For many people, karate refers to one style of martial arts. In their minds there is little distinction made between karate and Chinese martial arts such as Jujitsu, and Tae Kwon Do. Those who study karate will be quick to tell you that there are many significant differences. First, karate does not refer to one style of martial arts. Instead, it is a family of several different styles of martial arts. Second, although its tradition is rooted in the Chinese martial arts, Karate was developed in Okinawa, Japan.
One of the four styles of Okinawan karate is Goju-ryu. The name means “school of hard/soft (Goju = hard/soft, Ryu = school). The name refers to a technique that combines hard and soft techniques, depending on the target that is being struck.
Goju-ryu Karate was founded in the early 1900’s by Chojum Miyagi (1888 – 19530). Miyagi was a student of Chinese kung fu masters. He studies a style known as White Crane Kung fu. When Miyagi came to Okinawa, he used his kung fu training to develop the Goju-ryu style of karate. The knowledge was passed down from Chojum Miagi to Anichi Miyagi, and then to Morio Higonna. This direct line leads students of Goju-ryu to believe that it preserves the purity of the art. It has not become diluted like many of the older forms of martial arts.
Experts consider Goju-ryu to be a highly effective fighting system. Unlike other forms of martial arts that have become popular as sports. Goju-ryu is more of a practical system of self defense. Students learn a variety of hand and foot techniques that use a combination of circular and linear movements. Strengthening the body and mind is emphasized through the use of supplemental exercise.
A key component of Goju-ryu karate is the use of a combination of hard and soft strikes and blocks. It is characterized by the use of sof blocking techniques and hard striking techniques to deflect oncoming attacks, rather than attempting to meet the attack head on. It also uses soft techniques against hard targets (such as palm of the hand against a hard target like a head), and hard strikes against soft targets (such as a hard kick to a soft groin).
A great deal of the philosophy of Goju-ryu karate has many similarities to other forms of martial arts. Courtesy and respect are at the core of Goju. It is only to be used in serving justice. It is a means of self defense, and should never be used to initiate an attack.
Students are encouraged to constantly practice to improve themselves both mentally and physically. It is a practice of keeping the mind calm, and being totally aware of their opponent; noticing and anticipating every move their opponent makes. It also stresses the importance of the unity of the mind and the will. Merely knowing what to do is never enough. Without the will to act on that knowledge, the knowledge is useless.
The final component of Gojuryu karate’s philosophy is that force should be used as a last resort. Any means to avoid a conflict should be used before resorting to force. It is a philosophy that stresses that the very best defense is to avoid situations where force is necessary.
Goju-ryu karate has a rich tradition, and provides the student the opportunity to improve themselves not only physically, but also mentally.
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Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:43:31 - 100%
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