Okinawan Karate vs. Japanese or American Karate?

[julien]

I study Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate and I was wondering what's the difference in other styles of Karate, such as Japanese styles or American styles? I am interested to know your thoughts on Shorin Ryu and which styles is most popular, preferred, or effective.

Okinawan karate focuses more on self defense and tradition. Japanese karate and American/European has more emphasis on sports and competitions and training is geared towards that. Classes in Okinawa tend to be more informal, with students practising in small groups and classes in Japan and rest of the world tend to be more formal, more emphasis on drills etc.

Just my two cents. This is of course just a generalization. Hopefully this helps.

[sojobo]

Okinawan karate focuses more on self defense and tradition. Japanese karate and American/European has more emphasis on sports and competitions and training is geared towards that. Classes in Okinawa tend to be more informal, with students practising in small groups and classes in Japan and rest of the world tend to be more formal, more emphasis on drills etc.

Hello julien,

I think I understand what you are saying, but the inclusion of "Shiai" (or competitive fighting), may well be central to many Japanese styles however I am not sure it is the "driver" behind most of them.

If we take Shotokai for example, they vehemently oppose it.

Also; look at Ohtsuka Hironori sensei's "Wado-ryu Karatedo Jujutsu Kempo" - as pure a Japanese Karate as you will find and whilst many exponents of this style have gone on to dominate in "shiai" (in fact it could be argued that they set the blue print for most modern WKF fighters today) - it is also an extremely comprehensive and effective martial-art beyond the realms of competition.

What the Wado guys do is to use "Shiai Kumite" as a conditioning tool (a piece of apparatus as it were). It is not intended to be the end result - just part of a bigger jigsaw.

Personally if I were to walk into a dojo that made it clear that their main reason for existing was to compete or to create good competitors - I would walk out faster than I walked in.

So, I am afraid it is another Okinawan vs Japanese Karate myth (or at least something that is not as completely understood as it could be).

Best regards

Sojobo