📍73 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton, UK

📧 info(@)academyforkarate.org.uk

GOJU RYU

📍73 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton, UK 

✆ 07980 068 165 

📧 info(@)academyforkarate.org.uk

GOJU RYU

ABOUT

GOJU RYU

ABOUT

GOJU RYU

Definition and characteristics of Goju-Ryu

Goju-Ryu is a traditional Okinawan style of karate with an extensive history. The translation of the word Goju-Ryu actually means “hard-soft style,” which refers to the closed hand techniques (hard) and open hand techniques and circular movements (soft) that comprise this martial art, which is based in Chinese principles. Goju-Ryu combines hard striking attacks such as kicks and punches with softer circular techniques for blocking and controlling the opponent, including locks, grappling, takedowns and throws. Major emphasis is given to correct breathing, body strengthening and conditioning.

The History of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do

Chinese Kempo was first introduced to Okinawa during the 14th century. At the time in Okinawa, ‘Te’ was practiced as a native fighting art. Kempo eventually combined, at least to an extent, with the native martial arts there to form Okinawa-Te globally, or Tomari-Te, Shuri-Te, or Naha-Te depending on the city of origin. It should be noted that in 1609 Japan invaded Okinawa, and during this time Okinawans were banned from carrying weapons or practicing martial arts.

Therefore, for a long time martial arts were practiced underground there.

In 1873 a martial arts master by the name of Kanryo Higashionna or Higaonna Kanryo for short (1853-1916) travelled to Fuzhou in the Fujian Province of China. There he studied under various teachers from China, including a man by the name of Ryu Ryu Ko (also sometimes called Liu Liu Ko or Ru Ko). Ryu Ryu Ko was a great master of the art of Whooping Crane Kung Fu.

Eventually, Higashionna returned to Okinawa in 1882. When he came back he began teaching a new martial arts style, one that comprised both his knowledge of the Okinawan styles with the martial arts he learned in China.

Higashionna’s best student was Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953). Miyagi began studying under Higashionna at the tender age of 14. When Higashionna died, many of his students continued to train with Miyagi. Miyagi also travelled to China to study martial arts, just as his predecessor did, bringing his knowledge back to Japan where he began to refine the martial arts he and his students practiced.

In 1930 at the All Japan Martial Arts Demonstration in Tokyo, a demonstrator asked Miyagi’s number one student, Jin’an Shinzato, what school or kind of martial arts he practiced. When Shinzato returned home and told Miyagi of this, Miyagi decided to call his style Goju-Ryu.

Definition and characteristics of Goju-Ryu

Goju-Ryu is a traditional Okinawan style of karate with an extensive history. The translation of the word Goju-Ryu actually means “hard-soft style,” which refers to the closed hand techniques (hard) and open hand techniques and circular movements (soft) that comprise this martial art, which is based in Chinese principles. Goju-Ryu combines hard striking attacks such as kicks and punches with softer circular techniques for blocking and controlling the opponent, including locks, grappling, takedowns and throws. Major emphasis is given to correct breathing, body strengthening and conditioning.

The History of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do

Chinese Kempo was first introduced to Okinawa during the 14th century. At the time in Okinawa, ‘Te’ was practiced as a native fighting art. Kempo eventually combined, at least to an extent, with the native martial arts there to form Okinawa-Te globally, or Tomari-Te, Shuri-Te, or Naha-Te depending on the city of origin. It should be noted that in 1609 Japan invaded Okinawa, and during this time Okinawans were banned from carrying weapons or practicing martial arts.

Therefore, for a long time martial arts were practiced underground there.

In 1873 a martial arts master by the name of Kanryo Higashionna or Higaonna Kanryo for short (1853-1916) travelled to Fuzhou in the Fujian Province of China. There he studied under various teachers from China, including a man by the name of Ryu Ryu Ko (also sometimes called Liu Liu Ko or Ru Ko). Ryu Ryu Ko was a great master of the art of Whooping Crane Kung Fu.

Eventually, Higashionna returned to Okinawa in 1882. When he came back he began teaching a new martial arts style, one that comprised both his knowledge of the Okinawan styles with the martial arts he learned in China.

Higashionna’s best student was Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953). Miyagi began studying under Higashionna at the tender age of 14. When Higashionna died, many of his students continued to train with Miyagi. Miyagi also travelled to China to study martial arts, just as his predecessor did, bringing his knowledge back to Japan where he began to refine the martial arts he and his students practiced.

In 1930 at the All Japan Martial Arts Demonstration in Tokyo, a demonstrator asked Miyagi’s number one student, Jin’an Shinzato, what school or kind of martial arts he practiced. When Shinzato returned home and told Miyagi of this, Miyagi decided to call his style Goju-Ryu.

Characteristics of Goju-Ryu Karate

Many Goju-Ryu practitioners feel as if they are martial arts technicians, in that they utilize angles to deflect strikes rather than trying to meet strength with strength. In addition, Goju-Ryu tends to emphasize meeting opponents with the opposite of what they are utilizing. For example, striking the head (a hard part of the body) with the open hand (a soft part of the body) or striking the groin (soft) with a groin kick (hard). Beyond this, Goju-Ryu karate is known for teaching breathing techniques to a great extent. It also utilizes some takedowns, throws, and weapons.

Characteristics of Goju-Ryu Karate

Many Goju-Ryu practitioners feel as if they are martial arts technicians, in that they utilize angles to deflect strikes rather than trying to meet strength with strength. In addition, Goju-Ryu tends to emphasize meeting opponents with the opposite of what they are utilizing. For example, striking the head (a hard part of the body) with the open hand (a soft part of the body) or striking the groin (soft) with a groin kick (hard). Beyond this, Goju-Ryu karate is known for teaching breathing techniques to a great extent. It also utilizes some takedowns, throws, and weapons.

Goju-Ryu Lineages

Goju-Ryu Lineages

Ryū Ryū Ko Ryū Ryū Ko Kanryō Higashionna Kanryō Higashionna Chōjun Miyagi Chōjun Miyagi Sekō Higa Sekō Higa Seikichi Toguchi Seikichi Toguchi Masanobu Shinjo Masanobu Shinjo Jitsuei Yogi Jitsuei Yogi Gōgen Yamaguchi Gōgen Yamaguchi Meitoku Yagi Meitoku Yagi Ei'ichi Miyazato Ei'ichi Miyazato An'ichi Miyagi An'ichi Miyagi Morio Higaonna Morio Higaonna Seiko Kina Seiko Kina Koshin Iha Koshin Iha Kosei Wakugawa Kosei Wakugawa

Ryū Ryū Ko Ryū Ryū Ko Kanryō Higashionna Kanryō Higashionna Chōjun Miyagi Chōjun Miyagi Sekō Higa Sekō Higa Seikichi Toguchi Seikichi Toguchi Masanobu Shinjo Masanobu Shinjo Jitsuei Yogi Jitsuei Yogi Gōgen Yamaguchi Gōgen Yamaguchi Meitoku Yagi Meitoku Yagi Ei'ichi Miyazato Ei'ichi Miyazato An'ichi Miyagi An'ichi Miyagi Morio Higaonna Morio Higaonna Seiko Kina Seiko Kina Koshin Iha Koshin Iha Kosei Wakugawa Kosei Wakugawa

GOJU RYU KATAS

GOJU RYU KATAS

Katas are a sequence of pre-defined movements that include the attack and defence against one or more imaginary attackers. They are practised alone to perfect the movements and to learn how to move more efficiently. Many katas contain karate techniques that are not obvious to an onlooker (and sometimes not even to the student performing the kata). The practical application of the katas is called Bunkai. Katas and their applications are an integral part of the grading system. There are twelve katas in the Goju-Ryu Kata List and they are divided into two main groups: Kaishugata and Heishugata. The Kaishugata comprise Gekisai-Dai-Ichi, Gekisai-Dai-Ni, Saifa, Seiunchin, Shisochin, Sanseru, Sepai, Sesan, Kururunfa and Suparinpei. The Heishugata comprise Sanchin and Tensho.

Katas are a sequence of pre-defined movements that include the attack and defence against one or more imaginary attackers. They are practised alone to perfect the movements and to learn how to move more efficiently. Many katas contain karate techniques that are not obvious to an onlooker (and sometimes not even to the student performing the kata). The practical application of the katas is called Bunkai. Katas and their applications are an integral part of the grading system. There are twelve katas in the Goju-Ryu Kata List and they are divided into two main groups: Kaishugata and Heishugata. The Kaishugata comprise Gekisai-Dai-Ichi, Gekisai-Dai-Ni, Saifa, Seiunchin, Shisochin, Sanseru, Sepai, Sesan, Kururunfa and Suparinpei. The Heishugata comprise Sanchin and Tensho.

Kaishugata Group

GEKISAI-DAI-ICHI & GEKISAI-DAI-NI

Gekisai means “to destroy or demolish”. These katas were created by Chojun Miyagi and are designed for beginners. They contain exaggerated movements and are relatively easy to learn.

Kaishugata Group

GEKISAI-DAI-ICHI & GEKISAI-DAI-NI

Gekisai means “to destroy or demolish”. These katas were created by Chojun Miyagi and are designed for beginners. They contain exaggerated movements and are relatively easy to learn.

SAIFA

Saifa means, “tearing” and is of Naha-te origin. It is also known as “Circle/Circular” kata

SEIYUNCHIN

Seiyunchin is said to “mean marching far quietly” or “pulling” and is also known as the “Earth” or “Dragon” kata. It is of Chinese origin.

SHISOCHIN

Shisochin means, “fighting four” and refers to fighting in four directions and is of Chinese origin having been taught to Kanryo Higoanna by Ryu Ryu Ku.

SANSERU

Sanseru when written in Chinese characters is the number 36. It also focuses on fighting in all four directions.

SAIFA

Saifa means, “tearing” and is of Naha-te origin. It is also known as “Circle/Circular” kata

SEIYUNCHIN

Seiyunchin is said to “mean marching far quietly” or “pulling” and is also known as the “Earth” or “Dragon” kata. It is of Chinese origin.

SHISOCHIN

Shisochin means, “fighting four” and refers to fighting in four directions and is of Chinese origin having been taught to Kanryo Higoanna by Ryu Ryu Ku.

SANSERU

Sanseru when written in Chinese characters is the number 36. It also focuses on fighting in all four directions.

SEPAI

Sepai is the number 18. It is of Chinese origin.

KURURUNFA

Kururunfa means seventeen or holding your ground featuring shifting the body (evasive manoeuvers). It is also of Chinese origin.

SEISAN

Seisan means “thirteen hands”. It contains eight defensive and five offensive moves.

SUPERINPEI

Suparinpei is the number 108 and is said to refer to a warrior group of 108 men who, in the 1600’s travelled the countryside righting wrongs – Robin Hood style.

SEPAI

Sepai is the number 18. It is of Chinese origin.

KURURUNFA

Kururunfa means seventeen or holding your ground featuring shifting the body (evasive manoeuvers). It is also of Chinese origin.

SEISAN

Seisan means “thirteen hands”. It contains eight defensive and five offensive moves.

SUPERINPEI

Suparinpei is the number 108 and is said to refer to a warrior group of 108 men who, in the 1600’s travelled the countryside righting wrongs – Robin Hood style.

Heishugata Group

SANCHIN

Sanchin means “three battles” the three being the body, the mind and the spirit. Kanryo Higoanna brought it back from China.

TENSHO

Tensho means “flowing or changing hand”. Tensho is also known as “Heavenly Palm”. Chojun Miyagi has created it. It is a combination of dynamic tension and deep breathing with soft flowing hand movements.

Heishugata Group

SANCHIN

Sanchin means “three battles” the three being the body, the mind and the spirit. Kanryo Higoanna brought it back from China.

TENSHO

Tensho means “flowing or changing hand”. Tensho is also known as “Heavenly Palm”. Chojun Miyagi has created it. It is a combination of dynamic tension and deep breathing with soft flowing hand movements.

TERMINOLOGY


GENERAL TERMS

FORMALITIES

Karate empty hand Onegai-shimasu please teach me
Dojo training room Arigato-Gozaimashita thank you very much
Gi uniform Rei bow
Obi belt Seiza kneel down
Sensei instructor Mokuso meditation
Sempai senior student Shugo line up
Hajime begin Kiyotsuke attention
Yame stop Sensei-Ni face the teacher
Yoi ready Shomen-Ni face the front
Jodan upper area Otagi Ni face partner
Chudan middle area Kiritsu stand up
Gedan lower area

COUNTING

Migi right Ichi one
Hidari left Ni two
Shomen front San three
Ushiro back Shi four
Yoko side Go five
Mawashi roundhouse Roku six
Ashi o kaete change stance Shichi seven
Te o kaete change hands Hachi eight
Mawatte turn around Ku nine
Ki-ai shout (as you strike) Ju ten

STANCES

FOOT TECHNIQUES

Dachi (Tachi) stance Geri (-Keri) kick
Heisoku-Dachi feet together Mae-Geri front kick
Musubi-Dachi heels together Mawashi-Geri roundhouse kick
Heiko-Dachi parallel stance Yoko-Geri side kick
Hachiji-Dachi natural stance Ushiro-Geri back kick
Shiko-Dachi straddle leg stance Kansetsu-Geri joint kick
Sanchin-Dachi hourglass stance Tobi-Geri jumping kick
Zenkutsu-Dachi front stance Hiza-Geri knee kick
Han Zenkutsu-Dachi half front stance Ashi-Barai foot sweep
Neko Ashi-Dachi cat stance Kakato-Otoshi heel drop
Sagi Ashi-Dachi crane stance Fumikomi stamp

BLOCKING TECHNIQUES

HAND TECHNIQUES

Uke block Tsuki (Zuki) punch
Age Uke rising block Choku-Zuki straight punch
Chudan Uke middle area block Oi-Zuki lunge punch
Gedan Barai lower area block Gyaku-zuki reverse punch
Yoko Uke side block Ura-Zuki short punch
Uchi Uke inside forearm block Furi-Zuki circular swing punch
Mawashi Uke round-house block Nukite-Zuki finger thrust
Shotei Uke palm-heel block Shotei-Zuki palm-heel thrust
Ko Uke wrist block Uraken-Uchi back-fist strike
Kake Uke hook block Shuto-Uchi knife hand strike
Hiki Uke grasping block Tettsui-Uchi bottom fist strike
Sukui Uke scoop block Haito-Uchi ridge-hand strike

PARTS OF THE FOOT

PRACTISE FIGHTING

Josokutei ball of foot Kumite sparring
Sokuto foot edge San Dan Gi basic three-step / three level sparring
Kakato heel Sanbon Kumite three-step sparring
Haisoku instep Ippon Kumite one-step sparring (block and counter)
Ashiyubi toes Jiyu Ippon Kumite free one-step sparring

OTHER TERMS

Randori Kumite light free style sparring (emphasis on technique)
Junbi Undo warm-up preliminary exercises Jiyu Kumite hard and fast controlled free fighting
Hojo Undo supplementary training (eg.makiwara or chishi) Yakusoku Kumite prearranged sparring
Bunkai techniques and application of a kata    
Kime focus    
Kihon basics    
Shime testing of Sanchin kata    

 

TERMINOLOGY


GENERAL TERMS

FORMALITIES

Karate empty hand Onegai-shimasu please teach me
Dojo training room Arigato-Gozaimashita thank you very much
Gi uniform Rei bow
Obi belt Seiza kneel down
Sensei instructor Mokuso meditation
Sempai senior student Shugo line up
Hajime begin Kiyotsuke attention
Yame stop Sensei-Ni face the teacher
Yoi ready Shomen-Ni face the front
Jodan upper area Otagi Ni face partner
Chudan middle area Kiritsu stand up
Gedan lower area

COUNTING

Migi right Ichi one
Hidari left Ni two
Shomen front San three
Ushiro back Shi four
Yoko side Go five
Mawashi roundhouse Roku six
Ashi o kaete change stance Shichi seven
Te o kaete change hands Hachi eight
Mawatte turn around Ku nine
Ki-ai shout (as you strike) Ju ten

STANCES

FOOT TECHNIQUES

Dachi (Tachi) stance Geri (-Keri) kick
Heisoku-Dachi feet together Mae-Geri front kick
Musubi-Dachi heels together Mawashi-Geri roundhouse kick
Heiko-Dachi parallel stance Yoko-Geri side kick
Hachiji-Dachi natural stance Ushiro-Geri back kick
Shiko-Dachi straddle leg stance Kansetsu-Geri joint kick
Sanchin-Dachi hourglass stance Tobi-Geri jumping kick
Zenkutsu-Dachi front stance Hiza-Geri knee kick
Han Zenkutsu-Dachi half front stance Ashi-Barai foot sweep
Neko Ashi-Dachi cat stance Kakato-Otoshi heel drop
Sagi Ashi-Dachi crane stance Fumikomi stamp

BLOCKING TECHNIQUES

HAND TECHNIQUES

Uke block Tsuki (Zuki) punch
Age Uke rising block Choku-Zuki straight punch
Chudan Uke middle area block Oi-Zuki lunge punch
Gedan Barai lower area block Gyaku-zuki reverse punch
Yoko Uke side block Ura-Zuki short punch
Uchi Uke inside forearm block Furi-Zuki circular swing punch
Mawashi Uke round-house block Nukite-Zuki finger thrust
Shotei Uke palm-heel block Shotei-Zuki palm-heel thrust
Ko Uke wrist block Uraken-Uchi back-fist strike
Kake Uke hook block Shuto-Uchi knife hand strike
Hiki Uke grasping block Tettsui-Uchi bottom fist strike
Sukui Uke scoop block Haito-Uchi ridge-hand strike

PARTS OF THE FOOT

PRACTISE FIGHTING

Josokutei ball of foot Kumite sparring
Sokuto foot edge San Dan Gi basic three-step / three level sparring
Kakato heel Sanbon Kumite three-step sparring
Haisoku instep Ippon Kumite one-step sparring (block and counter)
Ashiyubi toes Jiyu Ippon Kumite free one-step sparring

OTHER TERMS

Randori Kumite light free style sparring (emphasis on technique)
Junbi Undo warm-up preliminary exercises Jiyu Kumite hard and fast controlled free fighting
Hojo Undo supplementary training (eg.makiwara or chishi) Yakusoku Kumite prearranged sparring
Bunkai techniques and application of a kata    
Kime focus    
Kihon basics    
Shime testing of Sanchin kata    

 

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About Us

Academy for Karate Goju-Ryu (AKG) is a voluntary organisation that was established to uphold excellent quality Martial Arts skills to it’s members.
AKG advocate important values such as courtesy, patience, respect, self-control and integrity and is committed to instil the life skills and character building of a true martial artist. These principles and standards will lead to remarkable improvements in each individual academics, careers and relationships – contributing towards a better community.

Copyright © 2009 – 2023 Academy For Karate – GOJU RYU | All Rights Reserved.

AKG

About Us

Academy for Karate Goju-Ryu (AKG) is a voluntary organisation that was established to uphold excellent quality Martial Arts skills to it’s members.
AKG advocate important values such as courtesy, patience, respect, self-control and integrity and is committed to instil the life skills and character building of a true martial artist. These principles and standards will lead to remarkable improvements in each individual academics, careers and relationships – contributing towards a better community.

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Newsletter

Subscribe to AKG newsletter system and get the latest news and updates. ( NO SPAM)

Follow AKG on Social Media

Copyright © 2009 – 2023
Academy For Karate – GOJU RYU 
All Rights Reserved.