GOJU RYU KARATE DO

Goju-Ryu, Japanese for "hard-soft style", is one of Karate's leading traditional Okinawan styles, featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. Both principles, hard and soft, come from the famous martial arts book used by Okinawan masters during the 19th and 20th centuries, the Bubishi. Go, which means hard, refers to closed hand techniques or straight linear attacks; Ju, which means soft, refers to open hand techniques and circular movements. Goju-Ryu incorporates circular and linear motions into its curriculum, combining hard striking attacks such as kicks and close-hand punches with softer open-hand circular techniques for attacking, blocking, and controlling the opponent, including joint locks, and grappling, take-downs, and throws.

Primary emphasis is given to breathing correctly in all katas but particularly in the Sanchin kata, which is one of two core kata of this style. The second kata is called Tensho, meant to teach the student about the soft type of the system. Goju-Ryu practices body strengthening and conditioning methods, its basic approach to fighting (distance, stickiness, power generation, etc.), and partner drills. Morio Higaonna writes that "Karate begins and ends with kata. Kata is the essence and foundation of Karate and represents the accumulation of more than 1000 years of knowledge. Formed by numerous masters throughout the ages through dedicated training and research, the kata is like a map to guide us and, as such, should never be changed or tampered with.

Almost all kata have a corresponding bunkai Oyo, a prearranged two-person fighting drill. These drills help the student understand the kata's applications, establish proper rhythm/flow, practice constant attack/defence, and safely practice dangerous moves on a partner.