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The Shorei Ryu style of Karate originated in Okinawa. Originally, there were two schools of Karate in Okinawa: Naha-te and Shuri-te. Due to the immense trading between China and Okinawa, merchant marines and seamen brought with them styles from mainland China. Primarily two styles: To-de and Shorinji-Kempo. The founder of Shorinji-Kempo was said to have been Daruma himself (Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism). Sharing the knowledge and adding, refining, and improving techniques led to the present day styles we know as Shorei-ryu and Shorin Ryu.

The techniques of both schools offered their advantages. For example, Master Funakoshi states that Shorei teaches a more effective form of self-defense, while Shorin’s advantage was mobility.

The Shorei system is based on the five fundamental animal strengths: the dragon for overall body strength, the tiger for bone strength, the leopard for inner and outer strength, the snake for breathing strength, and the crane for the all important strength of the spirit.

Based on a strong foundation of basic principles and techniques, Shorei Ryu is well known for vast depth of skills including strong stances, punches, kicks, strikes, clawing, joint locks, submissions, sweeps, throws, and down fighting. In addition, there are 17 basic stances, 47 rules for attack methods, and 15 Kata.

Karate techniques of present day have adopted the best qualities of both schools. Of the numerous authentic styles being taught in the United States, half of the recognized World Champions are of the Okinawan systems.