Goju Ryu Karate Overview

The word Karate means empty hand, weaponless fighting; a martial art of self defense in which the hands, elbows, knees or feet are employed against weak spots to disable an opponent. Every movement is combined with abdominal breathing and tension of the muscles. The art of Karate was created by combining a martial art indigenous of Okinawa called Te and Chinese forms originating at Shaolin Temples around the 6th century. It was introduced into Okinawa around the 14th century.

The word "Goju" means hard and soft. "Go" is the Japanese word for hardness and "Ju" means softness. The system is based on an Oriental concept that all hardness is not good. At the same time, all softness and too much gentleness can be harmful. The two should complement each other. This combination of the two gives Goju-Ryu Karate its beautiful disciplined movements, powerful yet filled with grace and flowing form.

Founder Chojun Miyagi Sensei said "Do not be struck by others, do not strike others and avoid trouble". Karate teaches many things, but above all it teaches us respect for ourselves and others. If you are interested in joining Sorano Karate or would like more information, please contact Sensei Chieko Huse. Thank you.