| Shorin Ryu is one of many versions of Okinawan karate. Its purpose is primarily a self defense art. There is a wide variety of maneuvers, though kicks and punches are primary. Nearly every part of the body is a potential striking surface. From what I have learned, most "grappling" attacks are actually break-holds followed immediately by a strong strike to stun your opponent long enough to either escape or press the attack.
What Shorin Ryu lacks, mostly, is an internal facet (though some senseis have added this after the fact). Other styles of karate focus on breathing during katas/attacks. The extent of Shorin Ryu's take on this is the kiai during attacks.
Like all of the traditional Okinawan karates, it possesses a weapons art (kobudo), though this is different enough that some schools teach kobudo separately from the empty hand. Nearly anything can become a weapon in kobudo. In fact, it is based on utilizing farm and fishing implements as weapons.
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Thich Nhat Hanh
Hail Lord Ilpalazzo!
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