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Goju Ryu Karate, The “Hard-Soft” Style

April 18, 2008

What You Will Learn in Goju Ryu

You will learn a traditional Karate that involves how to defend yourself, this will come through practice of basic and advanced movements. Deep breathing is a very big part of the Goju Style, this helps to strengthen us mentally and physically.

Kata is also taught, this is a pre-arranged set of moves that puts into practice what you learn, there is also what we call “Bunkai” and this is the actual application of each of the moves for each Kata, “Bunkai” can also be open to interpretation as long as the technique works.

You will also learn leadership skills, relaxation (through Ibuku), discipline, increased concentration, increased coordination, self confidence.

Your First Day at The School – What to Expect

Your first lesson will be in the beginner’s class, this is how all students start training, you should wear loose comfortable clothing remembering that you will get very warm. The class will begin with a bowing in ceremony paying respect to the Head of style in Japan, the class instructor and finally everybody in the class.

Beginners stand at the rear of the class and the more advanced students towards the front, this allows beginners to easily see how to perform their moves. Then we do a warm up and stretching session for about 15 minutes, this is to ready our bodies for strenuous activities and help avoid injuries.

We then start what is called the basics, at this stage you will have a Sempei (Assistant instructor) help explain some Japanese terminology and you will learn stances, basic block, punches and kicks that the Sempei will also help you with.

Required Equipment

At our school you would be required to have a Gi (Karate suit) before your first grading, after your first grading you will need for class Kumite (Sparring) a mouth guard, approved gloves (optional=fore arm protectors, shin guards, groin guard). This is fairly standard among most Goju karate dojo you’ll find.

Some Interesting Goju Ryu Facts and Dates

  • The first forebear of the system, Kanryo Higaonna, was born in 1853.
  • 1869 became Uchi Deshi of Grand master Ryu Ryu ko.
  • 1881 began privately teaching his style of Naha-te.
  • 1902 Began instructing 14 year old Chojun Miyagi.
  • 1905 He opened his first public class at the Naha commercial high school.
  • Passed away December 1915 aged 63.
  • Chojun Myagi, Born April 25, 1888. in Naha
  • 1930 Created the name Goju-Ryu (meaning “Hard & Soft School”).
  • 1931 Introduced to Gogen Yamaguchi.
  • 1933 After many hard years of teaching at places such as Kyoto University, Ritsumei Kan University & Kansia University, Karate was finally registered at the Butokukai (centre for all Martial arts in Japan) & as such meant that Karate was now recognised with other great martial arts like Kempo & Judo.
  • Passed away on October 8, 1953
  • Gogen Yamaguchi, born at Kagoshima on the 20th of January 1909.
  • In his early school days he studied the art of Kendo & at the age 12 he started his life long study of Goju Kai Karate as he studied with Sensei Takeo Maruta at the Maruta Dojo in Miyazai Kyushu.
  • 1929, at the Shinsengumi post in Mibu, Kyoto he founded the first Goju Karate-do school
  • He studied law at the Kensei in 1928 & ritsumeikan University from 1929 to 1937 where he received his law degrees, While studying at the university he started the University Karate club & created the free sparring form, the club quickly developed a reputation for hard training & fierce breathing techniques (ibuku).
  • 1945 Established Zen Nippon (all Japan) Karate-Do (GOJU STYLE KARATE) and founded branches and exercise halls all over the country.
  • 1950, he founded the national organisation of All Japan Karate-do (GOJU STYLE KARATE) in Japan.
  • 1951, he received his 10th degree Blackbelt from Chojun Miyagi.
  • 1964, As a result of his hard work over the years at unifying all styles of Karate, the All Japan Karate Federation was formed.
  • 1969, he was awarded the Blue ribbon medal by Emperor Hirohito.
  • May 20 1989 Passed away leaving a great legacy

(Note: some sources conflict over dates and locations of events. All care is taken.)

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About the author: Marty Bodsworth started training in Goju Kai Karate Do in 1982 in Doonside (Australia) during that time he has competed at National level winning two heavyweight titles (GJK JKF 1998) and (WOMAA 2002) as well as running and officiating at club, state, National and international events. He holds a Blackbelt with Australian Goju Kai (Sydney), a Ni Dan with Mario Borg Goju Ryu and a Ni Dan with Goju Ryu Karate Do Seiwakai. He currently teaches Goju Ryu Karate classes in Glendenning and Quakers Hill Australia.

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Comments

One Response to “Goju Ryu Karate, The “Hard-Soft” Style”

  1. Bhavna on June 11th, 2008 10:19 am

    Hi i would like to buy DVD for this Gojuryu style karate, please whee can i get this from, i have to send to my family in india, this coming saturday. Please advise which shops can i look into.

    Thanks

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