What is Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do?

Matsubayashi-ryū (松林流), also known as Matsubayashi Shōrin-ryū, is a school of Okinawan Shōrin-ryū karate founded by Shōshin Nagamine (1907-1997) in 1947.  Its curriculum includes 18 kata, 7 two-man yakusoku kumite (prearranged sparring) routines, and kobudō (weapons) practice.

Nagamine O’Sensei named his school in honour of masters whom he viewed as two of the most important forebears of Shōrin-ryū, Sōkon Matsumura and Kosaku Matsumora.  He chose to name the school using kanji characters that can be pronounced in Japanese either as "Matsubayashi" or as "Shorin."  Therefore, it is correct to refer to the school as "Matsubayashi-ryū", "Shōrin-ryū", or "Matsubayashi Shōrin-ryū".  Most people today choose one of the "Matsubayashi" variants in order to avoid confusion with the other many schools of Shōrin-ryū. Shōshin Nagamine also credited Chōki Motobu as the teacher who inspired his seven Yakusoku kumite forms.

Today, the official Matsubayashi-ryū organisation is run by Shōshin Nagamine's son, Takayoshi Nagamine.  Our dojo is fully affiliated and actively supports Nagamine Soke.

Above information has been taken and adapted from www.wikipedia.org