Learn About Goju-Ryu Karate - Kata, Techniques, etc.

Goju-Ryu is one of the major schools or sub-styles of Karate. The founder of the Goju-Ryu Karate was Miyagi Chojun Sensei.

Miyagi Chojun Sensei founded a Karate school in the 1920s. According to the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation, "As its exposure increased, many became interested in Miyagi Chojun Sensei’s art. One of Miyagi Chojun Sense’s senior disciples, Shinzato Sensei, gave a performance of kata at a Japanese martial arts tournament. Afterwards, a master asked the name of his school. Shinzato Sensei had no answer for him, returned to Okinawa and told Miyagi Chojun Sensei about his encounter. In order to promote his art as well as cooperate with other schools of Japanese martial arts, Miyagi Chojun Sensei decided it was necessary to name his art. It became known as “Goju Ryu” Karate, meaning “hard and soft” taken from the precepts of traditional Chinese Kempo. He was the first among different schools of karate to name his art and in 1933 his art of Goju Ryu was formally registered at the Butoku-kai, Japanese Martial Arts Association."

Main Elements of Goju-Ryu

• Goju-Ryu Katas - Katas such as Gekisai Dai Ichi, Gekisai Dai Ni, Saifa, Seiyunchin, etc.
• Goju-Ryu Stances
• Goju-Ryu Bunkai - Practical application of Goju-Ryu katas
• Okinawa Rattle
• Karate Kicks - Instructions for Karate kicks such as the Mae Geri and Mawashi Geri
• Karate Punches
• Karate Hand Strikes
• Karate Elbow Strikes
• Karate Blocks
• Karate Kihon - "Basics"
• Sparring (Kumite)
• Karate Terminology - Japanese Words, Terms & Commands for Karate
• Karate Stretches

Other Elements

• Hojo Undo - Traditional strength training exercises.
• How To Tie Your Belt In Karate

Main Goju-Ryu Katas

• Gekisai Dai Ichi
• Gekisai Dai Ni
• Saifa
• Seiyunchin
• Sepai
• Shisochin
• Sanseiru
• Kururunfa
• Seisan
• Suparinpei
• Sanchin
• Tensho

References

1. International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation, A Brief History of Goju-Ryu, http://www.iogkf.com/history-of-goju-ryu.html, Added - 7/15/13