NORTOND/karatetrain.htm

GOJU-RYU KARATE FOR SELF-DEFENCE

Goju-Ryu is one of the most dynamic of Martial Arts. The trained Karate practitioner (karateka) is able to co-ordinate their mind and body enabling them to unleash tremendous power at will. It's not strength alone that makes good fighting karate, rather the ability to co-ordinate the body to move and strike with accuracy at the right time, so, a small person can deliver a devastating blow to an attacker. Even one of the many "blocks" against a punch, kick or strike when used with timing, accuracy and technique can inflict a severe injury. Like all original Okinawan karate, Goju-Ryu was devised for defence against untrained armed attackers. 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.The prize was 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.

In its original "traditional" form Okinawan Karate was found, by the Japanese authorities, to be too dangerous to be taught in Universities due to the high injury rate,so the sporting element was introduced, also a very "watered down" version was taught in schools. 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.There are also groundwork techniques that can be brought into play, 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.

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GOJU-RYU KARATE TRAINING.

Goju-Ryu training can be basically divided into three categories, these are....

KIHON. Basic blocks, punches,stances,strikes,kicks, footwork and evasion.
KATA. Pre-arranged movements executed with emphasis and vigour simulating combat situations. These increase in complexity as the student progresses with their grades. Great emphasis is placed on Kata, it is the very backbone of Goju-Ryu. To the casual observer it's merely someone "waving their arms and legs about", however , within these movements are the fighting techniques used in Goju-Ryu, you need to know what you're looking for, even then things are not what they seem. The movements in themselves, if done with spirit, also contribute heavily towards the students fitness.
KUMITE'. Sparring. This can be one attack, one counter/defence technique. An attack with a more complex retaliation which could include a take-down technique. Half-speed sparring (randori) here students try out their abilities, learning from their partner and trying out techniques in safety. Good for all grades but especially lower grades, it builds up confidence(or deflates egos). The next step is free-sparring (jiyu kumite') here, all that's been learned and practiced in randori can be executed with more speed and power, but in a controlled manner.There is little"sparring", as previously described at Norton Dojo, instead emphasis is placed on the quick knock/take-down and escape.Interspersed with the above are many more varieties of training. However, a full description of each and every one would need a very big book.

IS GOJU-RYU KARATE FOR YOU?

Goju-Ryu can be practised by anyone, regardless of build, gender, age, athletic ability or whatever, no previous proficiency in sport is required. What is required is commitment and a desire to progress, that, of course, goes for any sport/discipline requiring physical activity, without these two ingredients you are merely dabbling. Whatever your physical condition the exercises and training are scaled to introduce you methodically to this fascinating Art. 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. 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 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.