shito ryu

I want to return to training in September (after work commitments allow) and, while researching what my city offers, I discovered a Shito Ryu dojo while looking for information about the Kyokushin dojo I'm interested in. So, I have some questions that I hope Shito Ryu practitioners can answer...

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...