Difference between Shotokan and Chito Ryu?

[karatewannabe]

Hello again,

I'm looking at two dojo's in town that are offering a beginner's adult class starting within the next month and am wondering what the difference would be between taking a 'Shotokan' class vs. a 'Chito Ryu' class?

Thanks!

[TigerDude]

There doesn't seem to be a lot of info on Chito Ryu on the net. It would seem to be a style encompassing several Okinawan/Japanese karate styles. I found a reference to the founder Chituse instructing in Funakoshi's (the Shoto in Shotokan) original dojo, but also references to many other Okinawan masters. Some of the kata are also found in Goju Ryu, so there is a link there. It looks quite interesting!

Info on Shotokan is everywhere. For beginners, I believe it tends to be a powerful, linear style with strong punches and kicks.

Most people will tell you that the instructor matters more than the style, so look at both classes to see which you think you will fit in better with.

[karatewannabe]

Great - thanks for your reply. I plan on checking the classes out - I've heard great things about both classes and the instructors so it'll likely be a toss up and come down to the times the classes are offered.