Learning Shorin Ryu: One of the oldest styles of karate

VICTORIA, British Columbia — At the tender age of ten, Gus McConnell Fidyk joined a Shorin Ryu-style karate dojo. Shorin Ryu is one of the foremost modern Okinawan martial arts and is one of the oldest styles of Karate.

Interesting to note that the fighting strategy of Shorin Ryu Karate is self-defense. However, the true essence of the Shorin Ryu style is embodied in its kata or forms. The traditional kata of Shorin Ryu are formal solo exercises composed of prearranged movements of attack and defense against imaginary opponents. Kata are used as the primary training method in Karate. The self-defense and fighting applications of the Shorin Ryu kata are based on both long-range and close-in fighting techniques. The style still contains grappling, joint locking and throwing, and Kyushu Jutsu (vital point striking) instead of merely punching and kicking, making it a complete martial art.

Gus practiced twice a week for nearly five years, becoming the Senpai (highest ranking student)in his last year. Gus moved on to challenge himself even more and became involved in MMA. MMA, also known as Mixed Martial Arts, is a hybrid combat sport incorporating boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, Karate, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), and other disciplines.

“I enjoy the rush/intensity of learning to fight, the exercise I get, as well as learning discipline and humility. Not to mention the skills I will acquire along the way; they seem more applicable to real-life scenarios than playing soccer, for example, in my opinion,” says Gus.

When asked how his martial arts enthusiasm has benefited him, he said “The biggest takeaway is the discipline and humility I have learned over time. No matter how good I think I’m doing, there is always someone better than me. I have applied that discipline and philosophy to my way of life, and physically, it has made me stronger and healthier.”

Currently, Gus is quite busy with his new adventure, a painting company he established, and still attending college to earn a business degree.

Gus would like to someday compete in MMA, teach the sport, and eventually, when he has children of his own, he would like to get them involved too.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.