Gōjū-ryū Karate • 剛柔流空手道

Gōjū-ryū stands out as one of the primary traditions of Okinawan Karatedō, renowned for its balanced approach to training. It harmoniously integrates hard/external and soft/internal aspects, emphasizing proper breathing and intricate body dynamics to cultivate speed, power, and technical proficiency. Rooted in a short-range, close-quarters "empty-handed" martial tradition, it encompasses a diverse range of techniques, including striking, grappling, joint locking, throwing, and to a lesser extent, groundwork.

The origins of Gōjū-ryū trace back centuries, but its formal codification and naming were established by Miyagi Chōjun in the early 1900s. Inspired by a classical Chinese poem, the name Gōjū-ryū translates as "Strong and Gentle Tradition,” encapsulating its emphasis on strength and gentleness. It holds the distinction of being the first karate style recognized as Budō, a martial art, by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai of Japan, and the sole karate style acknowledged as koryū bujutsu, an ancient martial art by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture.

The practice of Gōjū-ryū revolves around unique training methodologies and the meticulous study of classical Chinese-influenced forms of combat known as kata. These kata are categorized into various types. The foundation of Gōjū-ryū lies in its kihon kata Sanchin, commonly referred to as the "fundamental" kata

The kaishū kata, meaning "open-handed," embody the tactical movements employed in practical self-protection and represent the diverse strategies within Gōjū-ryū. These can be further classified as kōryū kata, signifying “classical/ancient forms," and gendai kata, meaning "modern forms." Additionally, there are fukyū kata, which are promotional forms.

The heishū kata, meaning "closed-handed," accentuate the softer elements of Gōjū-ryū. These kata prioritize fluidity, circular movements, and relaxation, enabling practitioners to redirect and control an opponent's force.

Overall, Gōjū-ryū Karatedō is a comprehensive art that seamlessly blends strength and gentleness, employing a diverse array of techniques and training methods to foster well-rounded martial artists with physical and mental discipline. This culminates in practitioners who possess internal strength and outward gentleness, enabling them to contribute positively to society.

Kihon Kata • 基本形

Sanchin dai Ichi • 三戦一
Sanchin dai Ni • 三戦二

Kaishū Kata • 開集形

Gendai Kata • 現代形

Fukyūgata dai Ichi • 普及形一
Fukyūgata dai Ni • 普及形二
Fukyūgata dai San • 普及形三

Gekisai dai Ichi • 撃砕一
Gekisai dai Ni • 撃砕二

Koryū kata • 古流形

Saifa • 砕破
Seiunchin • 制引戦
Shisōchin • 四向戦)
Sanseirū • 三十六手
Seipai • 十八手
Kururunfa • 久留頓破
Seisan • 十三手
Sūpārinpei/Peichurin • 壱百零八手

Heishū Kata • 閉集形

Tenshō • 転手

"It should be known that the secret principles of Gōjū-ryū exist in the kata.”

- Miyagi Chōjun (1888-1953)