By Tim Johnston
SHORIN-RYU
Shorin-Ryu is one of the major Okinawan martial arts and is one of the oldest styles of Karate. The kanji meaning is “small” and “forest” and pronounced Shorin in Japanese, are also used in the Japanese words for Shaolin.
Most modern Karate styles can be traced to the famous Satunuku Sakugawa (1733 – 1857) called “Tode” Sakugawa. Sakugawa went to China and trained under KusanKu. KusanKu had been a military attache in Okinawa. When master KusanKu returned to China, Sakugawa followed and remained in China for six years. In 1762, he returned to Okinawa and introduced his Kempo (“Fist Way”). This resulted in the Karate we know today. Sakugawa became a famous Samurai. He was also the Sensei of Sokon Matsumura.
Sokon Matsumura, also known as Bushi (warrior) and Shuri Matsumura (1797-1889), was one of the most renowned martial artist of his time. He is known as the founder of Shorin-Ryu Karate. Matsumura is responsible for carrying on the teachings of the original Shuri-Te. Matsumura chose the Shorin-Ryu (Shaolin in Chinese) as a name of the Ryu (style) due to it’s connection with the Shaolin Temple in China. Shorin Ryu has influences from Shaolin style Kung Fu. Although some authorities believe than Anko Itosu (1830-1915), Matsumura’s student, is actually responsible for adopting the name Shorin-Ryu.
Matusmura was recruited into the service of the Sho Family (Royal Family of Okinawa) and eventually became the chief martial arts instructor and bodyguard for the Okinawan King. He also studied at the Shaolin Temple in White crane Kung Fu along with Chinese weaponry. When he returned from China he organized and refined the Shorin-ryu system of Okinawan Karate.
Matsumura was given the title “Bushi” meaning warrior by the Okinawan King in recognition of his abilities and accomplishments in the martial arts. Matsumura fought many times but was never defeated. All modern styles of Karate that evolved from the Shuri-Te lineage can be traced back to the teachings of the Bushi Matsumura.
I recommend people to research for themselves all of the origins and the evolution of Karate and all of the great teachers who helped to make it what it is today. Please remember each school and Teacher have their own styles of teaching, however the roots and origins can all be traced back to Okinawa and all of the Great Masters before.
(Naha-Te and Shuri-Te) Naha-Te was developed around the principal port of Naha, a large trade center in Okinawa and which is also the Capital city of Okinawa. Naha-Te became known as Shorei-Ryu (inspirational Style) and further found it’s modern expression in the Goju-Ryu and Uechi-Ryu styles of Karate. Shuri-Te, on the other hand was a style that developed mainly in the city of Shuri, the ancient Capital of Okinawa.
This is where the King and members of the nobility lived. (Shuri-Te practiced in the nearby town of Tomari, known as Tomari-Te) developed into Shorin-Ryu. Many styles vary but have the same roots and origin and basics are so similar.
In our Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo, we focus on breathing along with inner energy, breathing while focusing on power to control the Chi or Ki (intrinsic energy). My Sensei emphasizes posture, breathing, core balance and proper foot rotations to generate energy in which ultimately equals to overall Power.
It has been fascinating to research the roots and history of Shorin-Ryu along with all the Schools that branched out throughout Okinawa and eventually spread all over Japan and now all over the world.
Author: Tim Johnston
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