Goju-ryu Karate is a traditional form of Karate that originated in Okinawa, Japan. The style was developed by Chojun Miyagi, who studied under Kanryo Higaonna, a master of the Naha-te style of martial arts, which is believed to have been heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts.
Miyagi trained under Higaonna for over 15 years before returning to Okinawa and developing his own style, which he named Goju-ryu. The name Goju-ryu is derived from the Chinese martial arts that Higaonna taught and means “hard-soft style.” The style is characterized by its use of both hard, linear techniques and soft, circular movements.
Goju-ryu Karate places a strong emphasis on the development of both power and speed. The style also includes traditional katas (forms) which are solo routines that involve pre-arranged movements against imaginary opponents, as well as combinations of techniques.
After Miyagi death, one of his most senior student, Ei’ichi Miyazato, took over the teaching and spreading of Goju-ryu Karate worldwide and became one of the most influential figures in the Goju-ryu community until his death in 1999. The Goju-ryu Karate do Renmei (International Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation) was established by Miyazato to promote and preserve the teachings of the style.
Goju-ryu Karate has now become a popular style of Karate around the world, with many different organizations and branches that have developed over time. Despite the different interpretations, the core principles and techniques of Goju-ryu Karate remain unchanged, and practitioners can expect to learn the traditional forms, striking and grappling techniques, as well as the physical and mental conditioning needed to develop power and speed.
In summary, Goju-ryu Karate is a traditional martial art developed by Chojun Miyagi in Okinawa, Japan, that emphasizes the use of both hard and soft techniques. It places a strong emphasis on the development of power and speed and includes traditional katas as well as striking and grappling techniques. Goju-ryu Karate has become a popular style around the world, with many different organizations and branches, but the core principles and techniques remain unchanged.