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The Practiioner who shows his Kihon seems to use some typical punches from "Isshin Ryu", the vertical punch to the body at 2.11 and at 1.50 the straight punch to the head with the fist rotated like an uppercut (or backfist) ruclips.net/video/Rdzvmj9_T5M/видео.html
Hi Sensei, I am the guy in the video. I want to thanks for your interest. This is very important to me. English is not my first languaje, but I try it. I am for you if you have any questions. Thanks a lot for your respect
Thank you for your interest in Shuri-Ryu Karate Do. As a Chief Instructor of Shuri-Ryu who trained directly with Grandmaster Trias and traveled with him on multiple trips to the orient and abroad I wanted to weigh in on the discussion. Grandmaster Trias having documented both in writing and photographs his training during World War 2 and after, his time in the Solomon Islands, Singapore, Okinawa, Japan, and China. Numerous return trips to Okinawa and Japan were made by Robert Trias to continue his personal training, research and documentation of his Shuri or Shuri-Te Karate Do training. It was Yasuhiro Konishi and Makoto Gima who he personally trained under, promoted and studied with for approximately 37 years, performing, producing and presenting his research documentation and standards of Okinawa Shuri or Shuri-Te Karate and was named the Menkyo Kaiden of Shuri-Ryu Karate by Konishi and Gima. This is well documented in several books Trias authored, and a number of his students to include myself witnessed through the years. Shuri-Ryu is an Okinawan Karate style not an American system. Robert Trias was known as the father of Karate in America, not American Karate. Trias has the first documented karate dojo in the United States which was in Phoenix Arizona. Grandmaster Trias and the Shuri-Ryu system have Chief Instructors and Assistant Chief Instructors globally who's mission is to propagate the Shuri-Ryu system, to perform, and teach the standards just as Grandmaster Trias instructed. Since Robert Trias passing in 1989, the torch has been passed to Robert Bowles who heads the Okinawa Shuri-Ryu Karate system today. When Grandmaster Trias passed and the closing of the United States Karate Association, the Shuri-Ryu system and propagation of the system came under the umbrella of the International Shuri-Ryu Association. The ISA is the headquarters of Shuri-Ryu with the Hombu dojo located in Ft. Wayne Indiana. Having watched some of the videos presented, I would like to share some insight. The Naihanchi kata demonstrated is NOT the Naihanchi practiced in Shuri-Ryu. Grandmaster Trias kept the kata divided as the old masters did, Naihanchi Sho, Ni, San, and O Naihanchi (The older Okinawan masters broke the kata down in three parts for ease of teaching, O Naihanchi are all three together) Rohai is not a Shuri-Ryu kata that was shown in this presentation. In Shuri-Ryu we have 70 Hah Ryu's or identifying features of the system. We also acknowledge our Chinese connections within our Okinawan karate do. With that, and others who have pointed out in the comments, the Taezu Narus waza (Speed fist techniques) are practiced to enhance speed and fluidity. Research shows they were practiced both in Okinawa and China. Gopei Sho Kata was originated in China and practiced in Okinawa. I am aware that a number of the old Okinawan Grandmasters that O Sensei Trias were close friends with, who he visited, and trained with often in Okinawa and Japan practiced Gopei Sho kata when they were kids. Through Grandmaster Trias research, he incorporated this old kata into the system. There are multiple animals represented in this kata, and the Bunkai incorporates many of moving forces within Okinawan karate do. This kata is practiced internationally and domestically and it's performers have won numerous competitions around the globe. You asked why there are blocks at the end of the standards, Karate as the old karate masters would say "Karate begins and ends with defense". There are of course various interpretations with a final blocking move, but in the old karate a defense block or end was not uncommon. The various final blocks are the indication of the end of the waza, which many Okinawa and Japanese styles practice as well. As the millions of martial arts practitioners and hundreds of styles, there will be slight variations in movements, due to body mechanics, what information has been passed down from teacher to student, how the move or technique was interpreted, etc... there is so much more to Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate Do then what has been shown in this presentation. I would encourage those who wish to learn more about the system to contact the Shuri-Ryu Headquarters or connect with one of the active Shuri-Ryu Chief Instructors. For those who are practicing Shuri-Ryu, to remain connected to the source and stay updated on the system, if you have been out, come on back and re connect and keep training. In the words of Grandmaster Trias, "The Supreme Way has no Hinderance" George Sheridan, Hanshi 9th Dan Chief Instructor Shuri-Ryu
Mr. Sheridan, thank you for keeping the history of Shuri -Ryu alive. I trained for 15 years with Shihan Joseph Walker and thoroughly enjoyed the style, and the standards that went with it. I can confidently say that I earned my rank. Reading your post reminded me of the stories Shihan would share with us and you sir, were highly regarded by him.
A lot of American soldiers stationed in Okinawa after World War II trained in Karate under the Okinawan masters, and then brought Karate back with them to the United States.
For the dutch soldiers, they took home Kyokushin from Japan then visited Japan again but this time took home kickboxing. This combined with the already existing kyokushin and boxing turned into an early form of dutch kickboxing. After another visit to thailand and incorporating muay thai, you have the now recognizable dutch kickboxing. Both kickboxing and kyokushin are still very popular in the netherlands, kyokushin being the most popular karate style in the netherlands along with shotokan, wado and goju.
I just want to say that I appreciate your positive and open attitude toward learning about styles other than your own, whether they be traditional or non-traditional. Reading through the comments here, you see folks talking about how they couldn't be so nice, or dismissing the style because of various reasons. That is pretty indicative of our society in America right now. It seems easier to dismiss rather than encourage. So many people want to tear down that with which they do not agree instead of understanding that not everybody does things the same way. Not everybody is in the same place or level at the same time, nor do they need to be. A few examples of practitioners do not make a style either great or terrible. Some understand this. Many do not. In any case, after watching several of your videos, I just want to say that I am glad I found your channel. It has inspired to me begin making a series of videos about my own training. Thank you for doing what you do. I hope you continue.
I trained Shuri-ryu in the mid 1980's - so to me this style is more or less what we've learned. Nice to see it again. Thank you for this most interesting review on the style.
Hello, the exercise he is performing is actually called Taezu not Kihon. There are Kihon kumite in the Shuri Ryu style but the Taezu forms are a continuous motion technique meant to develop speed and fluidity. The question was asked about the "two fingers" pointed inward towards the body, for clarification the movement performed in the video is incomplete. It is key strike found in several of the Taezu exercises, it represents one of the five animal fist forms that make up a large identification marker of the Shuri Ryu style. That particular strike is representing the snake and should have been executed towards the opponents eyes, like the Ippon all Taezu's begin and end with a block, the last block is done while stepping back the opponent has fallen to the ground the Gedan Bari is more of a cover move in preparation for more attackers than anything, I hope this helps always a pleasure watching your videos.
Robert Trias was one of the pioneers of karate in the US. I don't know if I would call it American Karate, but he was the founder of the USKA. The United States Karate Association. It's members were from many martial arts backgrounds. I was at an early USKA Nationals in Indiana where Bill Wallace defeated Joe Lewis for the grand championship. You can read about his training in Wikipedia.
Ugh did you just recommend Wikipedia? Lol I guess it better than nothing but I would recommend a more collegiate style peer-reviewed article on his training, like thru the organization or an established magazine publication. No college in the U.S will allow the use of Wikipedia.
@@shozinryu4 Yes, you can read about Robert Trias' training history in Wikipedia if you Google Robert Trias. Did you read it? I thought it was concise and thorough and answers the questions brought up in the video about why Trias' karate looks like it does.
If you want even more insight Sensei please talk to Sue Hawkes Sensei. Her husband, Robert Trias Sensei, and Dr. Jordan founded USKA. Hawkes Dojo teaches Shuri Ryu. She currently runs and founded the U.S. Association of Martial Artists based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Yusuke sensei, our Shuri-ryu karate-ka were taught to finish all of our “one step” (kihon, taezu and ippon) with gedan-barai-uke to demonstrate a “conclusion” to the exchange with a readiness to continue if need to. Our Taezu Naru Waza are more representative of Chinese-Okinawan roots using fluid continuous motion with speed. I do have 20 of our total 30 Kihon also on my RUclips page. Feel free to view and comment on my few videos with any questions or ideas. Arigatuo!
WOW IM SO HAPPY to see this. didn't expect this . This is the style of karate that I practice . Great channel would love to meet u . Keep doing what you're doing man .
About the kihon. We also refer to as taezu, continuous motion form. This focuses on speed and form. The point of the drill is to move from one technique to another in a smooth and fast motion. This is why you do not see pauses between the techniques. We have another group of drills called ippon. This focuses on strength and form. In those drills you will see pauses between movements. In the kihon, if you will notice, prior to crossing his hands across his chest, he is executing a nihon nukite, or snake fist. After he executes it, he just brings the hands back as he performs his final kick. The gedan barrai symbolizes that he has finished his defense and is prepared to attack/defend if there other attackers. There may be other reasonings about this, but that is what I was taught about it.
You pronounced it correctly! Robert Trias was my first martial Arts instructor in Phoenix Arizona when growing up as a kid many years ago. Extremely wonderful instructor and man.
It is interesting that you covered this Style of Okinawan Karate. I am a 4th Dan in Okinawan Shuri Ryu. This was not one of our standard Kihons. It is called Taezu Naru Waza. It teaches us speed and fluidity. Hence, there are no breaks in between the movements. The snake hand form is a technique that can be used for an eye gouge. I believe it is also associated with the quickness of the movements of a snake when it strikes. (There may be other answers from other practitioners or teachers) We have 26 Ippons, 30 Kihons, and 10 Taezu Naru Wazas. There are many different students of O'Sensei Trias that learned slightly different movements over the development of the entire system. I love the Chinese influences within my art. This Sensei has one extra that I appreciate very much. Good choice of video to cover.
While Robert Trias was definitely a pioneer and driving force in the popularization of Karate in the United States he often would promote his system as "authentic Okinawan Karate" which is never was. Even today they use that in their advertising. Trias also promoted the world's first "Soke" founder of a martial art, Karl Marx, who had no official rank that led to a plethora of other organizations being created where they would promote anyone to "soke" status for money. The USKA was not without controversary either having had some strange people come through it, earning rank because Trias liked them and more things of that nature. Regardless the USA owes Trias respect and gratitude for his never ending dedication to promote Karate across the Americas. He wrote the first rule book to competition Karate, organized the first world Karate championship event held in Chicago and many more things. Like I said, though, it is not Okinawan Karate as they like to claim in their marketing however.
In Gopei Sho (last kata performed), a question was asked about the hands crossing then separating. Though there are some variations between Shuri Ryu schools with some movements, this is a clawing of the eyes then a double strike to the chest. This kata is based on the animal methods from Hsing Yi. Name derived from Hopei, China where the Hsing Yi methods came from that O'Sensei Trias learned. The opening movement of his hands stretching out low then raising up before he crossed them represents a peacock. There is another kata unique to Shuri Ryu that is based on the methods (not necessarily the stances) of Hsing Yi animal forms, is Dan Enn Sho.
“There is no place in contemporary Karate for different styles. I have heard myself and my colleagues referred to as the “Shotokan style”, but I strongly object to this attempt at classification. My belief is that all “styles” should be amalgamated into one, so that Karate may orderly progress into man’s future.” - Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957)
Shudo-so is not a traditional Okinawan kata. It was developed by Grand Master Trias as an advanced breathing form. The Shuri Ryu system has had several names over the including Shorei-Ryu, Shorei Goju, Shuri Ryu, and Shorei Kenpo.
Robert Trias (you pronounced it correctly, Yusuke; “tree-ahs”) was my instructor’s main instructor/advisor. Mr. Trias named my instructor (Herb Johnson) as the Style Head of Shorei-Goju Ryu around the time that Mr. Trias decided to ‘trim away’ some of the non-Shuri/Shorei-Ryu elements and kata that he had been teaching to focus on ‘pure’ Shuri-Ryu, so Shorei-Goju Ryu was the blend of Shorei/Shuri-Ryu and Goju-Ryu that Robert Trias had taught prior to his decision to focus purely on Shuri-Ryu. Of the kata shown in the video, I only recognized Naihanchi and Gopeisho, which was (mis?🤔) pronounced “Gopaisho”, and was called the “Tearing peacock form”✋🏻🤚🏻🦚 at the dojo I trained at. Gopeisho was one of the katas required to pass my Shodan test, and the gent in the video performs it extremely well, although there are a few minor differences in timing and hand positioning in comparison to the way I was taught the kata. Quite an interesting video! I was quite surprised to see you covering the style of the instructor of the instructor of the obscure Okinawa-roots-but-America-only style of Karate that was the beginning of my Martial Arts journey..!
Yup I practice shorei goju ryu as well my sensei is a 7th Dan and very old school as well trained in Okinawa actually, I’m only a green belt but idk yeah arm positioning is different and we re very much a maverick style but I think it’s more pure than shuri ryu at least the way im being taught
Hello Shuri Ryu Stylist here. I also trained with 4 Students of O' Sensei Trias..I told them to go hard on me as a 8th Kyu. After years and years of Pain, Blood and Hard exhaustive training, It was the best decision of my life. My favorite Kata is Nandansho it just Fits me..
I am a student of the Shobayashi family of Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate-do. That Nihanchi Nidan was a rather loose rendition of ours with a somewhat flamboyant hand flips at the end.
Excellent video showcasing an American Karate style! Here in Southern California, another American Karate style has evolved called Goju Shin Ryu, which is primarily based on traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu, but it is also includes elements from Shotokan and Aikido.
@@artisticsolarninja Actually, I was talking about Brad Wenneberg. He has black belts of various degrees in Goju-Ryu Kenkyu, Shotokan, and Aikido, which he has acquired in over 45 years of continuous martial arts journey.
@@georgefoley9793 Oakland/Berkeley here. Wasssssuuuup my SoCal brotha! I think I might represent the single most obscure ryu-ha of what my brothers and I call "Amalgamated American Jutsu". Most people just called it the Buyu-kai. It began at Tule Lake Relocation Camp. Not the kind of place one wants to commemorate by naming a ryu-ha after. Some did judo, others did aikido. A kobudo-ka here, a yawara-ka there, there's even some sumo in there. It was just people sent to camp who wanted to do some keiko to keep the boredom from getting to them, but they told the guards it was mandated by our religion. Otherwise they wouldn't have let them practice So what you get is very strong fundamentals, lots of chanting Jyuseige, and everything after that is a stream of constant contradiction. It leaves you with a very "whatever works" view of the little things.
That kata that Oran sensei was performing is called Shudo-sho. If I would tell you the story behind how it came into existence, you would be boggled, lol. O’Sensei Trias was a very innovative man indeed.
This particular exercise is called Taezu naru waza = equals continous motion technique. It has 10 taezu naru waza 26 ippons kumite kata 30 kihon kumite katas. The Rohai is something extra it is not their main core of Kata - they will pick some kata to use in tournaments when a recognizable kata is needed. Robert Bowles is the main Shuri Ryu head located in Ft.Wayne Indiana.
@@KarateDojowaKu this two fingers are to represent a snake finger to the eyes. Nishiken) Shudo So is an upper rank kata. Gopei sho is the peacock tearing and ripping form usually black belt form.. Back to the snake fingers- the strike is used mainly in the taezu techniques and more relaxed in its hold more curved not so straight and the thumb will be a part of the strike.
I remember Tauzy naru waza. When I talk to other karateka about the extensive curriculum of Shuri-ryu as opposed to some other styles, I am usually met with, "That is a lot!". Maybe it was. I still loved all of it.
It is a lot. There are so many influences in this style from Chinese as reflected in the continuous and soft motions in the taezu naru wazas and in the kata go pei sho to Okinawan influence of the explosive twist and releasing of energy in our punch. We incorporate judo and jujutsu in our practice as well as kata bunkai by using what we call the nine moving forces. There most definitely is a lot to know. While I'm not here to debate whether one style is better than another, I would say I have enjoyed my training in this style.
I’ve only every read about this style and it’s founder. Never seen it until now. If I had to guess I’d say that what seems like a large number of hand techniques in each kata is the result of the Kung Fu influence and mixing in kata of various styles/lineages. Very interesting.
I trained under a direct student of GM Trias in 1981 ( before he moved out of area). He called the system Goju Shorei due to his additional Goju Ryu training. Great foundation to start with!
Master Trias was a staple out here in the Phoenix area as a child. He would come to the events and was always awesome to us little kids at the time. This was a great watch as it brought back a lot of memories of the mid 1980’s going to various local events with my father, and the community created from Trias’ teachings.
Yes, I know the style, as Shuri-Ryu is my first Karate style. I do not know why we almost always end in gedan barai. The positioning of his fist in the hikite is his personal movement, as we do not do that as a "style" in Shuri-Ryu. Our hikite is done with the palm side up. The two fingers that you questioned are part of the snake animal style that is incorporated within Shuri-Ryu. The first kata that you viewed is NOT one that I am familiar with. I'm assuming that it was an addition made by Robert Bowles, a disciple of Robert Trias and one who took it upon himself to name himself as the style inheritor even though Trias's daughter, Roberta Trias-Kelly, was the legitimate inheritor of the style. Thank you for sharing Shuri-Ryu with your audience. I appreciate you.
I started out in Isshinryn karate & received my 1st Dan many years ago before moving on to Taekwondo & was awarded my 7th degree. I just say that to give weight to the fact that I appreciate the movements of the kata especially. I very much enjoy your commentary. It would be easy to poke fun & criticize to make this entertaining but you always maintain respect for the arts you are reviewing. Very well done & thank you for sharing these videos.
I trained in this style in Miami in the late 80s for a couple of years. By then, I had 18 years of JKA-style Shotokan karate training under my belt. I still remember a few things: the Shuri Ryu fist (great for makiwara training), the opening stance and the way the back leg is pulled in when delivering a reverse punch.
Saw several several adaptations from Uechi Ryu's Sun Chin Kata. The Tiger-Crane up and down/ side to side blocks, look pretty good. The cross blocks were well preformed.
Thank you for sharing this! I have practiced Shuri Ryu Karate for 15 years now (off and on do to cross training in other styles) I've trained with the first instructor you viewed, him and I are friends now even though I don't train with him. I've had three different instructors in Shuri Ryu and I can say that they are all different. Its a very complex style of Karate, Robert Trias's goal was to create a style that incorporate everything about Katate. Would love to talk with you if you are ever interested.
Thank you for sharing. There's a long established Shuri Ryu school(s) here in Cincinnati and they move much like this. It's been a while since I've seen this system and it's pretty cool to see it again. I remember these guys to be strong fighters too.
@@LittlePixieBot I did not,but I had martial arts friends who did. He was precisely who I had in mind with my statement. Master Fairbanks(who trained directly under Robert Trias) was and is an asset to the community, and one of his students,Miss Terrell Davis,a fine teacher in her own right continues to teach today. Thank you.
Thanks for posting this video. I agree with most of the comments from students of this style. My bloodline is traced from Ed Brown., student of John Jelks, student of Victor Moore, student of Robert Trias. In Cincinnati, Ohio, Victor Moore passed the art on to three men who became Grandmasters: John Jelks, Woodrow Fairbanks, and Chester Richardson (who goes by another name now). I believe Ed Brown is a Grandmaster by now also. A few things I'd add to the duscussion are: Ippons are broken down into taezus-speed katas, kihons-speed and power katas, and ippons-power katas. There are three Naihanchin katas. The 1st is the longest which is the one in the video. The steps from side to side get increasingly higher in the 2nd and 3rd Naihanchin katas. My understanding is that the increasingly higher steps symbolize stepoing over fallen opponents. There are five animal forms, each representing a different aspect of the art: Snake - breath strength, "victory sign" extended index & middle fingers. Leopard - muscular strength, shuto like hands with retracted fingers for strikiing the throat wiith the knuckles (or pulling someone's heart out if you train hands like an Okinawan master. Crane - spiritual strength, fingertips for soft spots (and wrist strikes). Tiger-bone strength, the famous tiger palm for striking, grabbing, and tearing. Dragon-(I think symbolizing overall body power in general), extended knuckle strike and hammer fist (I think). The animal fists are generally emphasized in katas. Many of the movements are more circular than linear (as in Shotokan, and ChitoRyu).. About 80% of techniques are hand, 20% kicks.
Thank you Yusuke. I feel better pracrising this now. A few months ago i commented in your karate styles video, that is shuri-ryu worth it. Thank you sensei yusuke.
In the early 1970"s , I trained at the Trias dojo in Phoenix, AZ. At that time Master Trias, as he was called, taught one class. It was Wednesday night starting at 9pm, and had no real ending time. I can recall sometimes getting home close to midnight! It was by invitation only. However, if you were "invited", you had better go or there would be problems. There are so many stories I could tell about training there, but for now, if you have a specific question, I will try to answer it.
You are blessed to have been able to do that! My first instructor back in the early 1980's, was a student of GM Trias and a police detective. The classes were challenging and not for anyone who wasnt willing to put in the work. It saddens me to see the high number of watered down styles and schools of today. Happy there are still some of us around to teach and continue to evolve! Good video!👍💮
@@nandansho Yes, Mr Hillhouse, as we were told to call him, was already a shodan when I trained there. He was one of the instructors during the week. There was a different instructor each night. His classes were tough, you had to be in shape.
@@bassai2010 Yes Sensei Hillhouse was Is one of my Teachers and awarded me My Nidan. I equate fighting him to fighting a Tasmanian Devil. His speed was astounding. His side kicks were like getting hit with a iron bar but he told me Pete Rabino was the best at the side kick. Sensei Hill house instilled a concept in me that was related to Black Holes and time travel which enabled me to become faster instantaneously during class. He truly knows how to assess A student's cognition and learning abilities in order to relate martial arts concepts to them. He would regularly go to any dojo that would allow him in and spar with them and then bring that knowledge to us. He would then take us out to any school that would allow us to spar with their students but he would always tell us to "go easy on them"
Is Bassai dai your favorite Kata? Mine is Nandansho (Difficult Victory) but Bassai( Breaking through the Enemy's Fortress) is beautiful and feels very spiritual when I run it.
I was taught that the ending downward block was a "clearing technique." Essentially the idea was that you just basically knocked a guy unconscious and you are "clearing" the person down to the floor as they are falling. Another description I would sometimes hear is that you are preparing for the next attacker.
Regarding one of the comments Grandmaster Trias died in 1989 of cancer, bequeathing the Shuri-ryu system to his daughter Dr. Roberta Trias-Kelley as heir and Menkyo-Kaïden, NOT to Robert Bowles or anyone else, but as Dirk Mosig explained to us in a ko budo course in Madrid, Spain... a lot of devotion and respect while he was alive but when he died almost no one of the important teachers respected his will and his daughter, and they dedicated themselves to founding their respective branches (curious...it also happened with the kyokushinkai etc).
Hence it's been given by the honcho from hombu, If it's official and the topics are related to it, you can use the title. Peace and harmony, Sensei Maharaj 😊
Thanks for sharing. It’s great what you’re doing for the future of Karate. It’s a life changing journey... this art! The younger people need to be informed and influenced in a positive way. Keep up the good work! You’re the speaker for all of us!
Nice video! You're so knowledgeable about all the moves and styles. I wish we had karate where I live. We have tae kwon do and jiujitsu, but I have always like karate more. I took karate when I was young, but the school is no longer open. Now I take jiujitsu, but wish karate was available for something non-grappling.
Robert Trias allegedly met T'ung Gee Hsing while in the Solomon Islands. The story I heard is that Mr. Hsing studied karate under Choki Motobu. Trias combined elements of Okinawan Karate with Chinese Hsing I. In Shuri-ryu, we have three sets of five animal forms. I believe they came from Hsing I and involved continuous breathing.
Shorei Goju Ryu practitioner here, 18 years. The main Shuri Ryu kata that we practice are called Dan En Sho, Gopeisho, Nandansho, and Shudoso. Traditional kata practiced include Heian Kata(though we call them Pinan), Bassai Dai similar to Shotokan, Sanchin, Saifa, Seiunchin, Seipai, Tensho, and Naihanchi kata. We have joint locks, including leg locks, arm/shoulder locks, and wrist locks. Nage waza, Ne waza, basic prearranged sparring drills, competition sparring, and free sparring. In Kobudo, we practice Bo, Nunchaku, Tonfa, Sai, Kama, and Eku. We practice kumite in kobudo, as well as kata. I would love to talk about it more.
I am a nidan in Shorei Goju Ryu. It was great to see some of our style discussed here. It is sometimes hard to describe our style as it has a lot of influences and contributions. Most people have never seen gopeisho, and you can't find many videos of it, but it does great in tournament.
I see that it's has already been explained that's these are Taizu Wazas and not Kihons. I currently still train and teach Shuri Ryu Karate. Our Grandmaster Trias removed many if not all of the Taizus or kihons from Goju Ryu and replaced them with what he believed to be more applicable at the time. Also, a signatures of our style are non defensive in nature, regardless of which animal form we are portray. The gidan is there to demonstrate the non aggression. If you ever get a chance to read any edition of The PINNACLE, (Robert Trias) you will understand more the bunkai and even our hidden movements and techniques. This book is covered due to rareness, and if found is very expensive ($3000+). Our style is comprised of the previous Chinese arts taught, along with Goju Ryu and Shotokan roots. I hope I have helped you better understand my art. ♥️🥋
It should be noted that, in Arizona, in 1946... Trias was the first and ONLY karate school in the United States at the time. He put this all together because he had to. There simply was nothing else. And his people have always looked great.
I think GoPei Sho was inspired by Fu Jow Pai Kung Fu. I think Shuri Ryu evolved through the decades according to what was popular in the United States karate tournaments. I think Trias Sensei did that to keep his style relevant and competitve at tournaments. I think the Taezu Waza were inspired by Kempo/Kenpo.
I forgot to add Shudo So is similar in purpose to Sanchin and Tensho. It is also known as the "Monastery Monk Form". It is a meditative form that helps develop chi/ki, breath control, and proper contraction of muscles. There are applications to the movements also.
I've been practicing shotokan for 2 years. ( with a 1 year covid 19 break) I've learned 3 katas and I'm working on my 4th. I get confused and mixed up all the time. And yet you can look at someone, understand what kata and which style has what variants in stance and moves. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your experience. I should say I'm 38 and this is my first time in any martial arts. It's definitely a case of 'teaching an old dog new tricks'
Don't feel bad, man. I was the Shotokan kata dunce in my school but I tore everyone up in kumite and when necessary, on the "street". Having functional karate was far more important to me than memorizing kata, so it was like I had to cram for a test to keep up because I would dump them out of my mind fast due to lack of shit giving.
Very good video! I think that one strike he does with the 2 fingers is called a snake strike. That's just a very fast strike to the eyes with the first 2 fingers. He does it with both hands at the same time. Hope that helps a little. Have a good one!!
GoPei Sho is a Xing Yi inspired form. If you look closely it is a full animal form kata. The crossing hands that you asked about was a double tiger claw raking then a double palm strike. Higher levels of this form is meant to train moving from one animal to another with the internal energy of Xing Yi.
This is correct. 2 off shoots: shuri and goju-shorei. You see there is kara-te, kara- tae and karaw dee. 2 fingers on the open hand technique represent the internal strength( breath) and graspeth the sword or sai. The 9 moving for ces ( undo chi kara) represent 9 directions of movement ( N E S W) and its practical application ( bunkai) is applied in dynamic entries and clearing rooms without the use of angles; Instead the practicioner breathes out slowly anytime a back is to a wall or rounding a corner. Its very complex.
I am now a subscriber. You have great videos. I would like to see more movie fight scene reactions. Thank you for the great work you do and information you provide.
I am part of the Shorei-ryu lineage. As I understand it, Shudo-so is not a standard Shorei/Shuri form. It was a kata developed for the movie The Immortal Masters.
Shuri-Ryu stylists call the first first exercise Taisue Nara Waza. It is supposed to emphasize speed, and continuous movement. As for the gedan closing move, it to a reminder to the practitioner that Karate "begins and ends with defense."
I was a direct student of O’Sensei Robert Trias starting in the 70’s in the dojo in Phoenix Arizona. If you want to know more about Robert Trias and Shuri-ryu let me know. Thanks for your video, Most everything here is of someone other than Grandmater Trias. The first set was Taezu not kihon. 26 ippon (ippon kumite kata) performed to develop form and power; 10 taezu (taezu naru waza) performed to develop speed and fluidity; 30 kihon performed to develop fighting technique; eight sen-te motions; and seven kogeki-ho ho to develop attacking and retreating. Yes, there is a reason so the low block at the end. Shotokan does this as well as a finishing cover position. There was one kata in this video that I’ve never seen before and it’s not a part of Shuri-ryu. Also with no disrespect to the ones pictured in the video there are slight variations that are different than the standards O’Sensei Trias taught. I recommend if you want to understand Shuri-ryu that one of our chief instructors help you get the best understanding. Especially those from the Trias dojo. * Robert Bowles, 10th Dan, Indiana * Pete Rabino, 9th Dan, California * Michael Awad, 8th Dan, Ohio * Milt Calander, 8th Dan, Arizona * Dale Benson, 9th Dan, Arizona * Tony Bisanz, 8th Dan, Arizona * Johnny Linebarger, 9th Dan, Arizona * Joesph Walker, 9th Dan, Illinois Respectfully Andy Tuttle, Rokudan Shuri-ryu, Shodan Shorei-ryu.
Recognize a lot of those names. Milt Calendar was my family’s Sensei in the mid to late 80’s. A lot of fond memories of that dojo in Mesa, yearly gatherings of all our families at his home and Master Trias at the events throughout Phoenix. You probably knew my father, Larry, as he continued much longer and still attends events to see old faces.
about placing the hand vertical instead of horisontal at the sidechest, may be as you say for holding sai in gyakute mochi (reverse grip) avoiding to stab himself in the ribcage.
Shuri-ryu was my first karate style. It is more eclectic than traditional Okinawan karate, but I think it is very solid. My first sensei was Bill Malone. He studied under Woodrow Fairbanks. Sensei Malone taught me so much about karate history and Japanese culture. It is because of him I know about Matsumura Sokon (who seems somewhat forgotten these days). My favorite Shuri-ryu kata is Go Pei Sho. I still study karate, Since Malone's dojo closed, I have been with a group who studies Matsubuyashi Shorin-ryu of Nagamine Shoshin.
According to Randall Hassell in his Shotokan Karate Its History and Evolution Robert Tiras was the very first person to teach "Karate" in the mainland US, having opened his Phoenix Arizona dojo in 1948.
American Karate starts looking very different when you get into the American Kenpo family of arts, Kajukenbo still has its Shorin/shotokan influences. and then you have so many different mom and pops-styles of karate (most of em sketchy), and then like a garden variety selection of Goju offshoots.
Hallo Sensei, just enjoyed your great video. I have a few more comments on the techniques shown: 1. by the striking with the open-handed-back-wrist you can keep calm and "relaxed" in your underarms, while bringing the fingers together due this technique causes the forearm muscle to contract, which significantly slows down the speed of your movement. I saw that in many different chinese martial arts where it is more common. This technique is devastating and can e.g. break a jaw with no problem (and don't hurt your knuckles hitting a bone). So my "old" sensei used to say: "Pushups are a very healthy exercise" and then let us make them amongst other things on the back-wrist. :-) 2. In some (Martial Art-) Styles, the double crossing (spade-) hand is a method to teach the new students to go towards the "center line". As you surely know, beginner/students tend to go too much to the left or right when blocking, etc.. So the crossing of the hands makes it easier for them to follow the middle (or center line) of their body and by the way train their eyes for the exact position. When they continue to progress, and they only use one Hand, it is easy to "get" into the centered position, because their eye-hand coordination have been trained before.
@@KarateDojowaKu Elvis Presley when he was in the Army started training in Shotokan Karate. When he got back to the States he started training in Ed Parker's system of American Kempo Karate. Elvis actively trained and promoted Karate. He even used Karate somewhat in his on stage performances although highly stylized. He later opened his own Dojo in Memphis and hired instructors like Bill "Superfoot" Wallace to teach there (that's a Karateka you should look into and maybe do a seminar with since he's considered one of the best American Karate Fighters and was an undefeated Kickboxing Champion). But anyways he never created his own style but back before Karate became popular he was trying to create a film called American Gladiators. The full film was going to film the early Karate tournaments in the states where Elvis would then be one of the commentators on the film to promote the martial art. At the end he was going to have demonstrations by him and some other martial artists. That part of the film you can still find online and I think he wants you to react to it. The reason this person is laughing is because some of the self defense sequences Elvis teaches aren't considered that good by today's standards and he explained Ki or Chi Gong is and that you are able to use this force to protect yourself from injury (which was a common misunderstanding and misconception back then).
I still do Shuri-ryu Karate for the past 45 years. I know the inside lore and many fascinations. Regardless of the grandiose, Shuri-ryu has proven itself. I know many facts from fiction within the system. Perhaps, much of what I know would even surprise you! Regardless, there is nothing that would change me or upset me in the realm of truth.
Sensei can you do a review about Hakkyokuken/Bajiquan in Japan please? Also try to find a teacher which still intergrates Hakkyokuken and Hikaken as they were originally one style before being split into two
Many do "revised", or modified versions of the basics, since, if they are fighting another experienced karate person, there is no real surprise, as the other fighter knows all the same moves. So, many modify their kata's to be more "lethal", or unpredictable.
I can see a lot of the Chinese martial arts influence here, in the hand techniques that you weren't sure about. The fluid motions with no stopping look more like Shaolin motions, and the deep stances look like Hung Gar. There were a few front stances that looked more like a kung fu arrow stance.
1st of all, great video and openness in opinion of us traditional US karate practitioners. My sensei was of direct lineage to Robert Trias and although I never achieved black belt in this style I learned for many years from him. This was actually a very technical style of karate, and like many of the traditional Japanese and Okinawan styles, it was based on a soft/hard principle. You can see this in many of the katas. There are also traditional judo/jujitsu influences in this style apart from the karate alone, and even chambada and weapons katas. The more you know 😅
What kind of differences did you notice?
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Many Okinawa techniques, like the koken (wrist strike/block) and some seiyunchin in the third kata when the double gedan uke
The Practiioner who shows his Kihon seems to use some typical punches from "Isshin Ryu", the vertical punch to the body at 2.11 and at 1.50 the straight punch to the head with the fist rotated like an uppercut (or backfist) ruclips.net/video/Rdzvmj9_T5M/видео.html
Their are several established Martial Arts as well as Martial Arts organizations in the United States.
@@camiloiribarren1450 Yeah!
@@FredKuneDo Maybe that's his twist? Thanks for the information though!
Hi Sensei, I am the guy in the video. I want to thanks for your interest. This is very important to me. English is not my first languaje, but I try it. I am for you if you have any questions. Thanks a lot for your respect
subscribed to your channel
Who was your Sensei? I am also SHURI Ryu.
@@cskok2097 Thank you I hope to be helpfull
@@nandansho My Sensei is Rodolfo Rodriguez 7th Dan under Hanshi Bowles
Up
Thank you for your interest in Shuri-Ryu Karate Do. As a Chief Instructor of Shuri-Ryu who trained directly with Grandmaster Trias and traveled with him on multiple trips to the orient and abroad I wanted to weigh in on the discussion. Grandmaster Trias having documented both in writing and photographs his training during World War 2 and after, his time in the Solomon Islands, Singapore, Okinawa, Japan, and China. Numerous return trips to Okinawa and Japan were made by Robert Trias to continue his personal training, research and documentation of his Shuri or Shuri-Te Karate Do training. It was Yasuhiro Konishi and Makoto Gima who he personally trained under, promoted and studied with for approximately 37 years, performing, producing and presenting his research documentation and standards of Okinawa Shuri or Shuri-Te Karate and was named the Menkyo Kaiden of Shuri-Ryu Karate by Konishi and Gima. This is well documented in several books Trias authored, and a number of his students to include myself witnessed through the years. Shuri-Ryu is an Okinawan Karate style not an American system. Robert Trias was known as the father of Karate in America, not American Karate. Trias has the first documented karate dojo in the United States which was in Phoenix Arizona.
Grandmaster Trias and the Shuri-Ryu system have Chief Instructors and Assistant Chief Instructors globally who's mission is to propagate the Shuri-Ryu system, to perform, and teach the standards just as Grandmaster Trias instructed. Since Robert Trias passing in 1989, the torch has been passed to Robert Bowles who heads the Okinawa Shuri-Ryu Karate system today. When Grandmaster Trias passed and the closing of the United States Karate Association, the Shuri-Ryu system and propagation of the system came under the umbrella of the International Shuri-Ryu Association. The ISA is the headquarters of Shuri-Ryu with the Hombu dojo located in Ft. Wayne Indiana.
Having watched some of the videos presented, I would like to share some insight. The Naihanchi kata demonstrated is NOT the Naihanchi practiced in Shuri-Ryu. Grandmaster Trias kept the kata divided as the old masters did, Naihanchi Sho, Ni, San, and O Naihanchi (The older Okinawan masters broke the kata down in three parts for ease of teaching, O Naihanchi are all three together) Rohai is not a Shuri-Ryu kata that was shown in this presentation.
In Shuri-Ryu we have 70 Hah Ryu's or identifying features of the system. We also acknowledge our Chinese connections within our Okinawan karate do. With that, and others who have pointed out in the comments, the Taezu Narus waza (Speed fist techniques) are practiced to enhance speed and fluidity. Research shows they were practiced both in Okinawa and China. Gopei Sho Kata was originated in China and practiced in Okinawa. I am aware that a number of the old Okinawan Grandmasters that O Sensei Trias were close friends with, who he visited, and trained with often in Okinawa and Japan practiced Gopei Sho kata when they were kids. Through Grandmaster Trias research, he incorporated this old kata into the system. There are multiple animals represented in this kata, and the Bunkai incorporates many of moving forces within Okinawan karate do. This kata is practiced internationally and domestically and it's performers have won numerous competitions around the globe.
You asked why there are blocks at the end of the standards, Karate as the old karate masters would say "Karate begins and ends with defense". There are of course various interpretations with a final blocking move, but in the old karate a defense block or end was not uncommon. The various final blocks are the indication of the end of the waza, which many Okinawa and Japanese styles practice as well. As the millions of martial arts practitioners and hundreds of styles, there will be slight variations in movements, due to body mechanics, what information has been passed down from teacher to student, how the move or technique was interpreted, etc... there is so much more to Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate Do then what has been shown in this presentation. I would encourage those who wish to learn more about the system to contact the Shuri-Ryu Headquarters or connect with one of the active Shuri-Ryu Chief Instructors. For those who are practicing Shuri-Ryu, to remain connected to the source and stay updated on the system, if you have been out, come on back and re connect and keep training.
In the words of Grandmaster Trias, "The Supreme Way has no Hinderance"
George Sheridan, Hanshi 9th Dan
Chief Instructor Shuri-Ryu
Mr. Sheridan, thank you for keeping the history of Shuri -Ryu alive. I trained for 15 years with Shihan Joseph Walker and thoroughly enjoyed the style, and the standards that went with it. I can confidently say that I earned my rank. Reading your post reminded me of the stories Shihan would share with us and you sir, were highly regarded by him.
What a write up!!! Very well said! My Sensai was Michael Dennison, Ryokudan 6th Degree out of Bisbee Arizona.
Thank you for sharing! My first instructor was a direct student of GM Trias (1981 under Tom Pisuit). Good memories !
A lot of American soldiers stationed in Okinawa after World War II trained in Karate under the Okinawan masters, and then brought Karate back with them to the United States.
Right! Interesting history
@@KarateDojowaKu I'd say that man who was most influential in the development of American Karate was Ed Parker, the founder of American Kenpo Karate.
During the 60s through 80s too.
Maybe even to this day.
For the dutch soldiers, they took home Kyokushin from Japan then visited Japan again but this time took home kickboxing. This combined with the already existing kyokushin and boxing turned into an early form of dutch kickboxing. After another visit to thailand and incorporating muay thai, you have the now recognizable dutch kickboxing. Both kickboxing and kyokushin are still very popular in the netherlands, kyokushin being the most popular karate style in the netherlands along with shotokan, wado and goju.
@@prvtthd401 Interesting!
I just want to say that I appreciate your positive and open attitude toward learning about styles other than your own, whether they be traditional or non-traditional. Reading through the comments here, you see folks talking about how they couldn't be so nice, or dismissing the style because of various reasons. That is pretty indicative of our society in America right now. It seems easier to dismiss rather than encourage. So many people want to tear down that with which they do not agree instead of understanding that not everybody does things the same way. Not everybody is in the same place or level at the same time, nor do they need to be. A few examples of practitioners do not make a style either great or terrible. Some understand this. Many do not. In any case, after watching several of your videos, I just want to say that I am glad I found your channel. It has inspired to me begin making a series of videos about my own training. Thank you for doing what you do. I hope you continue.
That was my feeling as well.
I trained Shuri-ryu in the mid 1980's - so to me this style is more or less what we've learned. Nice to see it again. Thank you for this most interesting review on the style.
Hello, the exercise he is performing is actually called Taezu not Kihon. There are Kihon kumite in the Shuri Ryu style but the Taezu forms are a continuous motion technique meant to develop speed and fluidity. The question was asked about the "two fingers" pointed inward towards the body, for clarification the movement performed in the video is incomplete. It is key strike found in several of the Taezu exercises, it represents one of the five animal fist forms that make up a large identification marker of the Shuri Ryu style. That particular strike is representing the snake and should have been executed towards the opponents eyes, like the Ippon all Taezu's begin and end with a block, the last block is done while stepping back the opponent has fallen to the ground the Gedan Bari is more of a cover move in preparation for more attackers than anything, I hope this helps always a pleasure watching your videos.
Yusuke-san had the same opportunity to pull 20 of the 30 Kihon (kumite waza) from my RUclips site, but he chose to use my Taezu and call them kihon 🤣
I see! Thanks so much!!!!
Agree, these are Taezus and not Kihons. Taezus are usually done all within one breath. As mentioned above, they are to develop speed.
@@KyoshiKarlKWagner hi Kyoshi! Ours Ippons, taezus and kihons are in the general category of Kihon Kumite for tradicional karate
Sounds like my style too we also end with the gedan
Robert Trias was one of the pioneers of karate in the US. I don't know if I would call it American Karate, but he was the founder of the USKA. The United States Karate Association. It's members were from many martial arts backgrounds. I was at an early USKA Nationals in Indiana where Bill Wallace defeated Joe Lewis for the grand championship. You can read about his training in Wikipedia.
Ugh did you just recommend Wikipedia? Lol I guess it better than nothing but I would recommend a more collegiate style peer-reviewed article on his training, like thru the organization or an established magazine publication. No college in the U.S will allow the use of Wikipedia.
@@shozinryu4 Yes, you can read about Robert Trias' training history in Wikipedia if you Google Robert Trias. Did you read it? I thought it was concise and thorough and answers the questions brought up in the video about why Trias' karate looks like it does.
Thanks so much for your knowledge!
If you want even more insight Sensei please talk to Sue Hawkes Sensei. Her husband, Robert Trias Sensei, and Dr. Jordan founded USKA. Hawkes Dojo teaches Shuri Ryu. She currently runs and founded the U.S. Association of Martial Artists based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
@@shozinryu4 I am the one who added Trias' correct naval service information to the wikipedia article a decade ago. So that, at least is accurate.
Yusuke sensei, our Shuri-ryu karate-ka were taught to finish all of our “one step” (kihon, taezu and ippon) with gedan-barai-uke to demonstrate a “conclusion” to the exchange with a readiness to continue if need to.
Our Taezu Naru Waza are more representative of Chinese-Okinawan roots using fluid continuous motion with speed. I do have 20 of our total 30 Kihon also on my RUclips page.
Feel free to view and comment on my few videos with any questions or ideas.
Arigatuo!
His school was the first Karate school ever opened in the continental United States. It opened in 1946.
WOW IM SO HAPPY to see this. didn't expect this . This is the style of karate that I practice . Great channel would love to meet u . Keep doing what you're doing man .
About the kihon. We also refer to as taezu, continuous motion form. This focuses on speed and form. The point of the drill is to move from one technique to another in a smooth and fast motion. This is why you do not see pauses between the techniques. We have another group of drills called ippon. This focuses on strength and form. In those drills you will see pauses between movements. In the kihon, if you will notice, prior to crossing his hands across his chest, he is executing a nihon nukite, or snake fist. After he executes it, he just brings the hands back as he performs his final kick. The gedan barrai symbolizes that he has finished his defense and is prepared to attack/defend if there other attackers. There may be other reasonings about this, but that is what I was taught about it.
You pronounced it correctly! Robert Trias was my first martial Arts instructor in Phoenix Arizona when growing up as a kid many years ago. Extremely wonderful instructor and man.
I trained under his student Joseph Walker and Robert Bowels
It is interesting that you covered this Style of Okinawan Karate. I am a 4th Dan in Okinawan Shuri Ryu. This was not one of our standard Kihons. It is called Taezu Naru Waza. It teaches us speed and fluidity. Hence, there are no breaks in between the movements. The snake hand form is a technique that can be used for an eye gouge. I believe it is also associated with the quickness of the movements of a snake when it strikes. (There may be other answers from other practitioners or teachers) We have 26 Ippons, 30 Kihons, and 10 Taezu Naru Wazas. There are many different students of O'Sensei Trias that learned slightly different movements over the development of the entire system. I love the Chinese influences within my art. This Sensei has one extra that I appreciate very much. Good choice of video to cover.
Dwayne who did you train with in Shuri Ryu?
I like the fact that you praise another style so highly. :)
While Robert Trias was definitely a pioneer and driving force in the popularization of Karate in the United States he often would promote his system as "authentic Okinawan Karate" which is never was. Even today they use that in their advertising. Trias also promoted the world's first "Soke" founder of a martial art, Karl Marx, who had no official rank that led to a plethora of other organizations being created where they would promote anyone to "soke" status for money. The USKA was not without controversary either having had some strange people come through it, earning rank because Trias liked them and more things of that nature. Regardless the USA owes Trias respect and gratitude for his never ending dedication to promote Karate across the Americas. He wrote the first rule book to competition Karate, organized the first world Karate championship event held in Chicago and many more things. Like I said, though, it is not Okinawan Karate as they like to claim in their marketing however.
Always good to see what is out there and has developed in other countries. Many thanks. Respect
In Gopei Sho (last kata performed), a question was asked about the hands crossing then separating. Though there are some variations between Shuri Ryu schools with some movements, this is a clawing of the eyes then a double strike to the chest. This kata is based on the animal methods from Hsing Yi. Name derived from Hopei, China where the Hsing Yi methods came from that O'Sensei Trias learned. The opening movement of his hands stretching out low then raising up before he crossed them represents a peacock. There is another kata unique to Shuri Ryu that is based on the methods (not necessarily the stances) of Hsing Yi animal forms, is Dan Enn Sho.
“There is no place in contemporary Karate for different styles. I have heard myself and my colleagues referred to as the “Shotokan style”, but I strongly object to this attempt at classification. My belief is that all “styles” should be amalgamated into one, so that Karate may orderly progress into man’s future.”
- Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957)
Shudo-so is not a traditional Okinawan kata. It was developed by Grand Master Trias as an advanced breathing form. The Shuri Ryu system has had several names over the including Shorei-Ryu, Shorei Goju, Shuri Ryu, and Shorei Kenpo.
Robert Trias (you pronounced it correctly, Yusuke; “tree-ahs”) was my instructor’s main instructor/advisor. Mr. Trias named my instructor (Herb Johnson) as the Style Head of Shorei-Goju Ryu around the time that Mr. Trias decided to ‘trim away’ some of the non-Shuri/Shorei-Ryu elements and kata that he had been teaching to focus on ‘pure’ Shuri-Ryu, so Shorei-Goju Ryu was the blend of Shorei/Shuri-Ryu and Goju-Ryu that Robert Trias had taught prior to his decision to focus purely on Shuri-Ryu.
Of the kata shown in the video, I only recognized Naihanchi and Gopeisho, which was (mis?🤔) pronounced “Gopaisho”, and was called the “Tearing peacock form”✋🏻🤚🏻🦚 at the dojo I trained at. Gopeisho was one of the katas required to pass my Shodan test, and the gent in the video performs it extremely well, although there are a few minor differences in timing and hand positioning in comparison to the way I was taught the kata.
Quite an interesting video! I was quite surprised to see you covering the style of the instructor of the instructor of the obscure Okinawa-roots-but-America-only style of Karate that was the beginning of my Martial Arts journey..!
Haha! Glad I pronounced it correctly. Thanks for enjoying the video!
Yup I practice shorei goju ryu as well my sensei is a 7th Dan and very old school as well trained in Okinawa actually, I’m only a green belt but idk yeah arm positioning is different and we re very much a maverick style but I think it’s more pure than shuri ryu at least the way im being taught
There are a lot of blocks tho we seem to start w them but then end w strikes depending on where u are in the kata
Hello Shuri Ryu Stylist here.
I also trained with 4 Students of O' Sensei Trias..I told them to go hard on me as a 8th Kyu.
After years and years of Pain, Blood and Hard exhaustive training, It was the best decision of my life. My favorite Kata is Nandansho it just Fits me..
I trained with Shihan Ridgely Abel in West Columbia South Carolina. I remember these exercises. Who did you train Shuri Ryu with?
I am a student of the Shobayashi family of Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate-do. That Nihanchi Nidan was a rather loose rendition of ours with a somewhat flamboyant hand flips at the end.
Excellent video showcasing an American Karate style! Here in Southern California, another American Karate style has evolved called Goju Shin Ryu, which is primarily based on traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu, but it is also includes elements from Shotokan and Aikido.
Were you talking about peter urban's style. Cause he is a goju ryu and aikido master. Or was it someone else. That's my question
@@artisticsolarninja Actually, I was talking about Brad Wenneberg. He has black belts of various degrees in Goju-Ryu Kenkyu, Shotokan, and Aikido, which he has acquired in over 45 years of continuous martial arts journey.
Wow interesting..
@@georgefoley9793 Oakland/Berkeley here. Wasssssuuuup my SoCal brotha!
I think I might represent the single most obscure ryu-ha of what my brothers and I call "Amalgamated American Jutsu". Most people just called it the Buyu-kai.
It began at Tule Lake Relocation Camp. Not the kind of place one wants to commemorate by naming a ryu-ha after. Some did judo, others did aikido. A kobudo-ka here, a yawara-ka there, there's even some sumo in there. It was just people sent to camp who wanted to do some keiko to keep the boredom from getting to them, but they told the guards it was mandated by our religion. Otherwise they wouldn't have let them practice
So what you get is very strong fundamentals, lots of chanting Jyuseige, and everything after that is a stream of constant contradiction. It leaves you with a very "whatever works" view of the little things.
I was also trained in Okinawa Shuri Ryu those were very impressive
The first kata had some Sanchin and Tensho movements that I noticed like the slow koken and the open-palm lowering
Right!
That kata that Oran sensei was performing is called Shudo-sho. If I would tell you the story behind how it came into existence, you would be boggled, lol. O’Sensei Trias was a very innovative man indeed.
This particular exercise is called Taezu naru waza = equals continous motion technique. It has 10 taezu naru waza 26 ippons kumite kata 30 kihon kumite katas. The Rohai is something extra it is not their main core of Kata - they will pick some kata to use in tournaments when a recognizable kata is needed. Robert Bowles is the main Shuri Ryu head located in Ft.Wayne Indiana.
I see! Thanks for sharing!
@@KarateDojowaKu this two fingers are to represent a snake finger to the eyes. Nishiken) Shudo So is an upper rank kata. Gopei sho is the peacock tearing and ripping form usually black belt form.. Back to the snake fingers- the strike is used mainly in the taezu techniques and more relaxed in its hold more curved not so straight and the thumb will be a part of the strike.
I remember Tauzy naru waza. When I talk to other karateka about the extensive curriculum of Shuri-ryu as opposed to some other styles, I am usually met with, "That is a lot!". Maybe it was. I still loved all of it.
It is a lot. There are so many influences in this style from Chinese as reflected in the continuous and soft motions in the taezu naru wazas and in the kata go pei sho to Okinawan influence of the explosive twist and releasing of energy in our punch. We incorporate judo and jujutsu in our practice as well as kata bunkai by using what we call the nine moving forces. There most definitely is a lot to know. While I'm not here to debate whether one style is better than another, I would say I have enjoyed my training in this style.
I’ve only every read about this style and it’s founder. Never seen it until now. If I had to guess I’d say that what seems like a large number of hand techniques in each kata is the result of the Kung Fu influence and mixing in kata of various styles/lineages. Very interesting.
I trained under a direct student of GM Trias in 1981 ( before he moved out of area). He called the system Goju Shorei due to his additional Goju Ryu training. Great foundation to start with!
Master Trias was a staple out here in the Phoenix area as a child. He would come to the events and was always awesome to us little kids at the time. This was a great watch as it brought back a lot of memories of the mid 1980’s going to various local events with my father, and the community created from Trias’ teachings.
Yes, I know the style, as Shuri-Ryu is my first Karate style. I do not know why we almost always end in gedan barai. The positioning of his fist in the hikite is his personal movement, as we do not do that as a "style" in Shuri-Ryu. Our hikite is done with the palm side up. The two fingers that you questioned are part of the snake animal style that is incorporated within Shuri-Ryu. The first kata that you viewed is NOT one that I am familiar with. I'm assuming that it was an addition made by Robert Bowles, a disciple of Robert Trias and one who took it upon himself to name himself as the style inheritor even though Trias's daughter, Roberta Trias-Kelly, was the legitimate inheritor of the style. Thank you for sharing Shuri-Ryu with your audience. I appreciate you.
I started out in Isshinryn karate & received my 1st Dan many years ago before moving on to Taekwondo & was awarded my 7th degree. I just say that to give weight to the fact that I appreciate the movements of the kata especially.
I very much enjoy your commentary. It would be easy to poke fun & criticize to make this entertaining but you always maintain respect for the arts you are reviewing. Very well done & thank you for sharing these videos.
I trained in this style in Miami in the late 80s for a couple of years. By then, I had 18 years of JKA-style Shotokan karate training under my belt. I still remember a few things: the Shuri Ryu fist (great for makiwara training), the opening stance and the way the back leg is pulled in when delivering a reverse punch.
Hi, I'm a Nidan in Shuri-ryu. The short forms often begin and end with blocks to keep with the philosophy of Karate is for defense.
Saw several several adaptations from Uechi Ryu's Sun Chin Kata. The Tiger-Crane up and down/ side to side blocks, look pretty good. The cross blocks were well preformed.
Thank you for sharing this! I have practiced Shuri Ryu Karate for 15 years now (off and on do to cross training in other styles) I've trained with the first instructor you viewed, him and I are friends now even though I don't train with him. I've had three different instructors in Shuri Ryu and I can say that they are all different. Its a very complex style of Karate, Robert Trias's goal was to create a style that incorporate everything about Katate. Would love to talk with you if you are ever interested.
Thank you for sharing. There's a long established Shuri Ryu school(s) here in Cincinnati and they move much like this. It's been a while since I've seen this system and it's pretty cool to see it again. I remember these guys to be strong fighters too.
Did you train with Woodrow Fairbanks?
@@LittlePixieBot I did not,but I had martial arts friends who did. He was precisely who I had in mind with my statement. Master Fairbanks(who trained directly under Robert Trias) was and is an asset to the community, and one of his students,Miss Terrell Davis,a fine teacher in her own right continues to teach today. Thank you.
Thanks for posting this video. I agree with most of the comments from students of this style. My bloodline is traced from Ed Brown., student of John Jelks, student of Victor Moore, student of Robert Trias. In Cincinnati, Ohio, Victor Moore passed the art on to three men who became Grandmasters: John Jelks, Woodrow Fairbanks, and Chester Richardson (who goes by another name now). I believe Ed Brown is a Grandmaster by now also.
A few things I'd add to the duscussion are:
Ippons are broken down into taezus-speed katas, kihons-speed and power katas, and ippons-power katas.
There are three Naihanchin katas. The 1st is the longest which is the one in the video. The steps from side to side get increasingly higher in the 2nd and 3rd Naihanchin katas. My understanding is that the increasingly higher steps symbolize stepoing over fallen opponents.
There are five animal forms, each representing a different aspect of the art:
Snake - breath strength, "victory sign" extended index & middle fingers.
Leopard - muscular strength, shuto like hands with retracted fingers for strikiing the throat wiith the knuckles (or pulling someone's heart out if you train hands like an Okinawan master.
Crane - spiritual strength, fingertips for soft spots (and wrist strikes).
Tiger-bone strength, the famous tiger palm for striking, grabbing, and tearing.
Dragon-(I think symbolizing overall body power in general), extended knuckle strike and hammer fist (I think).
The animal fists are generally emphasized in katas. Many of the movements are more circular than linear (as in Shotokan, and ChitoRyu)..
About 80% of techniques are hand, 20% kicks.
Thank you Yusuke. I feel better pracrising this now. A few months ago i commented in your karate styles video, that is shuri-ryu worth it. Thank you sensei yusuke.
Shudo So was developed and finalized by O'Sensei Trias before his death. It is similar in purpose to Tensho (breath form).
In the early 1970"s , I trained at the Trias dojo in Phoenix, AZ. At that time Master Trias, as he was called, taught one class. It was Wednesday night starting at 9pm, and had no real ending time. I can recall sometimes getting home close to midnight! It was by invitation only. However, if you were "invited", you had better go or there would be problems. There are so many stories I could tell about training there, but for now, if you have a specific question, I will try to answer it.
You are blessed to have been able to do that! My first instructor back in the early 1980's, was a student of GM Trias and a police detective. The classes were challenging and not for anyone who wasnt willing to put in the work. It saddens me to see the high number of watered down styles and schools of today. Happy there are still some of us around to teach and continue to evolve! Good video!👍💮
Did you train the Stan Hillhouse?
@@nandansho Yes, Mr Hillhouse, as we were told to call him, was already a shodan when I trained there. He was one of the instructors during the week. There was a different instructor each night. His classes were tough, you had to be in shape.
@@bassai2010 Yes Sensei Hillhouse was Is one of my Teachers and awarded me My Nidan. I equate fighting him to fighting a Tasmanian Devil. His speed was astounding. His side kicks were like getting hit with a iron bar but he told me Pete Rabino was the best at the side kick. Sensei Hill house instilled a concept in me that was related to Black Holes and time travel which enabled me to become faster instantaneously during class. He truly knows how to assess A student's cognition and learning abilities in order to relate martial arts concepts to them. He would regularly go to any dojo that would allow him in and spar with them and then bring that knowledge to us. He would then take us out to any school that would allow us to spar with their students but he would always tell us to "go easy on them"
Is Bassai dai your favorite Kata? Mine is Nandansho (Difficult Victory) but Bassai( Breaking through the Enemy's Fortress) is beautiful and feels very spiritual when I run it.
In one of your videos, you said one shouldn't call himself "Sensei" but you did in this video.
I was taught that the ending downward block was a "clearing technique." Essentially the idea was that you just basically knocked a guy unconscious and you are "clearing" the person down to the floor as they are falling. Another description I would sometimes hear is that you are preparing for the next attacker.
That’s correct!
Regarding one of the comments Grandmaster Trias died in 1989 of cancer, bequeathing the Shuri-ryu system to his daughter Dr. Roberta Trias-Kelley as heir and Menkyo-Kaïden, NOT to Robert Bowles or anyone else, but as Dirk Mosig explained to us in a ko budo course in Madrid, Spain... a lot of devotion and respect while he was alive but when he died almost no one of the important teachers respected his will and his daughter, and they dedicated themselves to founding their respective branches (curious...it also happened with the kyokushinkai etc).
Spot on comment as these are the true facts.
(SHURI RYU)Talkyoku teech (shodan) it starts in horse stance with double block and does not give his back in shifts
Usually, one does not refer to oneself as Sensei. The students do.
Hence it's been given by the honcho from hombu, If it's official and the topics are related to it, you can use the title.
Peace and harmony,
Sensei Maharaj 😊
Yep, that's what I shared on Jesse's channel!
@@KarateDojowaKu Yes I too saw that video. It's very informative...👍👍
Thanks for sharing. It’s great what you’re doing for the future of Karate. It’s a life changing journey... this art! The younger people need to be informed and influenced in a positive way. Keep up the good work! You’re the speaker for all of us!
i really enjoy hearing and seeing the passion that you show in your videos. Please keep up the good work.
Looks like he is also doing some isshin ryu
Ahh so that's his taste to it
Nice video! You're so knowledgeable about all the moves and styles. I wish we had karate where I live. We have tae kwon do and jiujitsu, but I have always like karate more. I took karate when I was young, but the school is no longer open. Now I take jiujitsu, but wish karate was available for something non-grappling.
Robert Trias allegedly met T'ung Gee Hsing while in the Solomon Islands. The story I heard is that Mr. Hsing studied karate under Choki Motobu. Trias combined elements of Okinawan Karate with Chinese Hsing I. In Shuri-ryu, we have three sets of five animal forms. I believe they came from Hsing I and involved continuous breathing.
Shorei Goju Ryu practitioner here, 18 years. The main Shuri Ryu kata that we practice are called Dan En Sho, Gopeisho, Nandansho, and Shudoso. Traditional kata practiced include Heian Kata(though we call them Pinan), Bassai Dai similar to Shotokan, Sanchin, Saifa, Seiunchin, Seipai, Tensho, and Naihanchi kata. We have joint locks, including leg locks, arm/shoulder locks, and wrist locks. Nage waza, Ne waza, basic prearranged sparring drills, competition sparring, and free sparring. In Kobudo, we practice Bo, Nunchaku, Tonfa, Sai, Kama, and Eku. We practice kumite in kobudo, as well as kata. I would love to talk about it more.
I am a nidan in Shorei Goju Ryu. It was great to see some of our style discussed here. It is sometimes hard to describe our style as it has a lot of influences and contributions. Most people have never seen gopeisho, and you can't find many videos of it, but it does great in tournament.
I see that it's has already been explained that's these are Taizu Wazas and not Kihons. I currently still train and teach Shuri Ryu Karate. Our Grandmaster Trias removed many if not all of the Taizus or kihons from Goju Ryu and replaced them with what he believed to be more applicable at the time.
Also, a signatures of our style are non defensive in nature, regardless of which animal form we are portray. The gidan is there to demonstrate the non aggression. If you ever get a chance to read any edition of The PINNACLE, (Robert Trias) you will understand more the bunkai and even our hidden movements and techniques. This book is covered due to rareness, and if found is very expensive ($3000+).
Our style is comprised of the previous Chinese arts taught, along with Goju Ryu and Shotokan roots. I hope I have helped you better understand my art. ♥️🥋
It should be noted that, in Arizona, in 1946... Trias was the first and ONLY karate school in the United States at the time. He put this all together because he had to. There simply was nothing else. And his people have always looked great.
I think GoPei Sho was inspired by Fu Jow Pai Kung Fu. I think Shuri Ryu evolved through the decades according to what was popular in the United States karate tournaments. I think Trias Sensei did that to keep his style relevant and competitve at tournaments. I think the Taezu Waza were inspired by Kempo/Kenpo.
Tang soo do has some shotokan Influence maybe take a look at that
Most Korean arts have Shotokan influence.
Would love to see a video like this on Isshinryu! Specifically Sensei Tsuyoshi Uechi kata, upper and lower basics. Great stuff man
Gopae or however it is spelled was great to see. A kata I have never heard of before
Very nice katas. I didn't know anything about this.
I forgot to add Shudo So is similar in purpose to Sanchin and Tensho. It is also known as the "Monastery Monk Form". It is a meditative form that helps develop chi/ki, breath control, and proper contraction of muscles. There are applications to the movements also.
I've been practicing shotokan for 2 years. ( with a 1 year covid 19 break)
I've learned 3 katas and I'm working on my 4th. I get confused and mixed up all the time. And yet you can look at someone, understand what kata and which style has what variants in stance and moves. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I should say I'm 38 and this is my first time in any martial arts. It's definitely a case of 'teaching an old dog new tricks'
Don't feel bad, man. I was the Shotokan kata dunce in my school but I tore everyone up in kumite and when necessary, on the "street".
Having functional karate was far more important to me than memorizing kata, so it was like I had to cram for a test to keep up because I would dump them out of my mind fast due to lack of shit giving.
Very good video! I think that one strike he does with the 2 fingers is called a snake strike. That's just a very fast strike to the eyes with the first 2 fingers. He does it with both hands at the same time. Hope that helps a little. Have a good one!!
Please do a review on Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate.
Yes please
GoPei Sho is a Xing Yi inspired form. If you look closely it is a full animal form kata. The crossing hands that you asked about was a double tiger claw raking then a double palm strike. Higher levels of this form is meant to train moving from one animal to another with the internal energy of Xing Yi.
There are two branches in this system shuri ryu and shorei goju I'm sure this is why you see so many different systems...
This is correct. 2 off shoots: shuri and goju-shorei. You see there is kara-te, kara- tae and karaw dee. 2 fingers on the open hand technique represent the internal strength( breath) and graspeth the sword or sai. The 9 moving for ces ( undo chi kara) represent 9 directions of movement ( N E S W) and its practical application ( bunkai) is applied in dynamic entries and clearing rooms without the use of angles; Instead the practicioner breathes out slowly anytime a back is to a wall or rounding a corner. Its very complex.
I am now a subscriber. You have great videos. I would like to see more movie fight scene reactions. Thank you for the great work you do and information you provide.
For some reason, the peace sign really cracked me up. 😁😁😂😂✌️
Excellent kata performances.
American-ized styles do tend to go faster in kata like in US Kodokan
Ahh I see
I am part of the Shorei-ryu lineage. As I understand it, Shudo-so is not a standard Shorei/Shuri form. It was a kata developed for the movie The Immortal Masters.
I am going to start training soon in shuri-ryu, i'm Looking forward to it.
haha! how do you like it so far? and have you gotten orange belt or even started on your first kay wunsu?
I would love to see you do one on Shidokan karate !!
Shuri-Ryu stylists call the first first exercise Taisue Nara Waza. It is supposed to emphasize speed, and continuous movement. As for the gedan closing move, it to a reminder to the practitioner that Karate "begins and ends with defense."
Would you be interested in reacting to Korean martial arts? Kuk Sool Won would be a good one, the forms are pretty good.
I was a direct student of O’Sensei Robert Trias starting in the 70’s in the dojo in Phoenix Arizona. If you want to know more about Robert Trias and Shuri-ryu let me know. Thanks for your video, Most everything here is of someone other than Grandmater Trias. The first set was Taezu not kihon. 26 ippon (ippon kumite kata) performed to develop form and power; 10 taezu (taezu naru waza) performed to develop speed and fluidity; 30 kihon performed to develop fighting technique; eight sen-te motions; and seven kogeki-ho ho to develop attacking and retreating. Yes, there is a reason so the low block at the end. Shotokan does this as well as a finishing cover position. There was one kata in this video that I’ve never seen before and it’s not a part of Shuri-ryu. Also with no disrespect to the ones pictured in the video there are slight variations that are different than the standards O’Sensei Trias taught. I recommend if you want to understand Shuri-ryu that one of our chief instructors help you get the best understanding. Especially those from the Trias dojo.
* Robert Bowles, 10th Dan, Indiana
* Pete Rabino, 9th Dan, California
* Michael Awad, 8th Dan, Ohio
* Milt Calander, 8th Dan, Arizona
* Dale Benson, 9th Dan, Arizona
* Tony Bisanz, 8th Dan, Arizona
* Johnny Linebarger, 9th Dan, Arizona
* Joesph Walker, 9th Dan, Illinois
Respectfully Andy Tuttle, Rokudan Shuri-ryu, Shodan Shorei-ryu.
Hi Andy, I trained with Hillhouse, Neutzman Mike Wall and M Knighton also did seminars with Oyata..Are you still in AZ?
@@nandansho no I’m living in Richmond Virginia now.
@@andytuttle8612 Too Bad I'd love to get Bunkai knowledge of Naihanchi and Nandansho.
Recognize a lot of those names. Milt Calendar was my family’s Sensei in the mid to late 80’s. A lot of fond memories of that dojo in Mesa, yearly gatherings of all our families at his home and Master Trias at the events throughout Phoenix.
You probably knew my father, Larry, as he continued much longer and still attends events to see old faces.
@@digitard I learned a lot from Milt.
The beginning of the 2nd guys kata didnt look like Sanchin but a lot like Tensho. Interesting seeing all the different versions of kata. Nice video
about placing the hand vertical instead of horisontal at the sidechest, may be as you say for holding sai in gyakute mochi (reverse grip) avoiding to stab himself in the ribcage.
Ah.. the style that Sage Northcutt does.. 😊
The beginning of the first kata resembles Tensho a LOT.
Yeah!
Shuri-ryu was my first karate style. It is more eclectic than traditional Okinawan karate, but I think it is very solid. My first sensei was Bill Malone. He studied under Woodrow Fairbanks. Sensei Malone taught me so much about karate history and Japanese culture. It is because of him I know about Matsumura Sokon (who seems somewhat forgotten these days). My favorite Shuri-ryu kata is Go Pei Sho. I still study karate, Since Malone's dojo closed, I have been with a group who studies Matsubuyashi Shorin-ryu of Nagamine Shoshin.
Go Pei Sho very good kata. Been in Shuri-Ryu for 31 yrs now and it has so much info beyond the basic movements.
According to Randall Hassell in his Shotokan Karate Its History and Evolution Robert Tiras was the very first person to teach "Karate" in the mainland US, having opened his Phoenix Arizona dojo in 1948.
I'm looking to start training this style and the commentary did much to inform me
Great Video!
Could you make a video about "Kishimotodi" style?
its a Very old Okinawan style...
The two-fingered technique he is performing during the taezu form is the snake hand. We also include it in the ;animal forms' we learned in Shuri-ryu.
American Karate starts looking very different when you get into the American Kenpo family of arts, Kajukenbo still has its Shorin/shotokan influences. and then you have so many different mom and pops-styles of karate (most of em sketchy), and then like a garden variety selection of Goju offshoots.
Can you do a video on Parker style American kenpo karate?
Hallo Sensei,
just enjoyed your great video.
I have a few more comments on the techniques shown:
1. by the striking with the open-handed-back-wrist you can keep calm and "relaxed" in your underarms, while bringing the fingers together due this technique causes the forearm muscle to contract, which significantly slows down the speed of your movement. I saw that in many different chinese martial arts where it is more common. This technique is devastating and can e.g. break a jaw with no problem (and don't hurt your knuckles hitting a bone). So my "old" sensei used to say: "Pushups are a very healthy exercise" and then let us make them amongst other things on the back-wrist. :-)
2. In some (Martial Art-) Styles, the double crossing (spade-) hand is a method to teach the new students to go towards the "center line". As you surely know, beginner/students tend to go too much to the left or right when blocking, etc.. So the crossing of the hands makes it easier for them to follow the middle (or center line) of their body and by the way train their eyes for the exact position. When they continue to progress, and they only use one Hand, it is easy to "get" into the centered position, because their eye-hand coordination have been trained before.
His consecutive non-stop movement reminds me of shadowboxing somewhat I don't believe I've ever seen or heard of this style
He is doing the taezu narus waza of the system for flow drill they are different than what we call kihons at the beginning of the video
please make another video about Sotokan karate history.🙏🙏
Review the elvis presley kempo karate .... 😄😄😄🙏🙏🙏
What is that.....lol
@@KarateDojowaKu Elvis Presley when he was in the Army started training in Shotokan Karate. When he got back to the States he started training in Ed Parker's system of American Kempo Karate. Elvis actively trained and promoted Karate. He even used Karate somewhat in his on stage performances although highly stylized. He later opened his own Dojo in Memphis and hired instructors like Bill "Superfoot" Wallace to teach there (that's a Karateka you should look into and maybe do a seminar with since he's considered one of the best American Karate Fighters and was an undefeated Kickboxing Champion). But anyways he never created his own style but back before Karate became popular he was trying to create a film called American Gladiators. The full film was going to film the early Karate tournaments in the states where Elvis would then be one of the commentators on the film to promote the martial art. At the end he was going to have demonstrations by him and some other martial artists. That part of the film you can still find online and I think he wants you to react to it. The reason this person is laughing is because some of the self defense sequences Elvis teaches aren't considered that good by today's standards and he explained Ki or Chi Gong is and that you are able to use this force to protect yourself from injury (which was a common misunderstanding and misconception back then).
Thank you for recognizing O-Sensei Robert Trias
I used to do Shuri-Ryu, and I can clarify some things for you, if you'd like. It would upset a lot of Shuri-Ryu people, though
I still do Shuri-ryu Karate for the past 45 years. I know the inside lore and many fascinations. Regardless of the grandiose, Shuri-ryu has proven itself. I know many facts from fiction within the system. Perhaps, much of what I know would even surprise you! Regardless, there is nothing that would change me or upset me in the realm of truth.
I used to train under 4th Dan John Segars in Miami. That was probably the most fun time in my young adult life.
If you're going to study a "merged" system in America you have to do Kajukenbo. I recommend the Fightquest episodes that's available on RUclips.
Omg i found your channel from paolo from Tokyo there you take in Japanese but now in English hmm learning english keep it on
Sensei can you do a review about Hakkyokuken/Bajiquan in Japan please? Also try to find a teacher which still intergrates Hakkyokuken and Hikaken as they were originally one style before being split into two
Hakkyokuken is Bajiquan. What's the chinese name for Hikaken?
@@MansMan42069 piguaquan
@@seliliviewsonic Pigua and Baji were once one art? 😲
@@MansMan42069 yes. But now it's split into two different styles
These are the Tanasa Wasu katrate for Shuri ryu. The fist is his habbit. It should be facing up.
Many do "revised", or modified versions of the basics, since, if they are fighting another experienced karate person, there is no real surprise, as the other fighter knows all the same moves. So, many modify their kata's to be more "lethal", or unpredictable.
The gedan barai at the end is llike the Kyokushins, they do that too.
I can see a lot of the Chinese martial arts influence here, in the hand techniques that you weren't sure about. The fluid motions with no stopping look more like Shaolin motions, and the deep stances look like Hung Gar. There were a few front stances that looked more like a kung fu arrow stance.
You should ask Jesse Enkamp about what he thinks about shuri-ryu kata. He has some opinions on the style and especially the kata.
1st of all, great video and openness in opinion of us traditional US karate practitioners. My sensei was of direct lineage to Robert Trias and although I never achieved black belt in this style I learned for many years from him. This was actually a very technical style of karate, and like many of the traditional Japanese and Okinawan styles, it was based on a soft/hard principle. You can see this in many of the katas. There are also traditional judo/jujitsu influences in this style apart from the karate alone, and even chambada and weapons katas. The more you know 😅