Goju-Ryu for Self-Protection

“The techniques of the kata were never developed to be used against a professional fighter, in an arena or on a battlefield. They were, however, most effective against someone who has no idea of the strategy being used to counter their aggressive behaviour.”
'Choki Motobu'(19th Cent.Okinawan Karate Master)

So,as kata is the backbone of traditional karate,it would be reasonable to say that karate is a civilian defence system,and was never intended for military use, or for one trained martial artist to fight another in a skilled exchange,but worked excellently when used against untrained attackers.Sadly,most people believe that karate fighting is a sport i.e. two trained karateka in competition for points or prizes. Nothing could be further from the true intent of karate combat.The prize could be life itself, not points or trophies.In 19th century Okinawa weapons were banned,therefore the law abiding dare not carry them.As a result karate developed, amalgamating indigenous weaponless arts and certain schools of Kung-Fu from China.As well as it's formidable knock/take down techniques,Goju-Ryu is noted for its close quarter fighting and releasing techniques which can be used when grabbed from behind, a strangle hold from the front/behind, a lapel grab and many other techniques.The intention of Goju-Ryu combat is for any confrontation to be over quickly and to enable you to escape,not to have a "match bout"in the street.If needed there are also groundwork techniques that can be used,these techniques are not sophisticated,however Goju-Ryu isn't a sport and the object, if taken to the ground, is to regain one's feet a.s.a.p.using any and all means possible to achieve that end.

Is Goju-Ryu for You?

Progress depends entirely upon the individual not a group level, that is to say, a beginner will not be expected to "keep up" with more experienced students.You can join at any time and initially go at your own pace.With regular training you'll become more proficient and want to progress and learn more about what you can achieve. You can join for the fitness or the self-protection aspects,however,in both cases you'll be expected to do the whole of the curriculum.Sadly, the public has this "mind set" that Karate is only about fighting.Obviously you need to be able to fight to defend yourself, you certainly learn to do that in Goju-Ryu, but would thousands of people devote so much time, indeed, decades of their lives to the Martial Art of Karate if fighting was the only outcome? Common sense says, no.So what are the reasons people carry on with Goju-Ryu? I have my reasons.You'll find your own answer by training in Goju-Ryu. If you have any further questions please click on..

F.A.Q.