Karate, All Ways Are One

Zenko Heshiki

Heshiki Sensei explains how the two types of Karate developed but even through their differing styles, both share a common meaning in the essence and philosophy of Karate thus illustrating Miyamoto Musashi's belief that "In the end, all ways are One."

Because of the secrecy in which te had to be practiced, there exists no evidence to indicate any clear-cut classification of the various styles and types of Karate during its formative years in the 18th century. Gradually, however, Karate was divided into two main groups or types: Shorin-ryu or Shuri-te, and Shorei-ryu or Naha-te. Shorin-ryu developed around Shuri and Tomari, while Shorei-ryu came out of the vicinity of Naha.

The late Gichin Funakoshi, in his book Karate-do Kyohan, expressed the belief that the characteristics of the two Okinawan Karate styles showed the belief that they developed out of different physical requirements. Funakoshi said that Shuri-te or Shorin-ryu was quick and fast in its movements, thus making it preferable for men of small stature whose aim was mastery of quick action. Naha-te or Shorei-ryu, on the other hand, he recommended for heavier, larger persons.

However, differences in stature and personality are not regarded as important in Karate. Rather, the essence of Karate lies in the process by which individuals make the utmost effort in an attempt to create limitless power through true wisdom. The martial arts originated from the instinct of self-preservation, and ultimately aim at building a well-balanced person of sound mind and body through continuous practice. It is here that the spirit of Karate-do lies.

The differences between Shuri-te and Naha-te lies in the basic movements and methods of breathing. The basic approach in Shuri-te stems from training forms linked to natural movements. For instance, the movement of the feet is in a straight line when a step is taken forward or backward. Speed and proper timing is essential in the training for kicking, punching, and striking. Breathing is controlled naturally during training. No artificial breath is necessary for a mastery of Shuri-te.

Naha-te is characterized by steady and rooted movements. Unlike movements in Shuri-te, the feet travel rather slowly on the crescent-shaped line. In Naha-te kata there is a rhythmical, but artificial way of breathing in accordance with each of the movements. Compared to the movements in Shuri-te, Naha-te seems to lack swiftness in kata practice. The two schools, however, share the common factor of observing only natural stances.

Naha-te is divided into two styles: Goju-ryu and Uechi-ryu. Shuri-te is divided into three styles: two are called Shorin-ryu and a third is called Matsubayashi-ryu. Matsubayashi-ryu is also called Shorin-ryu. Students are often confused because the terms are used interchangeably. The fact is that both are correct, since there can be a reading of the kanji (characters) taken from the Japanese language, as well as a reading from Chinese. Thus, the character meaning "pine tree" can be read as matsu or as sho, and the reading of "forest" can be either hayashi (there is a phonetic change from "h" to "b") or rin.

As an old Okinawan folk song relates, "Even though we take different roads to ascend the wooded mountain, each of us can achieve our goal and appreciate the moon when we reach the top." So may we achieve the same purpose in studying Karate-do whichever way we choose. The goal does not vary between the styles. In the depth of their philosophy, they share a common meaning.