Different Karate Styles in the World

Different Karate Styles in the World

Taking a stroll along any street after school in Las Vegas or on the weekends will almost certainly reveal karategis, the traditional karate costumes worn by practitioners of this ancient activity, over the shoulders of youngsters and adults. Karate is a martial art that may be used for self-defense and learned quickly.

However, while certain varieties of Karate make use of weapons, it is best renowned for being a weaponless method of defending oneself in a fight. Karate schools, also known as ryus, are sometimes heavily inspired by a single master or creator who has made a name for themselves in the discipline.

The katas of Karate, which are groupings of choreographed motions that frequently contain kicks and punches, are found in all martial art styles. Before sparring with opponents, katas are remembered and performed either alone or in groups.

Shotokan Karate

Known around the globe as Shotokan Karate, it is one of the most well-known martial arts styles.

This is an Art that we practice here at Ageless Martial Arts! We strive to incorporate this style in our training and live the traditions of Gichin Funakoshi. Its imperative as a Karate school in Las Vegas we teach the fundamentals of Shotokan. We focus on long stances, counter punching and a dynamic movement that teaches students how to fight.

Shotokan methods are extremely powerful and linear (as opposed to circular, flowing movements, such as those seen in Kung Fu), and they are also incredibly effective. The art is made up of around 70% hard methods and 30% delicate motions when taken as a whole.

Students are taught to pay attention to their pace, form, balance, and breathing when performing methods. Beginner stances are often deep, and as the pupil progresses, the stances get longer. The style consists of 26 kata, which trainees are required to learn.

At Ageless Martial Arts Las Vegas, we take great satisfaction in teaching Shotokan Karate, and in developing a purpose-driven environment in which young martial artists may learn and practice techniques that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

Shito-Ryu

Even though Shotokan is the most widely practiced type of Karate globally, Shito-Ryu is the most often practiced form of Karate in Western Japan. The technique established by Kenwa Mabuni in 1934 and is primarily influenced by Okinawan Karate traditions is highly effective.

The style is characterized by short, low postures that are extremely similar to those used by Sumo wrestlers and major reliance on kata. Students are taught to tie together the motions from the kata they have learned to protect themselves.

Wado-Ryu

Wado-Ryu, which translates to “the path of harmony” in Japanese, in 1939, was found under the guidance of Hironori Otsuka. There is a considerable focus placed on mental harmony and calmness of the mind.

Unlike most other schools of Karate, which emphasize forceful strikes, Wado practitioners strive to avoid being struck. Students learn to adjust their bodies to prevent or decrease the force of blows and strikes, which are included as a form of counter-aggressive maneuvering. Unlike most other Karate styles, Wado features Jujitsu-style techniques like joint locks and throws, not found in most other states. Students study 15 different kata, which is largely natural postures and movements.

Kyokushin Kai Karate 

Kyokushin Karate is a fusion of techniques from the Shotokan and Goju-Ryu martial arts schools. Despite the influence of Goju-Ryu, however, it is regarded as a very difficult style to master.

There is also a very violent kind of Karate in the athletic arena known as Japanese full-contact Karate or knockdown Karate, which is extremely effective against opponents. Kyokushin students are not encouraged to withdraw their punches in sparring contests, unlike students of other Karate systems, and potentially permanently damaging hits are permitted. There are 23 Kata plus eight ura Kata, with the majority of them being natural positions.

Kyokushin also has its origins from a Master by the name of Mas Oyama. There are many legends that surround this man, and what he was capable of such as killing bulls with his bare hands and also have extreme conditioning and the ability to have this brutal fighting skills to defeat opponents. In some of the movies which were probably exaggerated a bit. He was able to beat man Karate masters from all over Japan.

Uechi-Ryu

A fusion of Okinawan martial arts and Kung Fu, the Uechi-Ryu style of Karate combines both. Techniques that are harsh and gentle are used in equal measure.

When students realize that there is just eight kata to learn in Uechi-Ryu, they may be overjoyed. On the other hand, Kata enthusiasts will be forced to search elsewhere for a new challenge. Kanbun Uechi, who lived in Okinawa during the early 1900s, developed this style.

Goju-Ryu

You have likely seen Goju-Ryu in action if you have ever watched The Karate Kid. Mr. Miyagi, a mythical figure, instructs Daniel in the art of writing in this manner. Several centuries ago, Okinawan Karate styles were extensively inspired by Kung Fu and Chinese martial arts, and this form is built on those influences. It is also highly influenced by a Chinese martial style known as Fujian White Crane, which originated in Fujian Province.

Chojun Miyagi, the real-life Chojun Miyagi, who created the Goju-Ryu form of Karate about 1930, inspired his fictional character. Because of this, the style is more evenly divided between hard and soft methods, which is reflected in the name of the art. The term “goju” literally translates as “hard-soft.” Unlike Shotokan Karate, which is characterized by linear motions, Goju-Ryu Karate is characterized by circular movements. The style consists of only 12 kata, and the stances are deep and natural.

Believe it or not, Miyagi did exist as a Karate expert, he actually based of the fictional character from the oriniginal Karate kid in 1985. Which I will admit was a very great movie in the message in what Karate was about. Recently due to the popularity of Cobra Kai from the Netflix show and Karate world has exploded with popularity again!

Kyokushin-Ryu

Kyokushin Karate is a fusion of techniques from the Shotokan and Goju-Ryu martial arts schools. Despite the influence of Goju-Ryu, however, it is regarded as a very difficult style to master.

There is also a very violent kind of Karate in the athletic arena known as Japanese full-contact Karate or knockdown Karate, which is extremely effective against opponents. Kyokushin students are not encouraged to withdraw their punches in sparring contests, unlike students of other Karate systems, and potentially permanently damaging hits are permitted. In all, there is 23 Kata + 8 ura Kata, with the majority of them being natural.

What’s the Best Karate Style for You?

Many different Karate styles are available for people who choose to pursue a Karate training career. Although there are a few other styles, such as Gensei-Ryu, Yoshukai, and different variations, you get the idea.

You can conduct some preliminary study like this on the Internet, but the best way to acquire a feel for each Karate style is to visit a few dojos in your area to see how they are taught. For prospective students, most Karate schools provide a free introduction lesson to give them an idea of what to anticipate.

You may prefer one type over another since they are sufficiently different from one another. Take a look around, discover what kind of Karate schools are available in your region, and take advantage of the free lesson! You’ll be feeding a lifetime of love in no time, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a black belt in Karate!

For more information about Karate styles or if you just want to see if were a right fit for hyou to learn Japanese Karate, I would love to explain what makes our school unique!

Chat soon!

• Sensei Lorenzo

Ageless Martial Arts