Style of Martial Arts Training
The martial
arts training that is taught is called Goju-Ryu. This art form comes from Japan and is commonly referred to as Karate. The
second form that is studied is called Combat Jujutsu, which also comes from Japan. These two forms of training are at the
opposite ends of the pole as far as philosophy goes. The Goju-Ryu is considered a hard style and linear containing strikes
and punches. Conversely the Jujutsu is a softer style with a more yielding philosophy.
The new student will start to learn the Karate aspect first and later will learn the yielding style as the student’s
skills permit.
Goju-Ryu
Goju-ryu is an Okinawan based style that was created from
the mind of Chojun Miyagi in the late 1920’s. Chojun is the creator of karate as we know it today. Though different
today, karate’s main focus was on kata then, whereas now it has taken a more eclectic approach.
During the 14th century Chinese Kenpo was introduced and became known as to-te (Chinese hand). During the 17th century the Japanese invaded Okinawa and
outlawed the use of weapons and martial arts. During this time this system split into three different and distinctive martial
arts. These systems were :
1. Shuri-te Hard
techniques (Go) influenced by Kenpo, seen
more as offensive style.
2. Naha–te Softer
techniques (Ju) of Kenpo and is reguarded as the defensive style, with grappling ,throws, and locks.
3. Tomari-te The Hard and soft techniques of Kenpo
Many karate systems have developed from these original systems.
Naha-te has become Goju-Ryu and Tomari and Shuri-te becams Shorin-Ryu and again
has split into a few different styles. Kyokushin karate for example, is
a combination of Goju-Ryu and Shotokan karate. Many other systems has evolved from these systems.
