Shorin Ryu vs shotokan.

[Wado Heretic]

Only reason I suggest you look for someone from Okinawa is because of my own experiance. First time I tried Shorin-Ryu, it was not good, the instructor seemed to be teaching Japanese karate with an Okinawan name. Indeed; having, started studying authentic okinawan shorin-ryu, I think the name was borrowed.

Yet; when I experienced authentic Okinawan karate, it was on a different level to the Japanese karate I had been studying up until then. It could be down to just who I have met; but it does seem to be a good judge of quality when it comes to Shorin-Ryu. In the UK at least, that is.

[armanox]

Being biased; I would try the change, even if it does not really work for you in the end I suspect it may be a worthwhile experience. I find there is more depth, and variety to the Kata. Plus; I find the movements more applicable to Kumite, and Goshin Jutsu.

I just tried to list what I found left me feeling like a fish out of water moving from Wado-Ryu to Shorin-Ryu. There are only so many ways to move the body; so you will find a lot of over lapping, especially as the Kata used share a historical basis. However; saying that, there will be something to change and adapt to at every level.

I would not call Shorin-Ryu inately superior to Wado-Ryu, but I did find a depth of knowledge in Shorin-Ryu I did not find before, and I have found I have moved forward as a Karateka and Martial artist as result.

If you can find someone dedicated, and with an attachment to Okinawa, I would give it a go.

The school i'm considering, the owner is from Okinawa I believe, or he's Japanese.

Do they have a website to share with us? The 'branch' of Shorin Ryu will make some difference in the details - the main branches are becoming styles of their own as things evolve.

[chrissyp]

Being biased; I would try the change, even if it does not really work for you in the end I suspect it may be a worthwhile experience. I find there is more depth, and variety to the Kata. Plus; I find the movements more applicable to Kumite, and Goshin Jutsu.

I just tried to list what I found left me feeling like a fish out of water moving from Wado-Ryu to Shorin-Ryu. There are only so many ways to move the body; so you will find a lot of over lapping, especially as the Kata used share a historical basis. However; saying that, there will be something to change and adapt to at every level.

I would not call Shorin-Ryu inately superior to Wado-Ryu, but I did find a depth of knowledge in Shorin-Ryu I did not find before, and I have found I have moved forward as a Karateka and Martial artist as result.

If you can find someone dedicated, and with an attachment to Okinawa, I would give it a go.

The school i'm considering, the owner is from Okinawa I believe, or he's Japanese.

Do they have a website to share with us? The 'branch' of Shorin Ryu will make some difference in the details - the main branches are becoming styles of their own as things evolve.

https://www.cincinnatikarate.com

[Wastelander]

https://www.cincinnatikarate.com

According to that website, they teach Krav Maga and Al Tracy's method of American Kenpo. You will find this to be vastly different from Shotokan, and while some of its techniques can be found in Shorin-Ryu, the way they move is different. That's just from my observations, though.

[chrissyp]

https://www.cincinnatikarate.com

According to that website, they teach Krav Maga and Al Tracy's method of American Kenpo. You will find this to be vastly different from Shotokan, and while some of its techniques can be found in Shorin-Ryu, the way they move is different. That's just from my observations, though.

Im sorry, wrong website! My bad! https://www.karatecincinnati.com I hate it backwards.

[CredoTe]

https://www.cincinnatikarate.com

According to that website, they teach Krav Maga and Al Tracy's method of American Kenpo. You will find this to be vastly different from Shotokan, and while some of its techniques can be found in Shorin-Ryu, the way they move is different. That's just from my observations, though.

Im sorry, wrong website! My bad! https://www.karatecincinnati.com I hate it backwards.

Shima Masao was a senior student Shoshin Nagamine Osensei. Shima-ha Shorin-Ryu is Matsubayashi-Ryu (Shorin-Ryu), which is what I train in. I advise you to go back to my previous post for advice on the differences between Matsubayashi-Ryu and Shotokan.

It also looks like the Nishime dojo you're looking into practices Yammani-Ryu (kobudo). This is a substantial bonus. Yammani-Ryu inherently contains elements of Ti; if taught correctly, you will gain much wisdom in your karate training through Yammani-Ryu.

Definitely check them out, try out a class or two; see if Matsubayashi-Ryu will feel right for you.

Also, if Matsubayashi-Ryu feels right for you, and depending on your location in the Cincinnati area, I suggest checking out this Matsubayashi-Ryu dojo, as well: http://www.mastinkarate.com/

Try out both dojos, go with the one that feels best to you. Matsubayashi-Ryu has a rich history and contains a lot of wisdom in its simplicity, in its natural-based movements.

[Wastelander]

Ah, that makes a lot more sense! I practice a different branch of Shorin-Ryu, so I highly recommend you refer to CredoTe's information, because he practices the same system. Best of luck to you!