Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do

Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate

Okinawa, Japan is known as the birthplace of modern-day karate-do and kobudo. The rich history of Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu is rooted in the centuries-old development of unarmed combat on the island.

The martial art known as Okinawa Te is believed to have developed over 1,000 years ago, independently of any other combat system. Due to the island’s limited resources and constant internal conflict among rival warlords, the people of Okinawa developed practical and powerful unarmed techniques for self-defense.

By the mid-1300s, Okinawa began trade relations with China, leading to cultural exchange. In the late 1300s, 36 Chinese families settled in Okinawa, bringing with them various skills—especially Chinese martial arts.

Over time, these influences blended with Okinawan techniques and led to the evolution of different fighting styles:

• Shuri-Te (external – Shaolin influence)
   
• Naha-Te (internal – Taoist influence)
   
• Tomari-Te (a blend of internal and external styles)
   

These three systems formed the roots of modern Okinawan karate.

In 1470, Okinawa’s King Sho Hashi banned all weapons to prevent rebellion. Later, in 1609, the Satsuma Samurai clan from Japan occupied the island and reinforced the ban. This further encouraged the growth of unarmed combat arts, practiced in secrecy for generations.

Despite Japan closing its borders, Okinawa continued to trade with China, which allowed continued exposure to Chinese martial systems.

In the 1700s, a Chinese diplomat named Kusanku lived in Okinawa for six years. He taught a style of Chinese boxing called Ch’uan-Fa, which greatly influenced local martial arts.

One of Kusanku's most famous students, Tode Sakugawa, integrated these teachings with Okinawan Te to create a new style—what would eventually evolve into Shorin-Ryu Karate.

By the 1800s:

• Shuri-Te and Tomari-Te became the foundation of Shorin-Ryu.
   
• Naha-Te gave rise to Goju-Ryu and Uechi-Ryu.
   

Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu is one of the main branches of Shorin-Ryu, characterized by:

• Fast, linear strikes
   
• Natural stances
   
• Strong kata-based training
   
• Okinawan weaponry (kobudo) traditions
   

This style was passed down through generations of Okinawan masters.

Whether you're new to karate or looking to deepen your training in an authentic Okinawan style, Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do offers a disciplined and rewarding path.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule your first class.