Shorin-Ryu karate is a traditional Okinawan martial art.  

Traditional Okinawan Shorin Ryu karate is taught for its simplicity and effectiveness. Karate is taught for self-defense and self-development. 
The differences of karate from Okinawa and Japan to the un-trained eye maybe minimal, however, to the trained eye, the differences are great.  One has to experience them to truly understand the differences, but from my limited experience, they were enough to make me switch. Of course one has to consider the sensei whom is providing the lessons.  First and foremost, the sensei is passing the lessons they have learned to future generations, so regardless of the style, pay attention to what and how the lessons are being taught. 

I am a student of Kyoshi Sam Ahtye 7th Dan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Okinawan karate and Kobudo Dojo of San Francisco California.
www.kumemura.com

Wu Tai Chi Chuan / Chi Kung / Chi Sao / and Meditation are taught to his students to balance out the external styles.  The Wu style is known as the small circle and or the fighting style of the Tai Chi styles. Sensei Oryall chose this style because he believes the Wu style has more in common with his Okinawan karate.  He is positive Tai Chi will strengthen his students martial art training. The breathing and meditative aspects of Tai Chi and Chi Kung will create balance and harmony in a student.

 Most of the Okinawan weapons are from the Taira style of Kobudo, and the Chinese weapons are from the Boc Pai, or a Northern Kung fu Style. Sensei Oryall teaches the weapons to his advanced students for both historical reasons and advanced martial art skill training. Like the empty hand kata's(choreographed moves), they have not been altered in any way. Many weapon katas these days have been modified for show rather then passing them down in their original form.