History

Karate is a Japanese word meaning “Empty Hands” indicating that it is a Martial Art that does not require weapons other than the parts of the body, but also it means that the practitioner of Karate should strive to empty his/her mind of aggression.

In the early part of this century, a style of karate was developed on Okinawa that made it possible for many people to learn the benefits of a traditional self defense system. Eventually becoming known as Goju-Ryu (the hard/soft style), the art combined traditional Okinawan techniques with both internal and external Chinese principles. The soft, internal Chinese styles concentrate on circular movements and the development of qi (vital energy), while external, hard principles rely upon physical strength. The combination of these principles makes Goju-Ryu a close range, infighting system that concentrates on efficiency of movement as well as personal development. Now Go Ju Ryu has spread to be one of the most popular and well rounded martial arts in the world.

Founders

Higaonna Kanryo Sensei
Miyagi Chojun Sensei
Miyazato Ei’ichi Sensei

Terminology