Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate Shorin-Ryu karate is a traditional martial art that originated in Okinawa (a principality of Japan) in the mid 18th century. The first students were from the noble houses of Okinawa and the independent kingdom of Ryukyu. The name Shorin-Ryu comes from the Okinawan pronunciation of Shoalin. Today, Shorin-Ryu incorporates the classic traditional forms and techniques of the centuries before while incorporating the most useful of the new. We integrate tradition with innovation. We offer internationally recognized ranking with certification coming directly from Okinawa.