Goju-Ryu is one of the four original styles of karate from Okinawa, a small island between Japan and China. The Goju-Ryu style was created from the life-long work of two great Okinawan karate teachers, Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1917) and his student Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953). Since the style was developed in Okinawa and China, it reflects a blend of fighting techniques from both cultures. In the 1930’
s Grandmaster Chojun Miyagi named his art "Goju-Ryu" meaning "Hard (Go) and Soft (Ju) School (Ryu)" after a poem of the eight principles of Chinese Kempo. The poem came from the ancient White Crane text the "Bubishi" (Wu Bei Zhi in Chinese) which contains many of the ancient secrets of karate. Chojun Miyagi named the Naha-te method from the third line of this poem. Naha-te is a pre-World War II term for a type of martial art indigenous to the area around Naha, the current capital city of the island of Okinawa. When we learn or train in a martial art, such as Goju Ryu karate, we pass through different stages on our journey to master it. In terms of mastering the art of Goju Ryu, they are explained as follows. In shu, we repeat the forms handed down by the arts forebears and discipline ourselves so that our bodies absorb those forms. We remain faithful to these forms with no deviation. Next, in the stage of ha, once we have disciplined ourselves to acquire the forms and movements, we begin the process of exploring the forms possibilities. In this process the forms rigid expression is broken and discarded to meet the dynamics of combat. Finally, in ri, we transcend the various forms. We open the door to creative expression, and arrive in a place where we act naturally, without hindrance, and in accordance with the principles of Goju Ryu karate . In essence, Shu-ha-ri will take the student on a journey of Moulding, Maturing, and finally Mastering the art of Goju Ryu karate
The addition of Kai means association. Shu Ha Ri Kai (Goju Ryu) Karate is an association offering authentic karate training based on the teachings of Sensei Kiyoshi Yonemoto. If you have experience in other martial arts schools you will be able to see the difference and appreciate what we have to offer. Students train in a friendly and caring atmosphere. Everyone at the Dojo (training place for martial arts) is treated as an individual and is taught with patience and respect. The Goju Ryu taught at Shu Ha Ri Kai is not a sport; it is a method of life-preservation, training the Mind, Body and Spirit. It can be learned by anyone with a genuine desire to learn and of good heart. In addition to striking, and receiving (commonly known as blocking) techniques, Shu Ha Ri Kai (Goju Ryu) karate includes many grappling and locking techniques hidden within the traditional forms known as kata. Shu Ha Ri Kai (Goju Ryu) Karate Association is dedicated to perpetuating the teachings of Sensei Kiyoshi Yonemoto as taught to him by the late Grandmaster Sosui Ichikawa. These teachings are built on the accumulated knowledge and practice passed down, via the Bubishi, from the following
Grandmasters:
1-Kanryo Higaonna 1853 -1915 Naha-te
2-Chojun Myagi 1888 - 1953 Goju-Ryu
3-Seko Higa 1889 - 1966 Shodokan
4-Kanki Izumigawa 1908 - 1969 Senbukan
5-Sosui Ichikawa 1924 - 2005 Sosuikan
6-Kyoshi Yonemoto Seibukan (5th Generation)
What sets us apart from other Goju Ryu schools is that we teach a complete system of Karate, with ancient principles hidden within the Bubishi. Many feel that this connection to karate’s heritage has been lost or forgotten in other schools. It is a life-preservation art that places great emphasis on character, values and dedication. Studying the way of karate is a constant voyage of discovery, one that demands commitment to learn its secrets.
