4 Styles of Karate

[gina100]

I was doing a little research on the history of karate and found that there was actually four original styles of karate. These styles are: Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan, Wado-ryu. Has anyone had any experience with these styles? I am interested in Shotokan but would love to hear anyone else's opinion.

Edited to add: Over time, I guess, a few other modern styles appeared. Kenpo is one that I saw on another site. Here is a link for info on this style.
Kempo

[ribbon]

I have heard of kempo before but never knew where it came from. I have studied shotokan in the past but none of the other styles. I enjoyed the time that I spent learning shotokan.

[greenone]

Thanks for posting this. I never knew that it was four styles at all. I always thought it was a general "karate". I have had a chance to see kempo in action. It is very interesting.

[Empi]

I'm familiar with Shotokan, and one of the lucky few in the world who have experienced Goju Ryu.

Shotokan is good for empty hand defense, with supporting Kobudo (weapons kata) that enforce the real variety of techniques. I'm prepping for my black belt, but I can still say if you have the opportunity, I reccomend you take in as much of it as you can.

[sirdarksol]

Originally Posted by gina100

I was doing a little research on the history of karate and found that there was actually four original styles of karate. These styles are: Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan, Wado-ryu. Has anyone had any experience with these styles? I am interested in Shotokan but would love to hear anyone else's opinion.

Edited to add: Over time, I guess, a few other modern styles appeared. Kenpo is one that I saw on another site. Here is a link for info on this style.
Kempo

This is interesting. I am to understand that Shotokan was developed around the time of WWII as a national art that would help build physical fitness, combat ability, and discipline in the youth of Japan.
I believe that Funakoshi-Sensei is credited with the development of Shotokan, and he was born in the 1800's, centuries after karate was originally developed.

[Gray Wolf]

Originally Posted by sirdarksol

This is interesting. I am to understand that Shotokan was developed around the time of WWII as a national art that would help build physical fitness, combat ability, and discipline in the youth of Japan.

I believe that Funakoshi-Sensei is credited with the development of Shotokan, and he was born in the 1800's, centuries after karate was originally developed.

There is a Very Good book (Bubishi) by Patrick McCarthy; Which has a lot of different theories, as to what came first (the chicken or the egg)
It was my understanding that at the turn of the twentieth century, Master Itosu, and a few others Changed the Way that Kata was performed, by removing what was considered too dangerous(the Kyusho applications), and shifted the emphasis from Self-defense to physical fitness through group kata practice, but neglected its "bunkai"(application) - and it was this that was taught through the School system - And, by the way, it is Still taught the same way as it was for School Childern Today

[sirdarksol]

Originally Posted by Gray Wolf

There is a Very Good book (Bubishi) by Patrick McCarthy; Which has a lot of different theories, as to what came first (the chicken or the egg)
It was my understanding that at the turn of the twentieth century, Master Itosu, and a few others Changed the Way that Kata was performed, by removing what was considered too dangerous(the Kyusho applications), and shifted the emphasis from Self-defense to physical fitness through group kata practice, but neglected its "bunkai"(application) - and it was this that was taught through the School system - And, by the way, it is Still taught the same way as it was for School Childern Today

Either way, WWII or turn of the 20th century, Shotokan karate would seem to be a "child" of older forms of karate, rather than one of the "original" forms.

[Hatori]

Originally Posted by gina100

I was doing a little research on the history of karate and found that there was actually four original styles of karate. These styles are: Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan, Wado-ryu. Has anyone had any experience with these styles? I am interested in Shotokan but would love to hear anyone else's opinion.

Edited to add: Over time, I guess, a few other modern styles appeared. Kenpo is one that I saw on another site. Here is a link for info on this style.
Kempo

I have a Dan grade in Kenpo and would be happy to discuss Kenpo with anyone