Philosophy
Kokyu Ho (Breathing Techniques)
Hojo Undo and Kigu Undo(Supplemental Conditioning)
Kata (Forms)
Kakie
Bunkai Oyo (Analysis and Application)
Randori and Kumite (Sparring)
Rekkishi and Dento (History and Tradition)
Philosophy
The philosophy of Goju Ryu has many levels. Certainly there is a philosophy of self-defense which by definition is the thoughts of human survival. There are also thoughts regarding human endeavors and our relationships to others and nature. The practice of karate-do means to follow the way of the empty hand. The "way" connotes a lifestyle physically, mentally and spiritually. Acquiring a "philosophy" is largely an individual undertaking.
The dojo kun was originated by Miyagi Chojun Sensei. They are the precepts of our style of karate not only for the physical aspects but also for one's lifestyle. Rather than explaining each one, the student should contemplate the dojo kun as it applies to his or her life. Each "kun" is stated aloud at the end of the class and begun with the word "Hitotsu" which means "one" or "first". This implies that each kun is separate and not in order of importance. Each Dojo Kun is the most important.
Be Humble and Polite
Train Considering Your Physical Strength
Practice Earnestly with Creativity
Be Calm and Swift
Take Care of Your Health
Live a Plain Life
Do Not Be Too Proud or Modest
Continue Your Training with Patience
Kokyu-Ho
Internal breathing methods are crucial, not only to karate, but to healthy living. Breathing is perhaps the most important element in Goju Ryu Karate. It is only through correct, powerful breathing that one can harness proper focus and energy within oneself to fight, to heal, to endure in the face of adversity. Furthermore, women are taught to breath this way during the birthing process. It is essentially diaphragmatic breathing in which the lungs are completely filled on inhalation through the nose and emptied at exhalation through the mouth. It is only through this type of focused breathing, coupled with training, that one can cultivate the energy inside the body. Our breathing kata are Sanchin and Tensho.
Hoju Undo - Kigu Undo
Hojo Undo are supplemental exercises and traditional body conditioning movements. They consist of stretches, movements to aid in your karate techniques and strengthening drills.
Kigu Undo is a facet of Hojo Undo making use of traditional Okinawan training implements. These tangible implements include things such as: Chi-Ishi (stone lever weight), Nigiri-Game, (gripping jars), Makiwara (striking post), Ishi-Sashi (stone padlocks), Tan (barbell), and Kongo-Ken (oval metal weight).
Kata
Kata are patterns of movements which contain a series of logical and practical defensive and offensive techniques. In each kata there are a certain set of predetermined movements which the student can practice alone without a partner. These kata have been created by our predecessors after years of research, training, and actual combat. In this way, each kata has been improved and refined. They have evolved into the kata we practice today.
The true meaning and spirit of karate is embedded in the kata and only in the practice of the kata can we come to understand them. For this reason, if we change or simplify the kata either to accommodate the beginner or for tournament purposes, then we will have lost the true meaning and spirit of karate.
Karate Ni Sente Nashi. 'In karate there is no first attack [initiation]'. Every kata begins with a defensive movement, which exemplifies this spirit. Not only is there no first initiation of offense, but the best defense is, and always will be, to avoid the fight altogether. That is why it is said that karate is the art of the wise person. To practice kata correctly, every movement must be repeated over and over again. Only through constant repetition can the techniques become a reflexive action, ‘written on the muscles’, and available for recall without conscious thought. Fortunately, an important aspect of kata is that it can be practiced alone, anywhere, and anytime. When kata is performed by a well-trained individual, its dynamic power and beauty becomes almost aesthetic in quality.
Bunkai Oyo
This is the heart and soul of kata. It is the analysis and application of the kata and thus karate itself. To make an analogy, think of the US Constitution and how at the surface it spells out the laws of our land. But when you apply and analyze it, the Constitution provides for interpretation and application to our lives today after over 200 years since its inception. So it is with bunkai and oyo. Kata is the "tip of the iceberg". Bunkai and Oyo are the vast body (under the water), that which is unseen on the surface, but supports the visible. The founders of karate offered us the blueprint in the kata and we are constantly analyzing (bunkai) and applying it (oyo).
Kakie
This exercise develops the "touch and feel" aspect of our senses. Students are encouraged not to rely on their vision as the primary sense but rather to focus on their tactile impressions and feelings. In a sense it is an exercise in "mind reading", because one tries to interpret the intentions of another by simply feeling the potential motion of the partner and anticipating their next movement. This type of "sticky hands" training is necessary for self-defense.
Randori and Kumite
In the animal world, many species instinctively practice fight when they are young. Lion cubs vigorously attack their mother's tail or roll on the ground locked with each other in mock battle. Rarely do these sometimes humorous displays result in injury. They do, however, develop the cub's strength, reflexes and fighting spirit as they prepare for the rigors of survival in the adult world.
In karate, we use potentially deadly techniques for self defense. Full speed kumite can approximate real world self defense conditions, but can also result in injury to students who have not yet mastered the fighting techniques they are using. To minimize these injuries and to encourage experimentation in a "fighting" situation, Goju-Ryu randori was developed.
What is Randori?
In randori, two or more students perform a variety of controlled offensive and defensive in endless combinations. Normal randori is done at about 70% to 80% of full speed. However, it can also be done at slower speed to warm-up, medium speed to perfect combinations, and full speed to develop reactions and conditioning. Kicks, punches and blocks should be fully executed to avoid "lazy" techniques and bad habits.
Etiquette during Randori
”Iron sharpens iron” - The object of randori is to improve both partner's karate techniques through cooperative practice. The object is never to ‘score’ on or ‘beat’ your partner. Advanced students should never perform rough or uncontrolled techniques on less advanced students since this will tend to discourage the kohai (junioir student) and inhibit their learning.
Constant grabbing of your partner's arms and legs should be avoided (except when practicing a take-down) since this is too easy at normal randori speed and it slows the free flow of randori. When take-downs are executed, the student performing the take-down must protect his/her partner by making sure they land on the floor in a controlled manner.
Egotism in Randori
The practitioner must assure that their ego in check during randori. No escalation of contact due to anger, "one-ups-manship", obvious attempts to "score", or advanced or stronger students taking advantage of less advanced or weaker students should occur. We strongly discourage these types of activities, and encourage selfless cooperation. Understanding randori, employing proper etiquette and keeping one's ego in check allows practitioners to obtain the goals of randori: true learning and free expression of karate techniques.
Rekkishi and Dento - History and Tradition
Dento is an important part of Goju Ryu training. The teachings of history and tradition are necessary in order to maintain a link to our roots. Just as we try to learn about our family history to better understand our roots, so should the Karateka strive to understand origins of his/her style.