Sora Ryu Karate

“As Above, So Below; As Within, So Without”

Our Philosophy

Our Philosophy

A home for martial artists, high achievers and dream chasers;

Karate is the way of the empty hand. Sora represents the Sky, a vast and empty space that encompasses us all; united under a vast ocean. Our philosophy is to provide every member with the opportunity to learn a lifestyle of health, mindfulness, integrity and spirit; using martial arts, exercise and fitness as a guide.

The circle on our crest represents peace in the Japanese culture; the Kanji in the centre represents “sky” and “emptiness”; the philosophy of Karate involves emptying one’s mind in order to achieve clarity and vision.

A vision for Martial Arts…

Membership benefits

A membership with Sora Ryu gives you access to online resources to help with your training; you will mostly be training in calisthenics and stretching to begin with to improve strength and flexibility, you will learn basic moves (kihon) and more advanced sequences (kata) through daily practice. You will apply this practice in class.

Full member benefits include cardio and stretching routines for stamina and flexibility, calisthenics and gym workouts for strength and endurance, kata and kihon techniques to aid with muscle memory for sparring; each routine is progressive and from white belt to black belt promotes levels of growth and independent personal physical and mental development. Exercises are practiced individually according to your own routine, which will aid in your journey towards growth and achievement.

Training requirements

Karate is a very independent practice, involving stillness of mind and strength of body to achieve peak physical and mental stability; your training will be around 80% on your own time or at the gym and 20% at the training centre which you can book via your membership. To practice and apply your training, correct mistakes and improve.

In addition to training independently and using the website, resources and training guides, the next step is to enter the training centre and practice against opponents. Learn and adapt various techniques gained through practice, repetition and muscle memory. Gain knowledgeable experience and insight from qualified and experienced members of Sora Ryu, learn more effective and efficient techniques and tips to improve practice.

Grading and progression

Once you have learned and mastered the your current grade, you may book a grading centre to test your knowledge and advance to the next grade; there are five houses in Sora Ryu, each represented by a belt: Shiroi (white belt), Aka (red belt), Ao (blue belt), Chairo (brown belt) and Kuro (black belt). There are 7 Dans within the house of Kuro. You may move between the colour belts/houses freely (with your Sensei’s recommendation), but cannot book a black belt session unless you've passed the black belt grading (Shodan Gasshuku)

Progression and progressive overload are natural processes that are followed through with a sense of curiosity and desire to gain knowledge, grow and become a stronger version of yourself. Once you’ve reached heights you thought you never could, you’ll be capable of guiding others to do the same. A community is born and spread this way.

Our mission; your objectives

  • Training begins with your membership; access to videos and training plans in calisthenics, weightlifting and karate, to be practiced at home or at the gym in your own time; you can watch a livestream of the current lesson being taught and use those tips to improve

  • Book a training programme at your nearest training centre; starting with white belt and training with students of a similar level, then progressing through the ranks by grading to further belts

  • Once you have trained and are ready to be tested; book a grading centre and test to see if you qualify for the next belt; once you are a black belt you may train others to progress towards their black belt

The Journal

Philosophy of Karate

The philosophy of Karate is centred around self-improvement, respect, discipline and mental strength. Karate is in two parts; a lifestyle and a mindset.

History and Heritage

Karate started in Okinawa Japan, and is practiced by millions worldwide, learn about the founding masters of Karate.

Our Shop

We have a member’s shop for Kata Gi, gloves and equipment to collect from training centres; as well as an online clothing shop dedicated to martial arts apparel, for martial artists.

  • Sourced from Montreal Canada; our eco-friendly product line uses only the finest quality cotton or silk, to provide a unique, durable and comfortable fit

  • We have shipping and tracking options available on worldwide shipping; we ship to over 50 countries and use sustainable delivery options

  • The design of Sora Ryu apparel changes and adapts to the demands and desires of our members; we will continue to update our aesthetic to better represent our collective vision