Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan
The House of the Bull-Moose can trace its lineage back over 500 years to the Island of Okinaka (The Ryukyu Islands) south of Mainland Japan. Over 500 years ago, the Okinawa people developed a fighting style sometimes called “Te” [Hand Strikes], and, depending on what part of the island you lived in, you studied either “Shuri Te,” “Naha Te,” or “Tomari Te.” Our style of Karate practiced in our dojo is called Shorin-ryu, and was named so by O’Sensei Chosin Chibana [Aka: The Last Warrior of Shuri]. The association we study under is led by Sensei Minoru Nakazato (Hanshi-Judan), and was founded by one of Chibana Sensei’s most senior students, O’Sensei Shugoro Nakazato (Hanshi-Judan).
The kanji, old Japanese characters, also translate as Kobayashi, or Oldest Style, and is directly related to “Shuri Te.” The Shuri Jo, King’s Castle, is where the King’s BodyGuards trained in this ancient art, and it eventually trickled down into society, and the school systems. Likewise, there are Chinese connections to “Karate” based on the fact that Okinawa was a Port Island and for many years welcomed all types of travelers from East Asia for trade. In doing so, elements of Chinese Kung-fu were introduced to Okinawa “Te/Ti,” and you have the birth of Karate. Our dojo practices the elements of Karate that make it unique as a fighting art: Kata (Forms), Kobudo (Okinawa Weaponry), Kumite (various aspects of sparring and fighting), Kihon (Basics), and Waza (Drills). All of these aspects are practiced to make the Martial Artist well rounded, create conditioning, and develop skills for self-defense with an eye towards “Budo” (the Way of the Warrior).