shito ryu

I have recently been looking into joining Shotokan Karate and I have previous experience with Shito Ryu Karate. However, what are the differences between styles of Karate? Do they have different strikes, techiniques, grading systems?

Hi, I'm part of a worldwide karate organisation known as Kazoku Kai. Derek Ridgway is our cheif instructor and is 8th dan in Shorin Ryu. Am i right in thinking that this would make him one of the highest graded people in England? I am asking because little seems to be known about Kazoku Kai...