🥋 What Style of Martial Arts Do We Teach? Here’s the Clear Answer
This is a question that comes up all the time:
“What style do you teach?”
Karate? Taekwondo? Jiu-Jitsu?
The confusion is understandable—because martial arts (and karate in particular) often gets talked about as one big thing, when in reality it’s made up of many different systems and approaches.
Let’s break it down in a clear, simple way.
Martial Arts vs. Karate: Understanding the Umbrellas
Think of martial arts as the largest umbrella. Under that umbrella fall many different combat systems and combat sports, such as karate, boxing, fencing, jiu-jitsu, and more. If it’s a structured form of combat or self-protection, it generally fits somewhere under martial arts.
Now within that, karate itself is also an umbrella.
Karate isn’t just one single style. It’s a broad category that includes multiple systems, each with its own history, techniques, and emphasis.
Some of the more commonly known karate styles include:
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Shotokan
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Goju-Ryu
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Shito-Ryu
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Naha-based systems
Most traditional karate systems trace their roots to Japanese or Okinawan influences, though there are always exceptions and variations.
So What Style Do We Teach?
The foundation of our training is Shorei-Ryu karate.
Shorei-Ryu is a traditional karate system that emphasizes:
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Strong stances and balance
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Powerful, practical techniques
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A solid mix of hand and foot techniques
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Structure, discipline, and effectiveness
Our program uses Shorei-Ryu as the base system, while responsibly incorporating techniques and concepts that support well-rounded training. This creates a balanced approach that works for kids, teens, and adults.
Rather than limiting training to a single narrow interpretation, the focus is on teaching techniques that are effective, adaptable, and appropriate for the student’s age and ability.
Why Style Names Only Tell Part of the Story
Here’s an important truth:
👉 Every martial arts school teaches differently—no matter the style name on the sign.
Two schools could both say they teach karate and still:
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Emphasize different skills
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Teach at different paces
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Focus on different goals
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Create very different student experiences
That’s normal, and it’s why choosing a martial arts school based on the style name alone can be misleading.
What Really Matters When Choosing a School
Instead of asking only “What style do you teach?”, it’s often more helpful to ask:
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How is the material taught?
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Is the instruction clear and supportive?
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Are classes structured and age-appropriate?
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Does the environment feel positive and motivating?
Those factors have a much bigger impact on confidence, progress, and long-term success than the style label itself.
Why Trying a Class Is Always Recommended
Because every school teaches differently, the best way to understand a program is to experience it firsthand.
Trying a class allows you to:
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See how instruction is delivered
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Observe how students train
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Experience the class structure
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Decide if it feels like the right fit
That real-world experience tells you far more than a list of style names ever could.
The Takeaway
Karate is a broad category with many styles beneath it. Martial arts is an even larger umbrella that includes countless systems and approaches. While style names provide helpful context, they don’t define the quality of training.
What truly matters is instruction, structure, and environment.
With Shorei-Ryu karate as the foundation, a balanced approach to training, and a focus on personal growth, students can build confidence, skill, and consistency at any stage of life.
Families and adults exploring martial arts programs in Oak Creek, Racine, and Kenosha, Wisconsin can experience firsthand how a structured Shorei-Ryu-based karate program supports long-term development.
Sometimes the best way to understand a style isn’t by studying the name—it’s by stepping onto the mat and feeling how it’s taught. 🥋👊
Visit our Oak Creek Martial Arts location:
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