Shitoryu

Shito-ryu, also rendered Shito-ryu karate, is a traditional Okinawan-Japanese karate style developed by Mabuni Kenwa in the early 20th century. The name of the style is derived from its founder, with ryu meaning school or style. Shito-ryu embodies a synthesis of Shuri-te and Tomari-te influences, combining hard and soft techniques and a large kata repertoire.

History: Mabuni studied Okinawan karate with several masters, notably Itosu, and integrated these teachings into a comprehensive curriculum. He formalized the style in the 1920s and 1930s, and Shito-ryu spread widely in Japan and later internationally. After Mabuni's death, many national and international organizations continued to promote the style, with varying curricula.

Practice: Training typically emphasizes kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). A hallmark of Shito-ryu is its extensive catalog of kata, including both early traditional forms from Shuri-te and Tomari-te and later standard forms. Practitioners aim for precise technique, rapid execution, and effective bunkai (applications) for each kata. Stances and movements often blend linear and circular elements, with attention to hip rotation and body alignment.

Organization and reach: Today, Shito-ryu is practiced worldwide and is represented by several federations and dojos that maintain their own ranking systems. The style remains one of the major traditional karate traditions alongside Shotokan, Goju-ryu, and Wado-ryu.