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Martial Arts: Shito Ryu

Shito Ryu was developed by Mabuni Kenwa, an Okinawan karate master who studied both the styles of Naha-te (Gojuryu) and Shuri-te (Shorinryu). Shito Ryu was formed by the combination of the kata and techniques of these two styles. Traditional Okinawan weapons are also taught in the Shito Ryu style of karate. Characteristic for Shito-Ryu are the square-on stances and linear strikes.

The most famous exponent of Shito Ryu is Fumio Demura who introduced the style to the world and has written several books – on both Shito Ryu and traditional Okinawan martial arts weapons. Martial arts weapons that Demura has written about include the Sai, Nunchaku and Tonfa.

Origin of Shito Ryu: Okinawa

Founder of Shito Ryu: Mabuni Kenwa

Popularised by: Fumio Demura

23 Responses to “Shito Ryu”

  1. TONY VILLARREAL Says:

    I study motobu ha shito-ryu. This style was handed down by the great master kosei kokuba, later renamed kuniba. Soke kokuba studied w/choki motobu.kok [...] more

  2. TONY VILLARREAL Says:

    If you need any history or info on shito ryu karate please contact me Tony villarreal 3rd dan motobu ha shito ryu thejoker73@gmail.com

  3. Butch Velez Says:

    I like connecting with people who train in Shito ryu and Goshin Budo

  4. Travis Says:

    I practice Hayashi-Ha Shito ryu. I believe that any given martial arts is great if taught right, but I think when I found this one that I truly connec [...] more

  5. Jason Armstrong Says:

    I have studied Shito-Ryu in Kansai Japan by living with an 8th dan Master in the style. It is great art that is a hybrid of the systems of Goju and Sh [...] more

  6. Jim Mc Coy Says:

    Just a small correction. Kokuba Sensei was not “renamed” Kuniba. Kuniba is the Japanese pronunciation of the characters for the Okinawan name Kokuba [...] more

  7. Mark Moore Says:

    Tony, please contact me. I also trained with Master Baillargeon. Met your father back in the early 80s at karate camp in NC. Best regards Mark

  8. Ben Beuttenmueller Says:

    I also do Motobu-ha Shito-ryu Karate. I am a shodan, and I’m currently just training on my own, since I’m away at college, but I did train with Shiha [...] more

  9. Shin-Do Says:

    I have belts in both Tang Soo Do and Shinto Ryu Karate. I have found that Shinto Ryu is very competition centered, something that I have no interest i [...] more

  10. Brian Says:

    To the person saying he has belts in TSD and Shinto Ryu..umm, this is about Shito Ryu, not Shinto Ryu.

  11. Ron Davis Says:

    Hello I am a student of Motobu ha shito ryu. I currently study under Lenny Jordan Sensei, Hanbucho for the international seishinkai karate union. I am [...] more

  12. zack robicheau Says:

    Hi im studying shito ryu too im an idiot

  13. Tonya Stannert Says:

    I study Shito-Ryu under Sensei Tim Salerno in Mount Vernon Wa. I enjoy this form of martial art and as a 34 year old mother my son and I have been s [...] more

  14. tom Says:

    my sensei is akira fukuda hes good and i like this style its very fast at striking

  15. Mark Says:

    where do u people learn this stuff?

  16. Amir Mahdavi Says:

    Dear respectful President. http://www.wko-org Sincerely Amir Mahdavi President(WKO) World Karate Do Organization

  17. Denny Says:

    Does anyone train in Shito Ryu at Cranford Judo and Karate..New Jersey?

  18. Rev. Randy Sheldon Says:

    Ron, I am a former student of Sensei Lenny Jordan’s Kyoshinkan, Shorrin Ryu karate, when I lived in Chesapeake, Va. I’m hoping that your mention of [...] more

  19. Lenny Jordan Says:

    Randy Sheldon is a student of mine and he studied under me when I was in Virginia. Randy you can get in touch with me at kyoshinkan@yahoo.com

  20. willystone Says:

    simply awsome

  21. Roy D. Davis 111 Says:

    HI, just happen to come across your site. I studied under Soke Baillargeon for over 10 years in Valdosta, Ga. and now I reside in the big city of Alba [...] more

  22. Juan Noe Says:

    I love Karate-Do. I study under Kyoshi Arriaga (7th Dan), who was a student of the late Shogo Kuniba. OSU!

  23. asahidojo kotugoda Says:

    the grate style of karatedo

Contribute!

If you are an exponent of Shito Ryu (or should we have by accident or ignorance omitted your martial arts style elsewhere on this site), we invite you to send us a little paragraph or two that highlight certain aspects of Shito Ryu, including history, current grand-masters, special features or techniques, strengths and weaknesses, and similarities and differences to related martial arts. Please contribute by using the form below.