Shotokan compared with other karate styles

If you search for karate classes in Christchurch you’ll find several styles on offer. They share the same Okinawan roots and a lot of the same techniques. The differences are in emphasis.

Shotokan

Long, low stances and straight, powerful techniques. Training is split evenly between basics, kata and controlled sparring. Shotokan is the most widely practised style, so it’s easy to find a dojo if you move. Read more about Shotokan karate.

Goju-ryu

The name means “hard-soft style”. Goju-ryu uses higher, shorter stances and works at closer range, with circular blocks and a strong emphasis on breathing. Its signature kata, Sanchin, is performed slowly with the whole body under tension.

Wado-ryu

Founded by Hironori Otsuka, who studied with Funakoshi and was also a jujutsu master. Wado-ryu stances are higher and lighter than Shotokan’s, and the style favours body shifting and evasion over meeting force head on.

Shito-ryu

Founded by Kenwa Mabuni, who trained under the main Okinawan teachers of his day and kept the kata of both lines. Shito-ryu is known for having a very large number of kata.

Kyokushin

Founded by Masutatsu Oyama, who had trained in both Shotokan and Goju-ryu. Kyokushin is a full-contact style. Sparring is done without pads, with punches to the body and kicks to the legs, body and head, and conditioning is a major part of training.

Which style is best?

None of them. A good teacher in any style will make you a capable karateka, and a poor one won’t, whatever the badge says. When you compare clubs, look at these things first:

• The instructor’s grade and who issued it. A recognised national or international body should stand behind it.
• Whether beginners are looked after. You should be shown what to do, not left at the back to copy.
• How sparring is run. Control and safety should be obvious.
• Whether you can get there twice a week. The club you actually attend beats the perfect one across town.

What we teach

Tomyris Karatedo is a Japan Karate Association New Zealand dojo teaching Shotokan in Strowan, Christchurch. See our karate classes or come and try one.