Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate

Okinawa, Japan is the birthplace of karate and Shorin Ryu karate is the oldest and most traditional form of this Okinawan martial art.

The fighting strategy of Shorin Ryu Karate is predicated on pure self-defense. It uses "fast and hard" retaliatory kicks and punches to subdue an opponent and to end a confrontation quickly.

Proper vital point striking is also emphasized to make countermeasures effective. In addition, the style emphasizes strong blocking movements coupled with taisabaki (body shifting) allowing one to shift away from an opponent's attack and be in a position to counterattack.

The effectiveness of Shorin Ryu karate is a function of the simplicity of the techniques and movement inherent in the style.