Comparison of karate styles
Wikimedia list article
The table contains a comparison of the different karate styles. Some of the distinguishing features are listed, such as lineage, general form of stances, the balance of hard and soft techniques, and the number and names of kata forms.
Background
The 4 major karate styles developed in Okinawa are Gōjū-ryū, Shorin-ryu, Uechi-ryu, and Wado-ryū; many other styles of Karate are derived from these four. Shorin-ryu has origins in the Shuri-Te and Tomari-Te styles from Okinawa, which were influenced by Shaolin kung fu from northern China; "Shorin" is the Japanese reading of the name "Shaolin". Gōjū-ryū has origins in Okinawan Naha-Te, which was influenced by southern Chinese martial arts. Uechi-ryu is also derived from southern Chinese styles, as its founder studied in Fujian province. Wado-ryu combines elements of Shorin-ryu with Shindō Yōshin-ryū jujitsu.
The Japan Karate Federation in mainland Japan sanctions four styles: Goju-ryu; Wado-ryu; Shotokan, a version of Shorin-ryu which emphasizes long, deep stances and powerful long range techniques; and Shito-ryu, which draws on both Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu for its expansive syllabus.
Some later styles of karate have been derived from the four main branches with their own focuses. For example Kyokushin, which is an extremely hard style derived from Shotokan and Gōjū-ryū, involves much more breaking and full contact, knockdown sparring as a main part of training.
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