Shorin-Ryu Karate comes from the martial arts style of the nobles of Shuri Castle on Okinawa. It can be effectively utilized by people of many different body types and physical abilities, as it emphasizes speed, agility and internal power, over merely brute strength.

Shorin-Ryu Karate is commonly described as a soft-block/hard-counter style to separate it from power vs. power based styles. However, Shorin-Ryu is a rounded and complete system that doesn't only focus on countering hard. It gives the practioner many options for the level of force to apply, from escapes and control techniques to punching/kicking or maiming and breaking, all in the blink of an eye. It also works equally well against armed or multiple attackers.

Shorin-Ryu Karate practice also protects your body and mind against the effects of aging and common injuries, and gives you abilities to improve other areas of your life, even if you are never attacked.

the East-West Kara-Te Difference

General Timeline for Skill/Rank Advancement

The Benefits of Shorin-Ryu Karate • Self-Defense that is more practical and effective than other fighting styles. • Physical Fitness: Aids weight reduction, increases endurance and agility, lowers heart rate, and develops a sound body and mind • Longevity: Masters of Shorin-ryu have traditionally lived well into their 80s or more • Release stress and tension • Confidence, discipline, character, and leadership • Concentration, balance and coordination that you never knew you had! • What goals do you have for yourself? We can help you achieve them!

Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate is a complete, well-rounded, self-defense oriented martial art, useful in any self-defense situation, and unsurpassed for total practical self-defense when combined with Okinawan kobudo (weapons)

Shorin-Ryu Karate was developed over centuries by true masters who spent their entire lives using and refining these skills everyday.

While not competition-oriented, and free sparring is a small part of the training, Shorin-Ryu Karate practitioners often do very well at tournaments. The skills and principles taught work equally well in a competitive arena as they do on the streets of life.

The study of Shorin-Ryu Karate also has many other benefits. These include improved balance, concentration, self-confidence, endurance, agility, reflexes, strength, and thinking skills. Historically, the masters of Shorin-Ryu Karate have outlived their peers and practitioners of other martial art styles.

the East-West Kara-Te Difference

General Timeline for Skill/Rank Advancement

East-West Karate, Inc.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota