OKINAWA GOJU RYU KARATE
Goju is one of the 4 major styles of karate as recognised by World Karate Federation. Others being Shoto, Wado, and Shito. Goju literally means hard/soft GO means physical hardness and strength of character; JU is the gentleness which flows from it: RYU means style or school.
Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953) formulated Goju Ryu from NAHA TE in Okinawa from self defence techniques that had come down through centuries from China, he felt that as the karate-ka achieves strength and skill trough diligent training and gains physical and mental toughness, he/she also mellows and becomes gentler, more selfless person compared to an incomprehensible universe, all the things known to us such as: people, nations, objects etc, are small and significant. Rather than fighting and opposing everything, one should respect nature and try to attune oneself to universe. GO and JU are opposites but equal.
The karate ka strives to achieve a balance between them in his/her life.
 

KARATE FOR SELF DEFENCE
Karate is one of the most dynamic of all martial arts. The trained karate ka is able to coordinate the mind and body perfectly, thereby enabling him/her to unleash tremendous physical power at will. However, it is not the possession of great strength that makes a great karate ka, rather the ability to co-ordinate the mind and body. Ultimately it is NOT a fighting system one should pursue but a victory over ones mental and physical challenge.
 

THE VALUE OF KARATE
Modern city life deprives you of the exercise necessary for fitness and mental health. Karate tones the body, develops co-ordination, quickens the reflexes and builds stamina, without danger of harmful injuries. The practice of karate develops composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insight into your mental capabilities, and greater self confidence.
 

KARATE IS FOR EVERYONE
All abilities welcome. Children from age of 8 men and women of all ages can take up karate .No previous training is required, whatever your physical condition .If you suffer any medical condition please consult your GP before starting training. The training is carefully scaled to introduce you to this fascinating style of karate. Progress depends entirely upon the individual and not on a group level, therefore you can join at any time and learn at your own pace and capabilities .The motto of our chief instructor GEORGE ANDREWS (SHIHAN) is” NEVER WAS A GREATER MISTAKE MADE, THAN HE WHO DID NOTHING BECAUSE S/HE COULD ONLY DO A LITTLE”
 

KARATE TRAINING
Training is divided into three categories:
Kihon - Basic blocks, punches/strikes, kicks and stances
Kata - Pre-arranged techniques simulating combat situations, Forms Kumite-Sparring,
Kakie - A form of pushing hands to develop sensitivity to combat situations.
In each category the individual is given instruction at the most basic level until the technique becomes spontaneous. As the students advances technically, s/he progresses physically and develops a higher level of stamina – at the same time learning increasingly intricate kata and more dynamic forms of karate.
As the student approaches black belt level, technique, stamina, speed and co-ordination become natural as a result of intensive practice. It is at this stage that the serious student discovers the wonderful world that has opened up for them. The object of true karate practice is the perfection of oneself, through perfection of the art.
In addition to above we also have: JUNBI UNDO –warm up exercises unique to GOJU RYU. HOJO UNDO-supplementary exercises using various tools i.e. CHI ISHI, NIGIRI GAME, MAKIWARA, ISHI SASHI and hopefully KONGOKEN!!