What is a "Kata"?

The kata is the essence of karate and contains all of the teachings and knowledge of karate in a set of pre arranged movements. Kata have been used to pass down the knowledge of karate from Sensei to student as a living textbook.




Heishugata

Heishugata is "kata with closed hands" also known as "fundamental kata". This kata teaches fundamentals of movement and principles

Kumite

Kumite in karate is freestyle fighting where the karateka uses the techniques learnt from kihon,  kata and bunkai against an opponent.

During kumite beginners will be instructed to develop control and accuracy first, followed by speed and finally adding power. In doing this, it may seem like the student is pulling his punches, when actually, he is developing technique first.

The level of fighting and the strength of the attacks will vary from school to school and according to the rank of the karateka. The sensai will ensure that a suitable level of contact is used, based on the kareteka's skills and experience.

Goju ryu kumite is an essential part of karate training, and free sparring is often exciting, because both opponents have to react and adapt to each other very quickly, putting their skills and reflexes to the test. Kumite also allows the karateka to develop a particular technique or skill.

Goju ryu kumite is also used in competition, where punching and kicking techniques are allowed at the head and stomach. These will be scored by points according to a pre arranged scoring system and allow the karateka to pit their skills against other students.

Kihon (Basics or Fundamentals)

Kihon means "Basics" or "Fundamentals"

Kihon is the practicing of basic techniques or the fundamentals of karate. This includes the kicks. punches, blocks, movements, stances and other physical techniques. It also refers to creating the correct spirit and attitude within the karateka student.

Kihon is often repeated in every class with extended periods of basic drills. This type of practice is used to ingrain the techniques into the 'muscle memory' of the karateka. In the absence of thought or pre-meditated action; instinct or ingrained actions will take over. The constant practice of basic drills allows the kihon movements to occur in the sub conscious, without conscious thought.

History of Goju Ryu

As with many forms of martial arts, the origins of goju ryu have many beginnings and have drawn on a range of influences from other martial arts.

The two strongest influences are those of naha te and fujian white crane.

The martial arts practiced in Okinawa were generally referred to as "te". The Japanese word for "hand". As the style of te varied from town to town, it was common to distinguish the type of te that was practiced by prefacing it with the name of the local town, hence naha te.

Naha te, itself has developed under the influence of fujian white crane, the Chinese martial art that developed in Fujian province in southern China. This style is characterized by deep stances, intricate hand techniques and its close range fighting, all qualities that it has in common with modern day goju ryu.

Higaonna Kanryo, a local of Okinawa, had received extensive training in naha te and fujian white crane during his early years. He began teaching his style of martial arts in the 1880's in Okinawa, which drew on his experience of these styles. From these beginnings, karate as we know it today evolved.

Martial arts are a living art and as such are constantly evolving. New masters add their own insights and incorporate the insights of other techniques and styles. Because of this, martial arts, karate and goju ryu will continue to evolve into the future.

Go Ju Ryu

This blog is dedicated to Goju Ryu Karate in Australia. We provide objective information about Goju Ryu; and will in time, include videos and information on body conditioning and information from our and other world wide Masters.

We will use the blog to explain and outline aspects of karate training and is an online resource to inform new students about the art, while helping existing students with resources and a place to discuss Goju Ryu in Australia.

Shoshin Nagamine said "Karate may be considered as the conflict within oneself or as a life-long marathon which can be won only through self-discipline, hard training and one's own creative efforts."

The beauty of karate lies in its ability to instill in the student, what it teaches. It is easy to tell someone to have a quiet mind, though quite another matter to achieve it.

The practice of karate puts the karateka on the path to these goals.