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Cha Yon Ryu

Cha-yon-ryu (Natural Way) is an eclectic, fairly new martial art founded in 1968 by Kim Soo of Houston, Texas. Taekwondo and Shotokan karate contribute kicking techniques, strong stances, and direct, linear strikes and blocks. Okinawa-te movements add techniques with some angularity, and Quanfa-gongfu contributes fluid, circular movements. Hapkido adds defenses against chokes, grabs, and armed attacks, as well as various throwing and falling techniques. Students strive to fulfill "The Dojang Hun" (training hall oath): seek perfection of character, live the way of truth, endeavor, be faithful, respect your seniors, and refrain from violent behavior.

Full-Contact Karate

Full-contact karate was founded in the early 1970's by Mike Anderson and Jhoon Rhee. Similar to boxing, the goal is to knockout the opponent or to win on a decision by judges. Unlike boxing, kicks are permitted and a minimum number of kicks must be delivered each round.

Goju-Ryu

Goju-ryu was founded in the 1930's by Miyagi Chojun from Okinawan karate and Chinese Kempo techniques. It is combination of hard "go" and soft "ju" techniques that work together similar to yin and yang. Linear motion is combined with circular movements. Patterns are practiced slowly with emphasis on breathing.

Isshin-Ryu

Isshin-ryu was found in Okinawa in 1954 by Shimabuku Tatso by combining Shorin-ryu (90%) and Goju-ryu (10%) techniques. It uses low kicks, short stances, and awareness of surroundings to be useful for street fighting. Isshin-ryu emphasizes:

• Kicks and punches that are thrown from natural stances eliminating wasted motions and giving you split-second advantages over opponents using some of the other styles.

• Stresses equal proficiency with both hand and foot techniques, making it a more versatile form of karate because you have no weak points.

• Close-in techniques useful in street fighting, making it a more realistic style of karate.

• Snap punches and snap kicks, where the limb does not fully extend and is immediately retracted (preventing excessive strain on the knees and elbows) permitting you to move in and out quickly without putting yourself in a disadvantageous position should you miss or misjudge.

• Blocks with muscular portion of the forearm rather than the bone.

• Fist formed with the thumb on top rather than wrapped over the first two fingers (this strengthens the wrist to help prevent buckling at the wrist on impact).

• Uses a vertical punch, which increases speed and may be focused at any given point.

Karate Connection

An American Kenpo based school created by Chuck Sullivan and Vic LeRoux. It includes techniques from many different styles; a "use what works" mentality.

Kempo

Kempo "way of the fist" (also known as Quan-fa, Chuan-fa, Jiaodishu, Kaiki, and Kenyu) is a Chinese martial art. Its techniques are similar to karate with a focus on Buddhist philosophy. Other arts, such as archery and swordsmanship are also taught in Kempo schools.

Kobo-Jutsu

Kobo-jutsu is a Okinawan style of karate characterized by the large array of weapons it uses. The style makes extensive use of forms to perfect techniques. 

Kyokushin-Kai

Kyokushin-kai is a Japanese style of karate found by Oyama Masutatsu in the 1950's. The style was influenced by Kempo, Goju-ryu, and Zen. It is powerful art that emphasized breaking, breathing, multiple attacks in quick succession, and kill techniques.

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