The table contains a comparison of 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 four major karate styles developed in Japan, especially in Okinawa are Shotokan, Wado-ryū, Shitō-ryū, and Gōjū-ryū; many other styles of Karate are derived from these four.[1] The first three of these styles find their origins in the Shuri-Te and Tomari-Te styles from Okinawa, while Goju-ryu finds its origins in Okinawan Naha-Te. Shito-ryu can be regarded as a blend of Shuri and Naha traditions as its kata incorporate both Shuri and Naha kata.[2]
The formal application within the four most widespread karate styles in mainland Japan are as follows:
Shotokan involves long, deep stances and powerful long range techniques.
Shito-ryu, on the other hand, uses more upright stances and stresses speed rather than power in its long and middle range techniques.
Wado-ryu too employs shorter, more natural stances and the style is characterised by the emphasis on body shifting to avoid attacks.
Goju-ryu places emphasis on Sanchin kata and its rooted Sanchin stance, and it stresses close-range techniques.
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.[3]
Taikyoku Shodan, 5 Heian, 3 Tekki, Bassai Dai and Sho, Jion, Empi, Kanku Dai and Sho, Hangetsu, Jitte, Gankaku, Sochin, Nijushiho, Chinte, Ji'in, Meikyo, Wankan, Unsu, Gojushiho Dai and Sho
