okinawan shorin ryu
karate
The purpose of karate is to condition the body, cultivate the mind and nurture the spirit.
Chotoku Kyan
Shorin ryu karate
Karate practice is learning how to best perform defences and counter attacks while cultivating humility and cooperation. We develop body mechanics and movement, strength and endurance, mental discipline, and spirit in order to accomplish this. Classes include stretching and conditioning, posture and movement, application of techniques (blocks, strikes, pressure points, and joint manipulation), and kata (patterns of techniques). This self defence system developed on the island of Okinawa then spread to Japan and around the world. We practice traditional karate which focuses on personal development therefore we do not participate in competition-based sport karate.
The Late Shimabukuro Eizo, Hanshi
(1925 - 2017)
Our karate practice follows the path of our late teacher, Shimabukuro Eizo, Hanshi. Shimabukuro sensei made the preservation and teaching of traditional Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate his lifelong endeavour.
He was fortunate to have been taught by some of Okinawa’s legendary teachers – Kyan Chotoku, Miyagi Chojun, Shimabuku Tatsuo (his brother and founder of Isshin Ryu), Motobu Choki, Chibana Chosun, and Shimbukuro Zenryo – and with his skill and contribution to the development of karate around the world, became a legend himself.
If you are interested in more detail about our karate style, please see below for a short history based on an extensive interview Sheree recorded with Shimabukuro sensei in 1999.
Kata - The Textbook of karate
Kata is a way to practise and pass on a variety of skills. They can be practised alone or with a partner and contain all the techniques necessary to become a skillful karateka. Kata has a long and rich history and ensures the survival of traditional Shorin Ryu karate. We practice the 7 elements of kata as taught by Shimabukuro sensei.
- Enbusen - the floor pattern and direction of movement within the kata
- Form - the correct way to do each technique for efficiency and effectiveness
- Breathing - where and how to breathe to enhance the techniques and provide endurance
- Tight/Loose - the combination of relaxation and focus within the technique
- Sequence/Bunkai - the techniques that are grouped for application and rhythm
- Eyes - where to focus the gaze and how to look with intent
- Kiai - the expression of spirit
We are licensed teachers of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate Do Rendokan.
our karate curriculum
- Seisan
- Naihanchi 1-3
- Ananku
- Wanshu
- Pinan 1-5
- Gojushiho
- Chinto
- Passai Sho
- Passai Dai
- Kusanku Sho
- Kusanku Dai
- Seiunchin
- Sanchin
- Kumite
- Jujutsu
- Passai Dai
- Kusanku Sho
- Kusanku Dai
- Seiunchin
- Sanchin
- Kumite
- Jujutsu
- Seisan
- Naihanchi 1-3
- Ananku
- Wanshu
- Pinan 1-5
- Gojushiho
- Chinto
- Passai Sho
Historical Introduction to the Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate of Eizo Shimabukuro, Hanshi
Beginning a life long endeavour
Shimabukuro sensei began his studies in 1937 under Kyan Chotoku, an expert in Tomari te. Shimabukuro sensei credits Kyan sensei as his main teacher because of the profound effect he had on him. Kyan sensei constantly drilled his students not only on the physical aspect of karate but also on morals and conduct, which guided Shimabukuro sensei throughout his life. From Kyan sensei, Shimabukuro sensei taught the kata Seisan, Ananku, Wanshu, Gojushiho and Chinto.
In 1938, Shimabukuro sensei added training in Shorei Ryu under Goju Ryu’s founder Miyagi Chogun. He trained simultaneously in Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu under both Kyan and Miyagi sensei and continued to practice and teach both systems until 1950, when he concentrated primarily on preserving and teaching Shorin Ryu. Shimabukuro sensei taught the kata Seuinchin and Sanchin to honour his time with Miyagi sensei.
In 1943, Shimabukuro sensei left Okinawa for Osaka where he was introduced to Motobu Choki. Shimabukuro sensei was able to avail himself of Motobu sensei’s expertise in his legendary and powerful punches. Makiwara were plentiful around Motobu sensei’s residence and marathon makiwara training was not uncommon.
From Okinawa to North America
After returning to Okinawa in May of 1948, Shimabukuro sensei opened his first dojo, beginning his 64 years of continuously teaching traditional karate. As a young father with a growing family to provide for, he contracted with the U.S. Marine Corp to teach troops at several different dojo. At the time, teaching karate to non-Okinawans was frowned upon, but today Shimabukuro sensei is heralded as one of the pioneers that allowed Okinawan karate to spread throughout the world. Shimabukuro sensei estimates he personally trained as many as 35,000 U.S. military personnel.
Beginning a life long endeavour
Shimabukuro sensei began his studies in 1937 under Kyan Chotoku, an expert in Tomari te. Shimabukuro sensei credits Kyan sensei as his main teacher because of the profound effect he had on him. Kyan sensei constantly drilled his students not only on the physical aspect of karate but also on morals and conduct, which guided Shimabukuro sensei throughout his life. From Kyan sensei, Shimabukuro sensei taught the kata Seisan, Ananku, Wanshu, Gojushiho and Chinto.
In 1938, Shimabukuro sensei added training in Shorei Ryu under Goju Ryu’s founder Miyagi Chogun. He trained simultaneously in Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu under both Kyan and Miyagi sensei and continued to practise and teach both systems until 1950, when he concentrated primarily on preserving and teaching Shorin Ryu. Shimabukuro sensei taught the kata Seuinchin and Sanchin to honour his time with Miyagi sensei.
In 1943, Shimabukuro sensei left Okinawa for Osaka where he was introduced to Motobu Choki. Shimabukuro sensei was able to avail himself of Motobu sensei’s expertise in his legendary and powerful punches. Makiwara were plentiful around Motobu sensei’s residence and marathon makiwara training was not uncommon.
From Okinawa to North America
After returning to Okinawa in May of 1948, Shimabukuro sensei opened his first dojo, beginning his 64 years of continuously teaching traditional karate. As a young father with a growing family to provide for, he contracted with the U.S. Marine Corp to teach troops at several different dojo. At the time, teaching karate to non-Okinawans was frowned upon, but today Shimabukuro sensei is heralded as one of the pioneers that allowed Okinawan karate to spread throughout the world. Shimabukuro sensei estimates he personally trained as many as 35,000 U.S. military personnel.
The preservation of traditional Okinawan Shorin Ryu
In 1955, Shimabukuro sensei trained with Shimabukuro Zenryu, a long time student of Kyan Chotoku. They were good friends and Shimabukuro sensei credits Shimabukuro Zenryo as one of his teachers.
In 1960 Toyama Kanken invited Okinawan sensei to a meeting in mainland Japan to establish an Okinawa branch of the All Japan Karate Do International League. For unknown reasons many declined to attend, however, Shimabukuro sensei did attend, demonstrated his skills, and was awarded a rank and title making him Chairman of the Okinawan Headquarters. While controversial at the time, he understood the importance of having a governing body in Okinawa that could award rank and recognition to well deserving sensei.
In 1961, Shimabukuro sensei, concerned with the changes he began to see in Shorin Ryu Karate, went to see the oldest Shorin Ryu Grandmaster alive at that time – Chibana Chosen, an expert of Shuri Te. Wanting to preserve the old “Castle Karate” of Shuri, Shimabukuro sensei humbly received instruction from Chibana sensei in the correct form of those traditional kata. They are Naihanchi Shodan, Nidan and Sandan, Pinan Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan and Godan, Passai Sho and Passai Dai and Kusanku Sho and Kusanku Dai.
Shimabukuro sensei also preserved and taught traditional Okinawan Kobudo. He taught the bo kata of Tokumine nu Kun and Sakagawa nu Kun from Kyan sensei and Tawada no Sai as taught by Shinken Taira. In 1946 Shimabukuro sensei added his own kata, Toyei no Kama and in 1948 Toyei no Sai.
Shimabukuro sensei developed a comprehensive self-defence system called Toyei no Jujutsu. Toyei no Jujutsu is a collection of over 400 techniques that include defences against empty hand and knife, club, sword, spear, or bo attacks.
Shimabukuro sensei’s hope was that traditional Okinawan Karate Do would be preserved through the diligence and dedication of his students.
