Shōrinji Ryū Karate

Shōrinji Ryū (Shoh-reen-jee Ree-you) Karate (少林寺流空手) is a traditional style of Okinawan karate that traces its roots to both indigenous Okinawan fighting arts and Chinese martial influences. The name Shōrinji (少林寺) means "Shaolin Temple," reflecting its historical ties to Chinese martial arts, while Ryū (流) means "style" or "school."

O'Sensei Richard Kim

Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura (1809–1899)

Chotoku Kyan (1870–1945)

Richard Kim (1917–2001)

Characteristics of Shōrinji Ryū Karate:

Shōrinji Ryū retains many traditional aspects of classical Okinawan karate while also incorporating Chinese and Japanese influences.

1. Stances and Movement

Uses natural, upright stances, emphasizing speed and agility over brute force.
Movements are circular and fluid, borrowing from Shaolin kung fu principles.
Footwork is dynamic, allowing for quick evasions and counterattacks.

2. Kata (Forms)
Shōrinji Ryū practitioners train in both Shōrin-based katas (such as Pinan and Passai) and Chinese-influenced forms. Many katas emphasize simultaneous block-and-strike techniques, low stances, and fast transitions.

3. Striking Techniques:
Focuses on rapid, successive snap strikes (rather than pushing strikes), allowing for speed and efficiency. Heavy emphasis on relaxation and explosiveness, with an equal use of closed fist, open hand, and palm strikes. Includes traditional linear punches and kicks, with a preference for front and side kicks.

4. Self-Defense and Joint Locks:
Incorporates elements of pressure point strikes, joint manipulations, and throws. Some techniques resemble Japanese jujutsu due to historical connections with judo and aikijujutsu.

5. Kobudo (Weapons Training):
Many Shōrinji Ryū schools also practice kobudo (traditional weapons training), including: Bo (staff), Sai (metal truncheons), Nunchaku, and Tonfa.

Origins and History of Shōrinji Ryū Karate:

Shōrinji Ryū is part of the broader Shōrin (少林) lineage of Okinawan karate, which is heavily influenced by the teachings of the Shaolin monks and Southern Chinese martial arts. The style emerged as one of the many branches of Shōrin-ryū, a family of karate styles that were developed in Okinawa based on techniques brought from China.

While there are different interpretations and branches of Shōrinji Ryū today, one of the key figures in its modern development was Richard Kim (1917–2001), a prominent martial artist who trained in various Okinawan and Japanese martial arts. Kim is often credited with spreading Shōrinji Ryū outside of Okinawa, especially to North America.

Key Influences and Masters:

Shaolin Martial Arts Influence: As the name suggests, Shōrinji Ryū draws inspiration from the martial arts of the Shaolin Temple in China. Okinawa had extensive trade and cultural exchanges with China, leading to the transmission of Shaolin-based fighting techniques to the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Bushi Matsumura and Tode (Okinawan Fighting Arts):

Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura (1809–1899) was a legendary martial artist who trained in Chinese and Okinawan combat arts and is considered a foundational figure in Shōrin-based karate. He was important because he systematized Karate from a family art into an organized structure. This approach ultimately inspired Itosu Anko to bring Karate into the modern age.Matsumura’s teachings formed the basis for later Shōrin-ryū styles, including Shōrinji Ryū.

Chotoku Kyan (1870–1945):

Another significant influence was Chotoku Kyan, a famous Okinawan karate master who trained under various teachers, including Matsumura. Kyan’s teachings emphasized speed, agility, and a strong foundation in kata (forms), which became key aspects of Shōrinji Ryū.

Richard Kim (1917–2001):

Richard Kim was a major proponent of Shōrinji Ryū in the 20th century. He studied under various Okinawan and Japanese martial arts masters, including Taira Shinken (kobudo expert) and Yabu Kentsu. Kim helped to systematize the teachings of Shōrinji Ryū and spread it worldwide, particularly in the U.S. and Canada. His experience in Western Boxing, Judo, and Tai Chi made him well-rounded. His background in various styles paid off during full-contact matches in Shanghai in his WWII years. This made a strong impact on how he refined and developed his method of Shōrinji Ryū.

Shōrinji Ryū Karate Today:

Shōrinji Ryū is not as widely known as mainstream Shōrin-ryū or Shotokan. But, it is practiced in Okinawa, Japan, and international dojos, especially in North America, due to Richard Kim’s influence. It remains a style that blends the efficiency of Okinawan karate, the fluidity of Shaolin kung fu, and the practicality of Japanese budo.