Kobayashi-ryū (小林流), often translated as “Small Forest Style” or “Shaolin Style,” is a significant traditional Okinawan karate style. It stands as a prominent branch within the broader Shorin-ryū lineage, founded on the foundational teachings of influential Okinawan martial arts masters.
The Kobayashi-ryū style was founded by Chōshin Chibana (知花 朝信), who was born in Shuri’s Torihori village in 1885 and passed away in 1969. He is specifically regarded as the founder of the Kobayashi branch of Shorin-ryū karate-dō. The term “Kobayashi” is an Okinawan reading of the characters for “Shaolin,” which means “small forest”. Chōshin Chibana named Shōrin-ryū in 1933. The style itself was formally established around 1920.
Chōshin Chibana devoted his entire life to developing and teaching karate-dō, and in recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Emperor’s Order of the Fourth Class.
Historical Influences and Development
Kobayashi-ryū is categorised as a sub-style of Shorin-ryū. Shorin-ryū itself originated from Shuri-te, one of the three historical Okinawan martial arts methods, named after the city of Shuri. Shuri-te, in turn, is primarily based on the teachings of Kanga “Tode” Sakugawa and his student Sōkon “Bushi” Matsumura from the 1800s. Matsumura, known for his terrifying presence and undefeated record in duels, was a pivotal figure whose martial arts endeavours were the progenitor of many contemporary karate styles, including Shorin-ryū, Shotokan, and Shitō-ryū. All modern karate styles that evolved from the Shuri-te lineage can be traced back to Matsumura’s teachings.
Chōshin Chibana further developed his understanding by studying under Ankō Itosu (1832-1916), who himself was a student of Sōkon Matsumura. Itosu is widely regarded as an originator of “modern karate” and was instrumental in introducing karate into Okinawa’s school system in 1901. The broader “Shorin” group of styles, to which Kobayashi-ryū belongs, represents a mixture of what were known as Tomari-te and Shuri-te, sometimes with a mixture of Naha-te. However, it is important to note that the distinctions between Shuri-te and Tomari-te are often considered tenuous or practically meaningless, as these terms, along with Naha-te, were seen by some as “an artificial invention of the nationalistic interests” during the kokutai period of the 1920s.
Key Teachers and Succession
- Chōshin Chibana (1885-1969): The founder of Kobayashi-ryū, he dedicated his life to teaching and refining the style. His profound influence shaped the core principles and curriculum.
- Katsuya Miyahira (b. 1918): A direct student of Chōshin Chibana, Miyahira continued to propagate the style. In 1956, he established his dōjō, the Shidokan, behind his house in Tsuboya, where he taught karate.
- Shugoro Nakazato Sensei: Prominent students such as Genka Noritsune Sensei (10th Dan Shōrin-ryū, Shorinkan) and Asato Sezaburo Sensei (9th Dan Shōrin-ryū, Shorinkan) initially trained under Chōshin Chibana and later continued their training under Nakazato Shugoro Sensei. Other notable students who trained under Nakazato Shugoro Sensei include Noel Smith and Yamashita Tadashi.
- Minoru Nakazato Hanshi: He currently presides over the International Shorinkan association, a major branch of Kobayashi Shōrin-ryū, signifying the continuation of the style through its organisational structure.
- Noel Smith, Kyoshi: An 8th Dan Shōrin-ryū, Shorinkan, Sensei Smith holds a direct lineage to Nakazato Shugoro Sensei. He also served as the head coach for the US karate team from 1973 to 1978 and is an inductee of the USA Karate Hall of Fame. His training with Yamashita Tadashi under Nakazato Shugoro Sensei emphasised realistic combat scenarios.
- Yamashita Tadashi, Sensei: A 10th Dan Shōrin-ryū, Shorinkan, Yamashita Sensei later developed his own fighting approach called “Suikendo” (“fists flowing like water”), which he spread worldwide through the Yamashita International Budo Association. His system combines iterative fighting tactics with traditional karate-dō, featuring explosive open-hand techniques that allow for rapid, powerful, multi-strike sequences.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Kobayashi-ryū is known as a “fast style”, which is a characteristic of Shorin-ryū styles generally based on Shuri-te and Tomari-te. A core emphasis in Kobayashi-ryū is on “breathing from the tanden”, which is the energetic centre of the human body located below the navel.
The training methodology in Kobayashi-ryū, particularly for beginners, involves a unique approach to kata practice. Students are taught to perform the initial kata, such as Naihanchi Shodan, by emptying all their strength from the body and relaxing completely, practising the kata “as if dancing”. This method helps students’ physiques adapt naturally to karate and allows their intrinsic energy to “sink to his lower abdomen.” After achieving this, students are then instructed on the correct points at which to focus their energy, developing a state of “relaxed tension”. This paradoxical concept is explained using the analogy of a solid rubber ball that, when squeezed and released, returns to its original rounded shape.
Other factual characteristics include the prominent use of Zenkutsu Dachi (front-bent stance) and Naihanchi Dachi (straddled legs or ‘horse-riding’ stance), along with light steps and many Keri-Waza (kicking techniques). The Shorinkan branch of Kobayashi Shōrin-ryū, for instance, focuses on the systematic development of fighting skills, incorporating realistic combat scenarios, partner drills, free fighting without predetermined techniques, and the conditioning of limbs, bones, hands, and the upper and lower body.
Growth and Worldwide Spread
The accessibility of Okinawan karate to American G.I.’s stationed at bases like Camp Hansen near Kin, Okinawa, following World War II, played a crucial role in its global dissemination. Many servicemen, upon returning home, became the first Westerners to teach the martial art they had learned in Okinawa. This led to a significant spread of Okinawan karate, including Kobayashi-ryū and its branches, with the USA becoming a major hub for traditional karate outside of Japan.
The establishment of international organisations, such as the International Shorinkan association presided over by Nakazato Minoru Hanshi, further facilitated the worldwide growth of the Kobayashi-ryū lineage. Instructors like Noel Smith and Yamashita Tadashi, who trained in this lineage, have contributed to its international presence. Yamashita Tadashi’s development and global spread of his Suikendo system, which draws from his traditional karate-dō background, also reflects the broader influence of this lineage.
Katas Associated with the Style
The Kobayashi-ryū curriculum, particularly within the Shorinkan branch, is described as a “curriculum-based kata system” with a defined “closed curriculum system” comprising fourteen karate katas and thirteen kobudo kata. Additionally, there are basic technique drill-katas taught to new students, which include three Kihon katas, three Fukyu No katas, and Chi No kata. These kata collectively provide an “encyclopaedia of moves and concepts for all possible fighting challenges”.
While a definitive single list of the 14 karate kata for Kobayashi-ryū (Shorinkan) is not provided, the teachings of Katsuya Miyahira, a direct student of Chōshin Chibana, offer a strong representation of the core empty-hand kata in this lineage. These include:
Empty-Hand Katas:
- Naihanchi Shodan
- Naihanchi Nidan
- Naihanchi Sandan
- Pinan Shodan
- Pinan Nidan
- Pinan Sandan
- Pinan Yondan
- Pinan Godan
- Passai Dai
- Passai Sho
- Kusanku Dai
- Kusanku Sho
- Chinto
- Okan (Wankan)
- Wanshu
- Seisan
- Jion
- Gōjūshiho
Note: The source states 14 karate katas for Shorinkan, while Miyahira’s list contains 18. This suggests that some of these kata might be considered advanced or specific to Miyahira’s interpretation within the broader Kobayashi-ryū teachings, or the count of 14 refers to a foundational subset.
Basic Technique Drill-Katas:
- Three Kihon katas
- Three Fukyu No katas
- Chi No kata
Kobudo Katas:
- Thirteen kobudo kata (Specific names are not provided in the sources for Kobayashi-ryū/Shorinkan, but generally in Shorin-ryū kobudo, weapons like the bō, nunchaku, tonfa, sai, and kama are studied.)
Unique, Similar, and Differentiated Katas:
- Naihanchi Shodan: This kata holds significant importance in Kobayashi-ryū, typically being the first kata taught to beginners. Its practice in Kobayashi-ryū is distinctive due to the emphasis on “emptying all strength… relaxing completely… as if dancing” to develop intrinsic energy and “relaxed tension”. This approach to developing body dynamics and internal energy makes its execution unique even when compared to similar Naihanchi (or Tekki) kata in other styles like Shotokan. Historically, Motobu Choki, an influential figure in the broader Shorin-ryū lineage, famously emphasised Naihanchi, believing it contained all necessary fighting knowledge and suggesting practitioners dedicate years to its study.
- Seisan: While commonly found across many karate styles, including Gōjū-ryū and Uechi-ryū, the execution within Shorin-ryū branches like Shorinji-ryū (a Kyan lineage) for example, involves practising it with dynamic tension similar to Gōjū-ryū‘s Sanchin kata. This includes natural lower abdomen breathing in conjunction with slow, forceful movements. However, unlike some Gōjū-ryū variations, care is taken not to hold the breath during tension to avoid health risks. The Uechi-ryū version of Seisan is notably different, built upon the Sanchin stance and introducing specific techniques like knee strikes and the one-knuckle punch.
- Pinan Katas: The series of five Pinan (Heian) kata (Shodan-Godan) were created by Ankō Itosu around 1905 specifically for the introduction of karate into Okinawan schools, serving as a preparatory tool for military service. They are considered foundational for all Shorin-ryū and derived schools. In some contexts, the Pinan katas are distinguished by combining a block and a punch into a single action, differing from many other Shorin styles that perform them as two separate movements.
- Fukyu No Katas: These “universal or unified kata” were intended to introduce basic movements of a style. For example, “Fukyugata Ichi” was created by Shoshin Nagamine (founder of Matsubayashi-ryū, a Shorin-ryū sub-style) in 1941. They are sometimes considered simplified forms of Gekisai kata. These were later additions aimed at broader accessibility and standardisation within the Shorin-ryū family.
- Wanshu: The Tomari-te kata adaptation taught in Isshin-ryū (another Shorin-ryū sub-style) was explicitly devised by Tatsuo Shimabuku and is distinct for its inclusion of two side kicks. This highlights how founders often adapt existing kata to fit their own interpretations or emphasise specific techniques.
- Kusanku: This kata is a cornerstone of many karate styles, including Shorin-ryū, and is known for its flowing techniques reminiscent of White Crane Kung Fu and its wide variety of open-handed techniques. There are many interpretations, such as Chatanyara no Kusanku.
Branches of the Style
- Shorin-ryū Shorinkan (小林流小林館): This is the most explicitly named branch of Kobayashi Shōrin-ryū in the sources. It is an international association led by Nakazato Minoru Hanshi. Shorinkan follows a rigorous curriculum, encompassing its defined set of karate and kobudo kata, as well as specific basic drills. It focuses on the systematic development of practical fighting skills and conditioning.
Official Organisations Associated with the Style:
- International Shorinkan Association: This is the primary official organisation directly associated with the Kobayashi-ryū lineage (specifically the Shorinkan branch). This organisation maintains and propagates the curriculum and principles of Kobayashi Shōrin-ryū globally.
- The broader Okinawan karate landscape includes bodies like the Okinawan Prefecture Karate Rengokai, which serve to recognise and provide official standing to various styles and their leaders within Okinawa.
Legacy
Chōshin Chibana’s creation of Kobayashi-ryū, and his subsequent recognition with the Emperor’s Order of the Fourth Class, underscores his significant contribution to Okinawan culture and martial arts. The legacy of Kobayashi-ryū is deeply intertwined with the preservation and evolution of traditional Okinawan karate.
As a branch of Shorin-ryū, Kobayashi-ryū continues the lineage tracing back to Sakugawa and Matsumura, ensuring the transmission of ancient Okinawan martial traditions. Its emphasis on unique training methods, such as the “relaxed tension” and “dancing-like” approach to kata, highlights a holistic development of the practitioner, integrating physical technique with internal energy and body dynamics.
The structured curriculum of the Shorinkan branch, with its specific number of karate and kobudo kata, reflects a commitment to a comprehensive and systematic approach to martial arts education. While traditional kata were originally designed to “disable or kill an attacker in mortal combat” and tested in “real life-or-death battles”, the style’s teachings, particularly through figures like Noel Smith and Yamashita Tadashi, continue to stress realistic combat scenarios and practical application. However, it is also noted that kata, as demonstrated in modern tournaments, often lacks its original combat application. Kobayashi-ryū, through its enduring presence and international spread, particularly in the USA, ensures that its unique blend of traditional influences and distinctive training methodologies continues to thrive and impact the global martial arts community.
Karate Kata Step By Step 