How to Do Shorin-Ryu Karate Techniques

Shorin-ryu is a form of karate that comes from the Okinawan martial arts. While Shorin-ryu is believed to have been founded as recently as the 1800s, it pulls from elements of the traditional Okinawan styles of Shuri-te and Tomari-te. Shorin-ryu also has Chinese influence, as indicated by the name "Shorin," which is Okinawan for "Shaolin," the traditional Chinese kung fu.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice disciplined, steady breathing during exercise. Shorin-ryu karate requires natural breathing as one of its core principles, so before you even start learning Shorin-ryu you should practice deep breathing as you exercise.

    • 2

      Learn the basic stances and posture of Shorin-ryu karate. Unlike Shaolin and other types of martial arts, Shorin-ryu karate emphasizes narrow, high stances, so when you are practicing karate, your stance will look more like a natural standing or walking position.

    • 3

      Practice direct attacks and movements rather than circular movements and approaches from the side. Most styles of Shorin-ryu karate emphasize a direct approach, though this emphasis may vary by dojo.

    • 4

      Learn the traditional exercise katas, or forms, of Shorin-ryu karate. The first forms you should learn are the Kihon series, which are designed to exercise your body and teach you techniques.

    • 5

      Move on to mastery of more intermediate and advanced katas, such as the Fukyugata forms, which focus on the fundamentals, and Pinan forms, which emphasize peace and meditation. Shorin-ryu karate is heavily focused on excellent technique, and katas are necessary for developing and practicing those techniques.