Which is the best?

Shorin-ryu Diciple · 09-29-2004, 14:02

Sorry I have posted a few more fourms, If that is bad manners I apologise.

But my question is, what do you beleve to be the most effective form of Karate? I know that each style has its advantages and disadvantages, but what is the one that you feel is slightlybetter, If that is even the word. My Bet would be Kobaiashi Shoren ryu, because as my sensei put it "it has a little bit of every thing because it was soley comprised of karate"

But that is my opinion, plz dont flame me.

**Andrew Green** · 09-29-2004, 14:33

It has very little to do with the style, and more to do with how you train.

But if you must pick one, Kyokushin seems to do best in full contact competition (ex K-1)

**jabonn** · 09-29-2004, 14:51

I am going to guess you will either have baised answers due to 'this is the style I do' or 'this is what my brother does' OR a low turn out of a possible flame war.

I like that fact that you study Okinawan Karate-do. Shorin-ryu is a very good system no matter what association that you belong:Kobayashi, Seidokan, and Matsumura. Each one those association offers just a little bit different take on applications of techniques.

You will find that there are only a few people on this forum that post regularaly that are Okinawan Karate-ka. You may want to look at this site for more recent developments in Okinawa on the big three styles of Karate-do Uechi-ryu Goju-ryu Shorin-ryu . There are a few segments on the minor styles of Okiniwan karate-do (Isshin-ryu, Ryuei-ryu To'on-ry....).

I was sorry to see you had not added the style that I study as part of your poll. Good luck.

Uechi-ryu Kenyukai

**Sochin** · 10-04-2004, 15:36

well, Diciple (sic),

I bet you go to dog shows and ask, "What's the best kind of dog? I think it's a pit bull, " hmmm?

**TonyU** · 10-04-2004, 19:49

With all due respect. I am a Kobayashi Shorin Ryu practictioner and I won't vote. Why? It's like Mr. Green stated it's how your train. They are all good. I have friends with as much time if not more than me in each of those respective styles and they are competent and exceptional karatekas in their own right.

**jabonn** · 10-05-2004, 07:44

Chris

How are you doing any Shime with your students? I read that you have a Goju back ground and was wondering about if you kept the condititioning portion of Goju with your program?

**TonyU** · 10-06-2004, 07:09

Originally Posted by Chris McLean

Every one here knows it is not the style that make the man but the man that make the style.

Yeap I agree. Also I'm not a scholar, but I do try to keep up with my Japanese terms for my sake and according to my sources you are are correct in the spelling of "kakie" and "kotekitai". You stated you learned these in Goju. Did you learn or practice these in ShorinRyu also? or no? I ask because I was taught these type of exercises in ShorinRyu.

**jabonn** · 10-06-2004, 12:31

Seems this thread took a turn. Sochin if you want to redirect we could turn this into a Okinawan Body Conditioning discussion.

In Uechi we are heavy in the shime, kotekitai and ashikitai. During Sanchin Sensei will lay on some shime on the last of the three kata performed. Then in the last 15 minutes or so of the class we will condition the stomach, fore-arms, shins and thighs (inner/outer).

I posted this a while back, We take the foam padding cover off the wave master and kick the hard plastic base with our shins, instep, etc. It rocks a little bit so it is not too ridgid and provides excellent conditioning for a solo workout.

We then kick the tire with the instep and the toes (the front kick point of impact is the big toe). We also have a heavy bag on the ground that we will kick as well.

Then the Makiwara - lots of one step drills withe the makiwara. Quick punches and then move back.

**TonyU** · 10-07-2004, 05:30

You are right Jabonn, we've seem to have thread drifted, but I have a question for Chris.
First, Yes I'm aware that Isshin Ryu is a combination of ShorinRyu and Goju Ryu. Combined by Tatsuo Shimabuku (Founder) by his training under Chotoku Kyan (Shorin) and Chojun Miyagi (Goju). Jus a little tidbit for those that didn't know. My questions is how hard is it for you adapt or train using dynamic beathing exercises since ShorinRyu stresses natural breathing.
I'm not criticizing just asking because we don't practice sanchin or similar katas and I have never done it.
Thanks.

**TonyU** · 10-07-2004, 14:54

Originally Posted by Chris McLean

It was about as hard as striking with an open hand or a closed hand.

Just my oppinion but the Bukki breathing comes from the chinese enfluence and has a purpose. Helps teach students how to control their breath. Also used in combat when injured to release endorphines into blood stream and help control pain and bleeding. I know a BB who had his thumbs cut off in the woods bow hunting had to walk three miles back to his truck and then drive 30 miles to nearest hospital to have them sewn back on he was alone and doctor said his breathing excersise kept him from bleeding to death.
Very simular to the principle behind the breathing they teach woman for natural child birth.

This is what I was referring to as another lost part of the art due to tournaments and people not knowing what it is for so they dissmiss it in ignorance.

Thanks for your reply. I understand.

**Estrella** · 10-19-2004, 15:31

Hey, you don't have Wado-Ryu up there! You got something against it, huh?! I'm just kidding.

Seriously, though, I don't think I'd vote even if it was- it's the only style I've ever studied, and I am still quite inexperienced at that. And if its the only type I've studied, how am I going to know whether its better or not? There's only so much that can be learned from researching different styles on the net or in books- I don't think you'd know which was the better one unless you had some experience of them all, and even then, its a matter of personal preference.

Shorin-ryu Diciple · 10-22-2004, 13:40

just wondering. It turns out I take Matsubaiashi Shorin Ryu instead of Koiobaiashi? Is there a gigantic difference between the styles, I heard the guy who started Koiobaiashi mispelt the kanji?

**CrowJS** · 10-23-2004, 22:09

For me, it's easy....Wado ryu is the best. Reason being, it's the one I know!

Like someone said earlier, there is no "right" answer. My guess is that you would have to be ranked in all styles before you could be qualified to give an opinion.

**Wulf** · 10-26-2004, 13:22

i feel that it's not the weapon that makes the warrior, the weapon being a martial art in this stance. like everybody says, it's how you train in the art no matter which fighting style you choose. (sorry if that doesn't make sense.. sometimes i tend to ramble on until i reach a point)

**dojo** · 11-14-2004, 04:16

I do Shotokan and it's the best style FOR ME. That is because I have started MA training with it and never got the chance to train in other styles. Maybe I would have changed my opinion. Maybe not. The best style is the one you train in, love and know. It can be any style in the world, our experience, way of life and possibile choices force us to have different views and pleasures. It's indeed hard to say which style is better and we'll have to put near it another "string" ..."for me". My favourite style is maybe the one you hate, and it's OK. We are different and so are our preferences

**David Craik** · 11-14-2004, 20:54

WHICH IS BEST

I've only done Wado-Ryu and Shotokan, but have come to the conclusion that there are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists.

Whaddaya mean someone else already thought of that?!

**black-gi** · 01-06-2005, 13:01

if there was a best there would only be one.

**Markaso** · 03-14-2005, 02:10

What a can of worms!!! Which one is best........ well as I practice in Go Jyu Ryu and I have been doing that for about 17 years, I naturally would say that. But I think all arts have great things to teach. We may all be on different paths but are we all not going in the same direction?

I think the arts that have all of the ellements ( for ex. take-downs, throws, joint locks, strikes ect.) would fall under that category.

**Abbax8** · 03-17-2005, 11:59

Which art is BEST!

Well I would say the art that is taught in a location that you are to get to on a regular basis,that charges a tuition that you can afford to pay and still make ends meet, that conducts class in such a way that you are able to return for the next class, that holds your interest and has a system in place to test your skill acquisition, and that meets your reason for joining, ex. competition, self defense, exercise, socialization. The only way to answer these questions is to visit the local schools, ask and observe and maybe take a few classes. I would suggest you AVOID schools that will not let you observe class or require long term contracts to join.

Peace

Dennis

**OkinawaGojuRyu** · 03-17-2005, 13:47

I believe that the only person that can answer this question would be yourself . For me , I choose Goju Ryu , because I feel it is very well rounded . We have our Kihon , & kata , along w/ bunkai , like many other system's . But we also have Kakie , which is an agressive form of push hands that incorporates joint locks , throws , etc . We also have Junbi Undo which are traditional warm ups , some have been created by Miyagi Sensei , directly from the Kata . We also have Hojo Undo , or supplementary exercises , done w/ traditional Okinawan weights , as well . Along w/ Kotikitaie (forearm conditioning) , along w/ conditioning of the legs , stomach , etc. For a period of about 3 yrs , Miyagi Sensei instituted something called Iri Kumi , which was an agressive form of fighting , which included kicks to the legs , sweeps , knee's , elbows , take downs , & throws , as well . After 3 yrs , he realized it was too dangerous , so it was discontinued . However many Dojo still continue this tradition . As you can see , compared to most styles , Goju ryu is very well rounded , that is why IMO it is the best . I should note that if you dont think your style of karate is the best , you should not be training in it , & find what you feel is the best .