Okinawan karate and kobudo styles, explained
What the style names mean, how they differ in feel, and how to choose.
Karate grew out of Okinawan fighting arts known as ti (手, “hand”) combined with Chinese martial arts over several centuries. Early lineages are traditionally grouped by the towns where they developed — Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te — and today's style names grow out of them. Lineages and histories are discussed and sometimes disputed, so treat this as a guide to what you will hear at the door, not a final word.
Shorin-ryu (少林流)
The big family descended from the Shuri and Tomari traditions. You will see several branches, each with its own organisation: Kobayashi-ryu, Matsubayashi-ryu, Shobayashi-ryu and others. Stances are usually natural and upright, with an emphasis on speed and straight lines. It is the most common family among the dojo we list.
Goju-ryu (剛柔流)
A style from the Naha tradition. The name means “hard–soft”: close-range work, strong stances and deliberate breathing with circular and linear techniques. Many dojo keep a strong conditioning (kitae) element.
Uechi-ryu (上地流)
Founded by Uechi Kanbun and derived from a Chinese system he studied in Fuzhou. Known for firm, close-range technique and body conditioning, and for a small set of kata.
Others you may meet
- Motobu-ryu, Isshin-ryu and other family and independent styles — Isshin-ryu in particular has long been popular with Americans in Okinawa, and the on-base programme of MCCS Martial Arts includes it.
- Kyokushin and full-contact karate — popular and widely practised in Okinawa but founded elsewhere; see Kyokushin and full-contact dojo.
- Shotokan and Shito-ryu — styles developed on the Japanese mainland by Okinawan-born or Okinawan-trained masters.
Kobudo (古武道)
Okinawan weapons arts — the bo (staff), sai, tonfa, nunchaku, kama and others. Many karate dojo teach kobudo alongside karate, and some specialise in it; see kobudo in Okinawa.
How to choose
- Pick the teacher and the room, not only the style. The atmosphere, class level and teacher usually matter more to a visitor than the lineage.
- Ask to watch. Spend half an hour in the room before you commit. See dojo etiquette.
- Be clear about your goal. Tournament, tradition, fitness or a short visit all point to different dojo.
- Start in the right area. Browse Naha, Tomigusuku, Okinawa City or the full karate list.
Published 2026-10-18 · Updated 2026-10-18. Spot an error? Tell us.