Karate is a martial art that involves high levels of anaerobic exercise, agility, and flexibility, and it too has different styles that affect your strength.
However, Karate also has different styles which are taught differently. Shito Ryu and Shotokan are popular styles involving different motions and techniques during the training period.
The two styles have different ways of application and also varied or complex forms of application. These are all taught under the karate branches, and it is easy to differentiate with the various emphasis on the different stances and movements.
Despite being under Karate, there are clear distinctions in delivery and training. The styles differ in their application techniques, stances, and origins.
Thus, some may have a more complex form than others. However, all these are meant to balance the art with the different ways these can be applied in defensive positions.
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Differences between shito Ryu vs Shotokan karate styles
Shito Ryu is a Karate style centered on landing powerful strikes, popular among the fifty katas students.
The moves focused on attacks and defenses, which the students must perfect. It can be said to be more inclined toward complex movements as it rarely involves basic techniques.
Thus, it incorporates long-range techniques and stances, unlike Shotokan. These movements, combined with forehead moves, give you great flexibility and power even in real-life situations.
Shito Ryu requires great physical strength to apply the stances necessary for delivering accurate trikes at all times.
It is a great sport that greatly impacts physical conditioning that also sees to the growth and discipline of the student, even in the display of Shito Ryu in tournaments.
Mastering Shito Ryu’s movements opens possibilities to face even complex real-life situations, especially with its focus on speed while delivering the strikes.
While comparing Shito Ryu and Shotokan, it is easy not to see the difference, especially if you see the tournament fighting. However, the differences are quite clear, especially with the instructors’ approach to training the students.
Shotokan focuses on distance and timing drills that are essential to gain momentum in the sport, which is different from the approach that Shito Ryu gives.
It also provides these steps using basic movements and techniques, which, over time, build into a complex method of defense.
Thus, their approach is rooted in physical power. It is a practice of Shorin Ryu applied mostly in Japan, thus lacking the complexity that Shito Ryu covers.
It covers very wide stances, and using some of the linear methods, it is sure to deliver accurate strikes to the opponents effectively.
Shotokan may be the most practiced Karate style, but it lacks what Shito Ryu delivers, especially in smooth and efficient movements that give elegance in practice.
Similarities
While in action, especially in the tournaments, the differences are not much and can be attributed to similarities between the two are not many but can be noted as the following;
- Different masters designed both styles under Karate based on mental and physical characteristics. The masters are responsible for adding developments in each style and their implementation.
- Both styles contain rules and regulations, which are the basic form of each style. The rules and regulations are also attributed to the differences the styles hold. These rules are to be strictly followed by the practitioners.
- They utilize long-range styles that favor low-front stances. This is evident from their training compared to other Karate styles like Goju Ryu, which do not incline more to the lower stances. However, the stances are also distinct in how they are applied.
What to choose
When choosing any style, it is better to understand that the whole process depends on the practitioner.
Therefore, your agility and power will determine the form you choose to take. Essentially both styles only have small differences but follow these styles through specific rules and techniques.
These techniques govern how you will execute your movements in a defense situation. Shotokan can be argued to focus so much on power, while Shito Ryu emphasizes speed while facing an opponent.
Thus, it has an elegant way of delivering the strikes and executing the kata in defensive positions.
Take away
When learning Karate, it is clear that there are very distinct styles, each with different styles and application techniques.
Karate styles are popular and widely applied in self-defense situations. Therefore, the essential part is ensuring you have the right style and instructor.
Training, which may be demanding, is also important for you to have an edge and understanding of the sport. Shito Ryu and Shotokan are excellent choices while starting your Karate journey.
