Founded in Okinawa, Karate-Do is one of the most widely known and practiced Martial Arts world wide. Its origins come from both the Kobudo and Okinawan Te practiced by both the farmers and peasants from the island. The refinement, development and systemization of technique are owed to the Chinese influence of Kung Fu. It is recorded that certain Okinawan masters traveled to china and learned Kung Fu or that some Chinese Masters traveled to Okinawa and taught their art to the islanders.
Today there are many forms of Karate-Do that exist. The Kobayashi school of Shorin-Ryu was founded by Master Choshin Chabana. Shorin –Ryu means Small Forrest School and is literally translated in Chinese as Shoalin, as in the famed Shoalin Buddhist Temples which was introduced to China by the Indian monk Boddidharma.
Shorin –Ryu is considered a hard, linear style of Martial Art and is designed to end a confrontation in 1 to 2 strikes. It utilizes blocks, kicks and punches as well as joint locks, throws and foot sweeps and emphasizes conditioning the body to deliver accurate and devastating blows to ones opponent. Shorin – Ryu uses multiple body parts for attacking and defense including multiple areas of the hands, arms, feet and legs as well as training in pressure point techniques.
One of the most important aspects of Shorin – Ryu training is the mental training which makes this art one of hardest but most important of Nikidokai’s 5 Disciplines. It is here that true Mastery of Ones Self can be achieved.
Hanshi Nico
Founder of Nikidokai
Hall of Fame Member
Trainer of World Champions