is over 2 hours away). There are numerous dojos in the States though. You get the picture. Some websites http://www.shorinryushorinkan.com/index.htm http://www.karateshorinkan.com/main.html

I don't think it is (I can only guess whether or not Chinese martial artists consider one...). Bruce Lee would say it is only a path rather than an style...or something. But officially, I don't think it is, someone correct me if I am wrong please.

I understand. I suppose practicing in the gi is a good way for many to people to get "psyched" into the proper mindset. As a karateka myself, I know how that feels. Just one thing to keep in mind though...I remember back in college (which was only a few months ago...) our dojo used to be a converted and open squash court, people (like the lacrosse team or football team) would always poke fun at us. I imagine you might have the same experience in a public place because some people are like that. I just let it roll right off of me (I know it is frustrating when something you care about so much is ridiculed). If you let it get to you, then they win. I found it helped me to concentrate more on my practice then on what others thought of my practice, in actuality. Anyway, best of luck to you in your training then.

Murasaki Kobudo makes good ones, although they may be backed up in terms of orders (the former owner, who later gave it to one of his students, told me they were, but that was last June). http://www.murasakikobudo.com/

They were made to trap weapons (thus if you hold in like in Daredevil your fingers get hurt or cut off). It was always a police/guard weapon in my opinion, most likely imported from China. Metal was too expensive for it to be a common farming tool...

Its not 'disrespectful'. Practically, the gi is just something you wear so your normal clothes won't get dirty. If you look at old photos of karateka, a lot of times they just wore a type of underwear and nothing else...so its not like you are disgracing your ancestors-in-training by wearing it outside the dojo...

I was just wondering if there was an internal martial arts teacher in the monterey, california area that was worth going to. I plan on doing some "school shopping" but was wondering if anyone had any prior advice. Thanks.

I'm not that big a fan of bruce lee...but... belt system in japan is about a hundred years old belt system in japanese karate is even less In Okinawa, most people didn't wear black belts formally until after Chosin Chibana died (so around 50 years ago). Bottom line: The belt system is really brand new... EDIT: as this topic comes up, I just usually link to this old post of mine at the top of the page... http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2964&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=50

Kung fu or gong fu is not actually the original term for it. Gongfu is usually applied to something that requires hard, physical work. The better term is actually wushu, which means martial arts. In other words, kung fu isn't really a legit term for Chinese martial arts, but it has become accepted by most people anyway.

My opinion, Bruce Lee wasn't all that great. He was in excellent physical shape, but the more I learn about martial arts the less impressed I am by him. For a real critical opinion, read Robert Smith's section on him in his book Martial Musings...Smith really tears him apart. At any rate, most of the JKD concepts he presented are really traditional martial arts concepts anyway...

Yes, I do read Japanese (its just that much eaiser with most manga because they usually have furigana, the pronunciation script, by the kana...unless it is published by companies like Young King, which is the reason why it is taking me forever to read Hellsing...). Censored, or just plain dumbed down, yes.

Its more like a book-sized comic book. They are usually around 180-220 pages long. The ones I have aren't translated (because usually the translations in the states are often dumbed down or just flat out wrong in some cases). Viz is translating them now, but they are infamous for dumbing their translations down or making them G-rated.