Schools & Styles

What are the popular Karate styles and their key traits?
Why are there so many Karate styles?
Which Karate Styles Are Considered “Original”?
How do the major styles of Karate differ?
Which among the Karate styles are known to be best for beginners?
What is the difference between traditional and full-contact Karate styles?
Which Karate style is most effective for self-defense?
How did Karate styles originate and evolve?
Which styles of Karate are used in Competitions and the Olympics?
Compare Karate styles with the number of kata?
How do stances and movements vary between Karate styles?
What are the philosophical differences between Karate styles?
Can you switch styles or combine techniques from multiple Karate styles?
How do Karate Styles differ in their training approach?
How do Karate Styles differ in their Cultural and philosophical focus?

What are the popular Karate styles and their key traits?

Karate is practiced worldwide through numerous schools and traditions, each with its own unique emphasis. While it is impossible to capture every variation, the following represent the 15 most prominent Karate styles. Many schools and lineages draw inspiration from, or are directly influenced by, one or more of these core styles.

Style	Origin	Key Traits
Shotokan	Japan	Deep stances, powerful strikes
Goju-Ryu	Okinawa	Hard-soft blend, breathing methods
Shito-Ryu	Okinawa	Large kata repertoire, balanced
Wado-Ryu	Japan	Jujutsu influence, fluid movement
Kyokushin	Japan	Full-contact, toughness
Shorin-Ryu	Okinawa	Speed, natural stances
Uechi-Ryu	Okinawa	Circular, conditioning, animal forms
Isshin-Ryu	Okinawa	Shorin + Goju blend, vertical punch
Chito-Ryu	Japan	Scientific body mechanics, Okinawan roots
Shorinji-Ryu	Japan	Speed, natural stances, self-defense
Gosoku-Ryu	Japan	Hard-fast + soft-circular blend
Enshin-Ryu	Japan	Sabaki method, redirection
Ashihara	Japan	Practical self-defense, circular motion
Shudokan	Japan	Integrative, versatile
Kempo Karate	Hybrid	Fluid adaptability, Chinese influence