Excerpt from the book Karate Do Kyohan, the master's book by Gichin Funakoshi Sensei and translated by Ohshima Sensei:
If the kata are to be classified, it is very general to distinguish two large groups: those belonging to Shorei-ryu (Shorei school) and they belonging to Shorin-ryu (Shorin School).
The first focuses on the development of physical strength and muscle power; it is striking because of the impression of force it exudes. On the other hand, the Shorin school is very light and very fast, with very rapid forward and backward movements, which are reminiscent of the sharp flight of a falcon.
| Shorei School | Shorin School |
| Tekki Shodan, Nidan, Sandan | Heian Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan |
| Jutte | Bassai |
| Hangetsu | Kanku |
| Jion | Empi |
| Gankaku |
Classification of kata by school of origin
Both styles develop the mind and body and one is no better than the other. They both have their weaknesses and strengths, and those who want to study karate must recognize these points and study them accordingly.