History of Goju Ryu Karate

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This report is a summary of the information contained in Morio Higaonna’s book “The History of Karate”. While this report’s information is useful as an introduction to the history of Goju Ryu, serious students should read the entire book to obtain a better knowledge and understanding of the history of their art. There are many facts and details in the book (and not covered in this report) that clearly highlight the character and skills of the masters of Goju Ryu karate.

Okinawan History
Today, many people think of Okinawa simply as a province of Japan. However, Okinawa has only recently become part of Japan, and has a long and colorful history of its own. For centuries, Okinawa was a separate nation. Okinawa did not have good relations with Japan, but did have diplomatic and trade relations with China. This relationship created a considerable amount of economic and cultural trade between the two nations. Many Chinese traveled to Okinawa, and many Okinawans traveled to China. Ultimately, these Okinawan/Chinese relations would play a major role in the development and attributes of what would eventually become Goju Ryu karate.
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What is Karate Kata?

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Karate kata (formal exercises) was the only way karate was taught up until the 1930s. In the kata, all the elements of correct karate practice are stored. The vast majority of kata that are practiced in the dojo today and used on the tournament circuit can be traced right back to China or Okinawa.

They appear to be dance-like drills, constantly repeated by students, yet hidden in these movements are hundreds of kakushi waza (secret techniques). These appear to be one form of technique, but in fact may be doing something completely different. Quite often, a technique that is performed while moving forward in kata practice is actually performed moving backward in a real combat situation.

Kata consists of many gymnastic movements, in which various offensive and defensive techniques are arranged harmoniously. The movements allow the student to understand the relationship between the spirit and body, since kata are designed to develop them effectively.
Once meaning of kata is “perfect form”.

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Learn The Art of Kata Seduction

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Masatoshi Nakayama

Steps

• Earn your kata’s trust. Every suitor starts by claiming they are ready for commitment, that they will do whatever it takes to master the kata. Three months later, half of them have already moved on to the next martial arts style. After so much infidelity, who could blame your kata for being difficult?
• Shut up and listen. Once your kata has grown comfortable with you, it will start dropping hints about its deepest and most intimate secrets. “That downward arm movement in Heian Shodan? I never said it was meant for blocking kicks,” your kata might whisper coyly. It is very important that you avoid arguing with your kata, or insisting that you know its true meaning.
• Slow down, tiger. Don’t rush through the kata like your gi pants are on fire. Take the time to explore and appreciate every inch of it.

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Karate Basics, Terminology and Okinawa History

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Learning Karate is not only about the art itself, but the disciples must also learn about its culture. Karate originated from Okinawa, an island in between mainland China and Japan. The Okinawan people, however, speaks Japanese as the native tongue therefore many of the terms and history of Karate are Japanese. For the first time beginner, as a Karate-ka, let’s involve yourself into this exciting lesson about one of the most famous martial arts system world wide…

Japanese numbers

We count our exercises in Japanese, so you will hear these words often!

English Japanese Pronunciation
one: ichi ee-chee
two: ni nee
three: san sahn
four: shi/yon shee/yohn
five: go goh
six: roku doh-koo
seven: shichi/nana shee-chee/nah-nah
eight: hachi ha-chee
nine: ku/kyu koo/kyoo
ten: ju joo

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