More about Shorinji Ryu Karate

CARSA Shorinji Ryu Academy was founded in 2017. We teach a system that has been passed down through generations of martial arts experts from the original Shaolin Temple in China, Okinawa, Japan and now to North America. The roots of our academy are centuries old, and consist of an eclectic mixture of martial art disciplines in both the internal and external forms. The core system we study is a style called Shorinji Ryu Karate-do (open hand form of Chinese, Okinawan, and Japanese origin).

Other disciplines in the system include Daito-Ryu Aki-Jujitsu, which is the predecessor to modern Aikido and Judo, and Kobujutsu, which is the study of ancient Okinawan and Japanese weapons. Internal forms comprise a significant component of our system, which includes Da Jia Tai - Chi Chuan, Chi Kung and Bagua Zhang. They contribute to the development of one’s “chi” (internal energy).

What makes the Academy unique is that the program is structured to cover an entire martial arts system and not just a sliver of the system or a single style. At the Academy, students study the philosophical, strategic, laws and scientific aspects of the martial arts. Students are not taught to train just to be technicians in movements alone. In this manner, the martial art becomes more applicable and less reliant on style to situational self-defense and promotes a better sense of mind and body awareness.

The philosophy of Shorinji-ryu Karatedo

The philosophy of the CARSA Shorinji Ryu Academy is based on budo. Bu means "Martial" and do means "Way". Budo is the spiritual foundation for the martial arts we study and provides the ethical code on which classical martial arts are based. We are dedicated to the development of the individual - mentally, physically, and spiritually - through the diligent practice of the martial arts, and daily observance of the following principles: Humility, Compassion, Honour, Loyalty, Patience, and Gratitude.

In the classical martial arts, training is conducted with the consideration of combat and ethics, as opposed to competition. The difference between the two distinctions lies not in violence versus sportsmanship, but in the view of a ‘way of life’.

In modern times, traditional martial arts training leads the student in developing a realization of their own mortality and the importance of every moment of life is precious. There is a saying in the Japanese martial arts: “Ichi-go ichi-e” meaning now is the last time, now is the only time. The hard work, the repetition, the discipline, and the lifetime of practice are for the purpose of realizing that in reality there is no second chance. Your life is yours and it is your responsibility to make the most of it.

What to wear, what to bring and what to expect?

For your first martial arts class it is best to come in loose pants or narrow legged shorts and a t-shirt. Jewelry, phones, toys, or other personal items should be left outside of the workout floor or mat area. Footwear isn’t important since shoes and socks will in most instances not be worn. Please bring your own water bottle.