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Introduction This document is revised and/or updated frequently
as I learn new things or get a better understanding of materials
that I have already been taught. Although I have done quite a bit
of research, I am most certainly not an expert on any of the data
contained herein. With Sensei Wilders permission this information
may be shared with fellow students without charge or compensation
beyond reimbursement for the cost of photocopies. These notes were
compiled from a variety of different sources, including: Kris
Wilder Senseis Karate classes Kris Wilder Senseis West Seattle Dojo
Handbook Scott Schweizer Senseis Karate and Kobudo instruction
Devin Rider Senseis Karate instruction Franco Sanguinetti Senseis
web site (www.bushikan.com) The Goju Ryu Karate Do web site
(www.gojuryu.net) The Kenshinkan web site (www.kenshinkan.cl) In
the Gravest Extreme by Massad Ayoob, Police Bookshelf, 1980
Okinawan Goju Ryu by Seikichi Toguchi, Black Belt Communications,
1979 Okinawan Goju Ryu II by Seikichi Toguchi, Ohara Publications,
2001 Pressure Point Fighting by Professor Rick Clark, Tuttle
Publishing, 2001 The Judo Textbook by Dr. Hayward Nishioka, Ohara
Publications, 1979 The Truth About Self-Protection by Massad Ayoob,
Bantom Books, 1983 Legal research from Bruce Ritzen, Attorney at
Law My own understanding and interpretation based on all of the
above Disclaimer This document covers topics that I do not fully
understand and includes some Kata (pulled from the Internet) that I
have not yet learned. Consequently there may be errors and/or
omissions of which I remain unaware. I continually strive to ensure
that all information is complete and accurate, and welcome feedback
where it is not. Nothing in this document constitutes a legal
opinion nor should any of its contents be treated as such. My
liability for this information is strictly limited to what you paid
me to receive it. Organization These notes are organized into four
main sections: (1) Karate history and technique, (2) Kobudo history
and technique, (3) Supplemental Information (primarily discussing
legal issues of self-defense, medical triage, and the aftermath of
violence), and (4) Rank/Grading Information. A complete table of
contents follows on pages 2 through 5. Version These notes were
most recently updated on April 16th, 2003.
Lawrence
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Table of Contents Section 1 Goju Ryu Karate
..............................................................................................................6
1.0
History/Background...................................................................................................................6
1.1 Origin
...................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Chinese Kung-Fu
..................................................................................................................6
1.3 History of Okinawan Martial
Arts.............................................................................................6
1.4 Kanryo Higaonna Sensei (Naha-Te)
.......................................................................................7
1.5 Chojun Miyagi Sensei (Goju Ryu)
...........................................................................................8
1.6 Bubishi Poem Eight Precepts of Kempo
...............................................................................9
2.0 Fundamental Themes of Goju Ryu
Karate................................................................................10
2.1 Strategy
..............................................................................................................................10
2.1.1 Rules
........................................................................................................................10
2.2
Tactics................................................................................................................................10
2.2.1 Forms of Fighting
......................................................................................................10
2.2.2 Forms of
Compliance.................................................................................................10
3.0 West Seattle Karate Academy - Dojo Rules
..............................................................................11
4.0 Reishiki
(Etiquette)..................................................................................................................12
4.1 Introduction
.........................................................................................................................12
4.2 Respect the Traditions of the
Art...........................................................................................12
4.3 Respect the Dojo (school)
....................................................................................................12
4.4 Respect the
Instructor(s)......................................................................................................12
4.5 Respect the Other Students
.................................................................................................12
4.6 Respect
Yourself.................................................................................................................13
5.0 Opening / Closing Ceremonies
................................................................................................14
5.1 Opening Ceremony
.............................................................................................................14
5.2 Closing Ceremony
...............................................................................................................14
6.0 Dojo Kun (precepts or virtues)
.................................................................................................15
6.1 Introduction
.........................................................................................................................15
6.2 West Seattle Karate Academy Dojo Kun
...............................................................................15
7.0 Daruma (warm-up
exercises)...................................................................................................16
7.1
Warm-up.............................................................................................................................16
7.2 Stretch Joints
......................................................................................................................16
7.3 Stretch Tendons
..................................................................................................................16
7.4 Build Muscles
......................................................................................................................16
8.0 Karate
Terminology.................................................................................................................17
8.1 General Terminology
...........................................................................................................17
8.2 Counting
.............................................................................................................................18
8.3 Supplementary Exercises Equipment (Hojo Undo)
..............................................................18
8.4 Moving / Shifting Techniques (Tae Sabaki Waza)
..................................................................18
8.5 Stances (Tachi
Waza)..........................................................................................................19
8.6 Blocking / Receiving Techniques (Uke
Waza)........................................................................21
8.7 Hand Techniques (Te
Waza)................................................................................................22
8.7.1 Te Waza Dai Ichi
.......................................................................................................23
8.8 Foot Techniques (Ashi Waza)
..............................................................................................24
8.8.1 Ashi Waza Dai Ichi
....................................................................................................24
8.8.2 Sensei Schweizers Ground Fighting
Exercise.............................................................24
8.9 Sparring Terminology
(Kumite).............................................................................................25
9.0 Break-Fall Techniques (Ukemi Waza)
......................................................................................26
9.1 Front
Falls...........................................................................................................................26
9.2 Back
Falls...........................................................................................................................26
9.3 Side
Falls............................................................................................................................26
9.4 Rolling Falls
........................................................................................................................26
10.0 Strangling / Choking Techniques (Shime Waza)
....................................................................28
10.1 Introduction
.....................................................................................................................28
10.2 Techniques
......................................................................................................................28
11.0 Joint Locking Techniques (Kansetsu Waza)
..........................................................................30
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11.1 Introduction
.....................................................................................................................30
11.2 Techniques
......................................................................................................................30
12.0 Kihan Ido (First
Basics)........................................................................................................32
12.1 Introduction
.....................................................................................................................32
12.2 Movement Drills
...............................................................................................................32
13.0 Kata Centered
Practice........................................................................................................33
13.1 Introduction
.....................................................................................................................33
13.2 Analyzing Kata for
Application...........................................................................................33
13.2.1 Kaisai No Genri
.........................................................................................................33
13.2.2 Do Not Be Deceived by The Enbusen Rule
.................................................................34
13.2.3 Techniques Executed while Advancing Imply Attack; Those
Executed while Retreating Imply Defense
........................................................................................................................34
13.2.4 There is Only One Enemy and He/She is In Front of You
.............................................34 13.2.5 The Method
of Kaisai No
Genri...................................................................................34
13.3 Hikite (Push/Pull)
.............................................................................................................34
13.4 About Kata (By Morio Higaonna
Sensei)............................................................................35
13.5 Beginning and Ending a
Kata............................................................................................36
14.0 Taikyoku (First Course) Katas
..............................................................................................37
14.1 Taikyoku
Gedan...............................................................................................................37
14.2 Taikyoku
Chudan.............................................................................................................37
14.3 Taikyoku
Jodan................................................................................................................38
14.4 Taikyoku Mawashi
Uke.....................................................................................................38
14.5 Taikyoku Kake Uke
..........................................................................................................38
15.0 Hookiyu
Kata.......................................................................................................................39
15.1 Hookiyu Kata Bunkai
........................................................................................................39
16.0 Gekisai Kata
.......................................................................................................................40
16.1 Gekisai Kata Dai Ichi
........................................................................................................40
16.2 Gekisai Kata Dai Ichi Bunkai
.............................................................................................40
16.3 Gekisai Kata Dai Ni
..........................................................................................................41
16.4 Gekisai Kata Dai Ni Bunkai
...............................................................................................41
17.0 Gekiha Kata
........................................................................................................................43
17.1 Gekiha Kata Dai Ichi
........................................................................................................43
17.2 Gekiha Kata Dai
Ni...........................................................................................................43
18.0 Saifa
Kata...........................................................................................................................45
18.1 Saifa Kata Bunkai
............................................................................................................45
19.0 Seiyunchin Kata
..................................................................................................................47
19.1 Seiyunchin Kata
Bunkai....................................................................................................48
20.0 Seisan Kata
........................................................................................................................50
20.1 Seisan Kata Bunkai
..........................................................................................................51
21.0 Kakuha Kata
.......................................................................................................................53
22.0 Shisochin Kata
....................................................................................................................54
22.1 Shisochin Kata
Bunkai......................................................................................................55
23.0 Sanseiru Kata
.....................................................................................................................56
23.1 Sanseiru Kata Bunkai
.......................................................................................................56
24.0 Saipai Kata
.........................................................................................................................57
24.1 Saipai Kata
Bunkai...........................................................................................................58
25.0 Kurunfa
Kata.......................................................................................................................60
25.1 Kurunfa Kata Bunkai
........................................................................................................61
26.0 Suparinpei
Kata...................................................................................................................63
26.1 Suparinpei Kata Bunkai
....................................................................................................63
27.0 Hakutsuru Kata
...................................................................................................................64
28.0 Tensho Kata
.......................................................................................................................65
28.1 Tensho Kata Bunkai
.........................................................................................................65
29.0 Sanchin
Kata.......................................................................................................................66
29.1 Zen and Sanchin (by Seikichi Toguchi)
..............................................................................66
29.2 Sanchin
Breathing............................................................................................................66
29.3 Sanchin Kata (Long Version)
............................................................................................67
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29.4 Sanchin and Kiko Training (by Ryan Parker)
......................................................................69
29.4.1 Shoshyuten (Primary
Meridians).................................................................................69
29.4.2
Inhalation..................................................................................................................69
29.4.3 Exhalation
.................................................................................................................69
29.4.4 Daishyuten (Entire Body)
...........................................................................................70
29.4.5 Dynamic
Tension.......................................................................................................70
30.0 Kiso Kumite (Prearranged Sparring)
.....................................................................................71
30.1 Introduction
.....................................................................................................................71
30.2 Kiso Kumite Shodan (#1)
..................................................................................................71
30.3 Kiso Kumite Nidan
(#2).....................................................................................................71
30.4 Kiso Kumite Sandan (#3)
..................................................................................................71
30.5 Kiso Kumite Yodan
(#4)....................................................................................................72
30.6 Kiso Kumite Godan (#5)
...................................................................................................72
30.7 Kiso Kumite Rokudan
(#6)................................................................................................72
30.8 Kiso Kumite Nandan
(#7)..................................................................................................73
30.9 Kiso Kumite Hachidan (#8)
...............................................................................................73
30.10 Kiso Kumite Kudan
(#9)....................................................................................................74
30.11 Kiso Kumite Judan (#10)
..................................................................................................74
31.0 Self-Defense Techniques (Bogiyo Waza or Goshin
Do)..........................................................75
31.1 Introduction
.....................................................................................................................75
31.2 Eighteen Commandments of Street Combat (by Willie Johnson)
.........................................75 31.3 The Fearlessness
of No
Fear............................................................................................77
31.3.1 The Tea Master and The Ronin
..................................................................................77
31.4 Selected Self-Defense Techniques from Kata Applications
.................................................77 31.5 Hookiyu
Kata Self-Defense Techniques
.............................................................................78
31.6 Gekisai Kata Self-Defense Techniques
..............................................................................78
31.7 Gekiha Kata Self-Defense Techniques
..............................................................................78
31.8 Saifa Kata Self-Defense Techniques
.................................................................................79
31.9 Seyunchin Kata Self-Defense Techniques
.........................................................................80
32.0 Self-Defense from Knife
Attacks...........................................................................................81
32.1 Introduction
.....................................................................................................................81
32.1.1 Nikkyo
technique.......................................................................................................81
32.2 Rules of Engagement
.......................................................................................................81
32.3 Augmented Exercises
......................................................................................................82
32.4 Open Hand Exercises
......................................................................................................82
33.0 Vital Areas
(Kyushu)............................................................................................................83
33.1 Introduction
.....................................................................................................................83
33.2 Vital Area Descriptions
.....................................................................................................83
34.0 Pressure Point Techniques (Atemi Waza)
.............................................................................85
34.1 Introduction
.....................................................................................................................85
34.2 Diagram
..........................................................................................................................85
34.3 Lung Points
.....................................................................................................................86
34.4 Large Intestine
Points.......................................................................................................86
34.5 Stomach
Points................................................................................................................86
34.6 Spleen Points
..................................................................................................................87
34.7 Heart
Points.....................................................................................................................87
34.8 Small Intestine
Points.......................................................................................................87
34.9 Bladder Points
.................................................................................................................87
34.10 Kidney Points
..................................................................................................................88
34.11 Pericardium
Points...........................................................................................................88
34.12 Triple Warmer
Points........................................................................................................88
34.13 Gallbladder
Points............................................................................................................88
34.14 Liver Points
.....................................................................................................................89
34.15 Conception Vessel
Points.................................................................................................89
Section 2 Matayoshi Kobudo
.........................................................................................................90
1.0 Matayoshi Kobudo General History
..........................................................................................90
1.1 Kobudo Gi and Logo
............................................................................................................90
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1.2 Matayoshi Shinko Sensei
.....................................................................................................90
1.3 Matayoshi Shinpo
Sensei.....................................................................................................91
1.4 Matayoshi Yasushi
Soke......................................................................................................92
1.5 Gakiya Yoshiaki Sensei
.......................................................................................................92
2.0 Kobudo Weapons
...................................................................................................................93
2.1 Bo-Jutsu (staff)
....................................................................................................................93
2.2 Sai-Jutsu
(Sai).....................................................................................................................94
2.3 Tonkua-Jutsu (Tonfa)
..........................................................................................................94
2.4 Nunchaku-Jutsu (Nunchaku)
................................................................................................94
2.5 Sansetsu Kon-Jutsu (three-sectional staff)
............................................................................94
2.6 Suruchin-Jutsu (weighted chain or rope)
...............................................................................94
2.7 Nunti-Jutsu (spear)
..............................................................................................................95
2.8 Kama-Jutsu (sickle)
.............................................................................................................95
2.9 Kuwa-Jutsu (hoe)
................................................................................................................95
2.10 Ueku-Jutsu (oar)
..............................................................................................................95
2.11 Timbe-Jutsu (hatchet and shield)
......................................................................................96
2.12
Kurumanbo-Jutsu.............................................................................................................96
Section 3 Supplemental Information
...............................................................................................97
1.0 Self-Defense and The Law
......................................................................................................97
1.1 Washington State Laws
.......................................................................................................98
1.1.1 RCW 9A.16.010 Definitions.
....................................................................................98
1.1.2 RCW 9A.16.020 Use of force When lawful.
............................................................98
1.1.3 RCW 9A.16.030 Homicide When excusable.
.........................................................98 1.1.4
RCW 9A.16.040 Justifiable homicide or use of deadly force by public
officer, peace officer, person aiding.
..............................................................................................................98
1.1.5 RCW 9A.16.050 Homicide By other person When justifiable.
...............................99 1.1.6 RCW 9A.16.110 Defending
against violent crime Reimbursement...........................99
1.1.7 RCW 9A.32.010 Homicide defined.
........................................................................
100 1.1.8 RCW 9A.36.011 Assault in the first degree.
............................................................ 100
1.1.9 RCW 9A.36.021 Assault in the second degree.
....................................................... 100 1.1.10
RCW 9A.36.031 Assault in the third degree.
........................................................... 100
1.1.11 RCW 9A.36.041 Assault in the fourth degree.
......................................................... 101
1.2 Selected Case
Law............................................................................................................
101 1.2.1 Reasonable Force and Self-Defense
........................................................................
101 1.2.2 Assault
...................................................................................................................
102
2.0 The Aftermath of Violence
.....................................................................................................
103 2.1 Medical
Assistance............................................................................................................
103 2.2 Interfacing with Your Lawyer
..............................................................................................
104 2.3 Your One Phone Call
.........................................................................................................
104
Section 4 Rank/Grading Information
.............................................................................................
105 1.0 Introduction
..........................................................................................................................
105
1.1 Rank Tables
......................................................................................................................
106 1.1.1 Ranks & Belts Table
................................................................................................
106 1.1.2 High-Level Requirements Table
...............................................................................
106 1.1.3 Detailed Requirements Table
...................................................................................
107
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Section 1 Goju Ryu Karate 1.0 History/Background 1.1 Origin
Based on mans instinct of self-defense, different fighting arts
were developed in most cultures, especially in central Asia, Egypt
and Turkey. The principles of Asian martial arts are believed to
have spread from Turkey to India, where they were further developed
into sophisticated arts. 1.2 Chinese Kung-Fu Kung Fu means hard
work in Chinese. According to legend, the Zen Buddhist monk
Bodhidharma traveled to the Hunan province in China around 500 AD.
He spent nine years in the Shaolin temple, where he started to
teach different breathing techniques and physical exercises to the
monks of Shaolin. He also explained to the monks how to develop
their mental and spiritual strength, in order to endure the
demanding meditation exercises. Bodhiharmas teaching is considered
the birth of Chinese Kung Fu. When Kung Fu was spread throughout
China, it divi ded into two main styles the Northern style and the
Southern style. The Northern style was characterized by straight
and hard techniques, while the Southern had circular and softer
techniques. The Kung Fu techniques were often inherited within a
family and kept as well preserved secrets. 1.3 History of Okinawan
Martial Arts Kung Fu was introduced into Okinawa during the 14th
century. It won popularity and was trained as an art of
self-defense under the name Tote, which means Chinese Hand. In
Okinawa the native fighting art of Te was practiced long before the
introduction of Kung Fu. It is believed that Te was combined with
Kung Fu to form the martial art karate. When Japan invaded Okinawa
in 1609, the ban of carrying weapons (first pronounced by King Sho
Shin in 1477) continued, but the Japanese also banned the practice
of martial arts. Consequently, the Okinawans had to continue their
martial arts in secrecy. During the next three centuries, the
martial art developed into its own character and was named
Okinawa-Te. It is divided into three main styles: Shuri-Te
influenced by the hard techniques of Northern Kung Fu and
characterized by offensive
attitude Naha-Te influenced by the softer techniques of Southern
Kung Fu and characterized with
grappling, throws, and locking techniques and a more defensive
attitude Tomari-Te influenced by both the hard and soft techniques
of Kung Fu With the end of the 19th century, Shuri-Te and Tomari-Te
were subsumed under the name Shoren-Ryu, which has developed into
several slightly different styles. Naha-Te became known as Goju
Ryu, which means hard and soft style (or more precisely, hard
gentle way of the infinite fist). Goju Ryu has remained basically
unified.
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1.4 Kanryo Higaonna Sensei (Naha-Te)
Kanryo Higaonna Sensei, the founder of Naha Te was born on March
10, 1853 in the district of Nishimura in the city of Naha, Okinawa.
His father, Kanryo, was a merchant who traded food and clothing
throughout the Ryukyu Islands. At the age of 10, he started to work
with his father, since his younger brothers had died very young and
his elder brother was physically unable to do so. At the age of 14,
in 1867, his father died suddenly as the result of a fight. Shortly
thereafter, he decided to travel to China to learn the deadly
Martial Arts so that he could avenge his father's death. In those
days traveling to China was restricted only to merchants, students
or government officials, and permission to travel was only
granted by the King of Okinawa, and the only port of departure
was the port of Naha. With the help of the official Udon Yoshimura,
he was able to get the permit to travel to Fuchow, China, as a
student; departing from the port of Naha in the year 1868. At his
arrival to the city of Fuchow, Kanryo Higaonna was accepted in the
Ryukyu Kan or lodge where all the students from Okinawa lived. Once
in Fuchow, Kanryo Higaonna was introduced to the renowned sensei
Ryu Ryu Ko who had learned the martial arts in the southern Shaolin
temple in the mountains of the Fujian Province. Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei's
family was part of the Novel Court of China before they lost their
status as result of the politic turmoil in the country. Ryu Ryu Ko
Sensei owned a bamboo shop and kept his house on the second floor
of the same building. Here he also taught martial arts to a select
group of students. Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei tested Kanryo Higaonna, having
him perform menial duties in the yard or shop before agreeing to
teach him the martial arts. Kanryo Higaonna learned Sanchin Kata
first. He was greatly motivated and showed swift progress. He soon
moved out of the Ryukyu Kan and started to live and work full-time
at Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei's bamboo shop. There he was introduced to
various traditional training aids such as Chiishi (weighted stick),
Nigiri Game (gripping jars), Tan (log), and Makiwara (striking
post). Although the training was very severe, he excelled at it,
learning not only open hand techniques, but weapons such Daito
(long sword), Shuto (small sword), Sai, and Bo (staff) as well. He
also learned herbal medicine. In few years Kanryo Higaonna became
Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei's top student. He studied 14 years in China
before Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei told him that was time for him to go back
to Okinawa, and in 1881. On his return to Okinawa, he then started
to teach a select group of students at his own house. As he had
learned from Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei, his instruction was very severe. As
his fame spread, the King of Okinawa invited Kanryo Higaonna to
teach him the martial arts. In 1905 he was invited to teach his
Naha-Te or Te from Naha (as it was called then) in the Naha
Commercial School. The Principal wanted to teach the students the
spiritual and moral aspects of the martial arts. This was an
important step in the Naha-Te, not only for the recognition of the
benefits of the practice but also because until then Te was taught
as a martial art with the skill to kill. After his research, Kanryo
Higaonna decided to make an important change in the Sanchin Kata.
Until then, Sanchin Kata was practiced with open hands, so he
started to teach it with close hands and slower breathing with the
purpose of promoting the health benefits, rather than promoting
lethal techniques at the school. He introduced the closed fist to
emphasize the physical strength more than the ability to kill.
Tradition also play an important roll for this change because he
noticed that a lot of young Okinawans, without acknowledgement of
martial arts, naturally stood with closed fists when they were
going to fight. He continued to teach the original way that he
learned in China to his few students at his Dojo.
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After 1905 karate became a little bit more accessible to the
general population because until then Te was practice for just a
selected group of people. Kanryo Higaonna Sensei passed away in
October 1915 at the age of 62. 1.5 Chojun Miyagi Sensei (Goju
Ryu)
Chojun Miyagi Sensei, the founder of Goju Ryu, was born on April
25, 1888 in the city of Naha, Okinawa. He began his practice at the
age of 12 with Aragaki Ryuko Sensei. Aragaki Ryuko's approach was
only to teach the fighting itself and not too much emphasis was
placed on the martial art. After seeing the dedication of Chojun
Miyagi, Aragaki Ryuko decided to introduce him to Kanryo Higaonna.
In 1902, at the age of 14, Chojun Miyagi Sensei started to practice
with Kanryo Higaonna Sensei. At the age of 20, Chojun Miyagi became
Kanryo Higaonnas top student.
At the age of 22 he traveled to the main island of Kyushu for
his military service. After 2 years of service he returned to
Okinawa. For the next 3 years Kanryo Higaonna taught him privately
until Higaonna Sensei died in 1915. After the death of his
instructor, Chojun Miyagi decided to follow the steps of his Sensei
and travel to Fuchow, China, where he learned the martial arts. In
his first trip in 1915 he went to Fuchow and trained for two months
with a student of Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei. The old man was very impressed
with the skill of Chojun Miyagi. Chojun Miyagi went to visit the
grave of Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei as well as the temple where he trained.
It was easy to see the footmarks on the patio from the training.
Between 1920 and 1930 Chojun Miyagi traveled to China for the
second time. This was not a productive trip because the relations
between China and Japan were not good around those days. In his
third trip to China, in 1936, he was able to contact the Shanghai
Martial Arts Federation. This was instrumental in helping him do
his research in the martial arts. In the earlier 20's Chojun Miyagi
developed the characteristic Goju Ryu warming up exercises or Yunbi
Undo with the help of a friend of his whom was a doctor. This
series of exercises were based in not only in martial arts
fundaments but also on medical research. Is also around this time
that Chojun Miyagi also developed the Kata Tensho, and began to
teach in high school in Okinawa. In 1930 Chojun Miyagi sent his top
student, Jihan Shinzato, to perform a demonstration of Te at the
Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. Upon his return to Okinawa, he asked his
Sensei about the name of the style of karate that they practiced. A
Kobudo Sensei present at the demonstration inquired the same of
Shinzato Sensei who could not answer because until then they only
referred to karate as Te (hand), To (China) or Bu (martial art).
Chojun Miyagi Sensei decided to call his style Goju Ryu. The
meaning was extracted from the Bubishi, or book of the poems, where
there are references to different subjects including the martial
arts and includes a poem entitled the Eight Precepts of Kempo. The
name Goju Ryu identifies the style as the style of the hardness and
softness. In this way Goju Ryu became the first style of karate to
be named for something other than the city in which it was
practiced. It was in 1933 when Goju Ryu was officially recorded and
recognized in the Butotu Kai (the institution that groups all the
martial arts in Japan) in Kyoto. The official name was recorded as
Goju Ryu Karate-Do, where the meaning of the character (kanji)
Karate was To (China) in recognition of the origin of this martial
art, and not the meaning "empty" as it is in the present day. In
1934 Chojun Miyagi was appointed as the representative of the
Butotu Kai in Okinawa. Also in this year, Chojun Miyagi was invited
to travel to Hawaii to teach karate to the Okinawans living on the
island. He remained in Hawaii for 6 months.
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In 1937 Chojun Miyagi was honored to receive the title Kyoshigo
(master instructor) from the Butotu Kai. This was the first time in
the history that somebody in karate received this honor, bringing
with it the same status as Judo and Kendo. During World War II
Chojun Miyagi lost his top student Jihan Shinzato as well as two of
his daughters. After the war, he began to teach karate at the
Police Academy in Okinawa and also in his home. Among his students
were Miyagi Anichi Sensei, Aragaki, Shuichi Sensei (whose
grandfather had introduced him to Higaonna Sensei), Toguchi
Seikichi Sensei, and Iha Sensei among others. Students who had
trained before the war such as Yagi Meitoku and Miyazato Eiichi
would come to pay respects. Chojun Miyagi Senseis life was devoted
to karate. He structured the system of Naha-Te, adapted it to the
demands of modern society, and made it available to the public.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei passed away on October 8, 1953 at the age of
65. 1.6 Bubishi Poem Eight Precepts of Kempo This is a Chinese
Kempo poem found in the Bubishi (book of poems) of which Goju Ryu
was named from the third line. The Haiku is sometimes translated as
Eight Poems of the Fist. { JinShin wa tenChi Ni onaji
(The mind is one with Heaven and Earth)
{ Ketsumyaku wa NIchigetsu Ni Nitari
(The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of
the Sun and the Moon)
{ Ho wa Goju Ryu wo tondo su
(The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness)
{ Mi wa toki Ni Shitagai hen Ni ozu
(Act in accordance with time and change)
{ Te wa ku Ni ai sunawa Chi hairu
(Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought)
{ Shintai wa ha Karite riho su
(The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet)
{ Me wa Shiho wo miru wo yosu
(The eyes do not miss even the slightest change)
{ Mimi wa Yoku Happo wo kiku
(The ears listen well in all directions)
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Goju Ryu Karate / Matayoshi Kobudo Notes
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2.0 Fundamental Themes of Goju Ryu Karate The Goju-Ryu strategy
is to stay close to an opponent, keep the opponent off balance, and
use physiological incapacitation to defeat him/her. If you can
incapacitate their vision, breathing, or movement, you are in an
excellent position to defeat an enemy. Any two out of three will
guarantee success. 2.1 Strategy
1. Close distance 2. Imbalance using Happo no Kuzushi, the eight
directions of imbalance (imbalance can also apply to any
of the five senses and Goju-Ryu imbalances from the outside as
well as the inside of the attacker) 3. Control using strikes to
set-up imbalance and imbalance to set-up strikes. Use physiological
damage to
incapacitate 2.1.1 Rules
1. Never retreat 2. Fight the whole body 3. Always move at an
angle avoid force to force 4. Do not use two steps 5. See
everything 6. A lock or hold is not a primary fighting technique 7.
Avoid going to the ground 8. Do not kick above your waist
2.2 Tactics 2.2.1 Forms of Fighting Types of combat used in Goju
Ryu Karate and their order of preference (in order of frequency
used in forms):
1. Standing (Atemi Waza) a) Hands 70% b) Feet 20%
2. Throwing (Tachi Waza) 5%
3. Groundwork (Nae Waza) 5%
Throws5%
Feet20%
Hands70%
GroundWork5%
2.2.2 Forms of Compliance (In order of frequency used in
forms):
1. Striking anatomical weak areas -Temple, Throat, Solar Plexus,
Knees, Groin, Eyes, and others 2. Attacking the joints:
a) Hyperextension to move a joint in a direction past its normal
range of motion b) Dislocation to displace a bone from its normal
connection to another bone c) Lock to make fast by interlocking
parts of your body and your opponents body d) Separation - the act
of pulling apart or twisting apart
3. Throws to cause injury to your opponent by throwing them into
the ground with impetus 4. Nerve attacks are not stand alone
techniques, they are used in conjunction with other techniques 5.
Chokes
a) Air b) Blood Flow
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3.0 West Seattle Karate Academy - Dojo Rules The following rules
have been promulgated for the West Seattle Karate Academy: { Always
bow toward the dojo before stepping on or off the training floor. {
Don't be late. If you are late to class, bow and ask the instructor
for permission to join class. { Remember to get a drink, go to the
bathroom, etc. before class begins. { If you become ill or are
injured during class, bow and ask your instructor for permission to
sit out. { Never wear shoes on the dojo floor. { All shoes must be
lined up on the edge of the floor, coats and clothing hung-up. {
Swearing and foul language have no place in the Dojo. { Always bow
before speaking to an instructor or higher rank. { Never wear
watches or jewelry during class. { Always face away from higher
ranks when adjusting your uniform or tying/untying your belt. {
While traveling to and from the Dojo, you may wear your uniform but
you may not wear your belt in public. { You may not wear your belt
to class if you are not wearing your proper uniform. You must wear
you Gi
top or one of the approved T-shirts. { Testing and tournament
are formal events. Your uniform should clean. { No gum, food or
candy on the dojo floor. { Please do your part to help keep the
Dojo clean.
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4.0 Reishiki (Etiquette) 4.1 Introduction Reishiki comes from
two Japanese words. The first is Rei, which is defined as: bow,
salutation, salute, courtesy, propriety, ceremony, thanks and
appreciation. The second part of the term is Shiki, which is
defined as: ceremony, rite or function. Combined the term Reishiki
can translate as: etiquette or manners. Etiquette is an integral
part of Budo and without it we would be practicing nothing more
than violence. As we begin our training, the concepts of Reishiki
are taught to us as much of the art is, through observing those who
have come before us. Watching our seniors in training and in their
general actions and interactions in the dojo is an outstanding way
to learn, provided that the seniors have been observant over the
years. The more training a person receives the calmer, more
dignified, and humble that Karateka should become. The beginner
must practice etiquette in order to make him/herself a better
person. In addition to the Dojo rules above, the following is my
interpretation based on Kris Wilder Sensei and Scott Schweizer
Senseis instruction and recurring themes from other schools. 4.2
Respect the Traditions of the Art { There is no first strike in
Karate use it is for physical conditioning, mental discipline, and
defensive purposes
only { Learn the history of Goju Ry u Karate (and Matayoshi
Kobudo) { Understand the terminology of Karate (and Kobudo) {
Although bowing is foreign to American culture, it is required in
the Dojo as a sign of respect toward the Dojo,
instructors, other students, and training equipment such as the
Makiwara (striking post) { Follow the Dojo Kun (precepts or
virtues) { Wear the traditional Gi (uniform) in class { Do not wear
your Obi (belt) outside of the Dojo { Place left hand over right in
Yoi (ready) position { Fold your Gi left over right 4.3 Respect the
Dojo (school) { Bow upon entering and leaving the Dojo { Leave your
shoes and mundane clothing neatly by the door { Keep the Dojo neat
and clean { Put away equipment at the end of each class session or
when you are done using it as appropriate { Face away from the
Shomen (front or place of honor) or senior students/teachers when
adjusting your Gi { Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in class { Do
not swear or use inappropriate language in class 4.4 Respect the
Instructor(s) { Bow before and after receiving instruction { Arrive
at class on-time { Be attentive { Try to follow along even when you
do not understand (i.e. if in doubt, fake it) { Determine when and
how it is appropriate to ask questions by emulating senior students
{ Always be polite { If you arrive after the class has already
started, warm up and wait for instructors invitation to join in {
Volunteer to help set-up and tear-down the room and do other
administrative tasks as needed 4.5 Respect the Other Students { Bow
before and after practicing together { Line up according to rank {
When students are lined-up formally go around the rows, do not walk
between them { If you arrive late, line up in the back both at the
beginning and end of class { Respect your elders and defer to those
of higher rank { In the Dojo, we are all Karateka treat both males
and females the same (as warriors) { Help those who know less than
you
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{ Learn from those who know more than you { Be polite { Never
intentionally hurt anyone in class { Remove jewelry and keep your
finger and toenails short to avoid accidentally injuring others 4.6
Respect Yourself { Be sure that your Gi (uniform) is clean and neat
{ Always warm-up before practicing { Know your physical condition
and practice accordingly { Never lose your temper { Work hard to
improve your health, physical conditioning, and skill at Karate
(and Kobudo) { Try to learn something new, no matter how small,
from every person in every class { Ensure proper balance and
harmony between home life, work life, and martial arts practice
Dozo One Gaishimasu means, please teach me. Arigato Gozaimashita
means, thank you very much for teaching me. These phrases are said
when bowing to instructors and other students before and after
practicing together.
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5.0 Opening / Closing Ceremonies Always bow when entering or
leaving the Dojo. Each training session will usually begin and end
with a short ceremony to show respect for the head instructor,
guest instructors, the Dojo, and the fellow students. Our ceremony
usually goes as follows: 5.1 Opening Ceremony Instructor: Claps
twice Line up (Shugo) Head student: Ki o Tsuke Attention Head
student: Seiza Kneel Head student: Mokuso Hajime Close
eyes/meditate Instructor: Mokuso Yame Open eyes/end meditation Head
student: Shomen Ni Face forward (towards Shomen) Head student: Rei
Bow (right hand forward first followed by left, then bow) Head
student: Sensei Ni Face towards instructor. Head student: Rei Bow
Everybody: Dozo One Gaishimasu Please teach me. Said to the
instructor as you bow to start class and to fellow students before
you begin working together. Head student: Yudansha Ni Face towards
black belts or guest instructor(s), if any Head student: Rei Bow
Everybody: Dozo One Gaishimasu Please teach me Head student: Shomen
Ni Face front Instructor: Tatsue Straighten or stand up 5.2 Closing
Ceremony Instructor: Claps twice Line up (Shugo) Head student: Ki o
Tsuke Attention Head student: Seiza Kneel Head student: Mokuso
Hajime Close eyes/meditate Instructor: Mokuso Yame Open eyes/end
meditation Head student: Dojo Kun Shout the Dojo Kun responsively
(whole class) Head student: Shomen Ni Face forward (towards Shomen)
Head student: Rei Bow Head student: Sensei Ni Face towards
instructor Head student: Rei Bow Everybody: Arigato Gozaimashita
Thank you very much for teaching me. Said as you bow to the
instructor at the end of class and to fellow students when you end
working together. Head student: Yudansha Ni Face towards black
belts or guest instructor(s), if any Head student: Rei Bow
Everybody: Arigato Gozaimashita Thank you for teaching me Head
student: Otogai Ni Face towards other student(s) Head student: Rei
Bow Everybody: Arigato Gozaimashita Thank you for teaching me Head
student: Shomen Ni Face front Instructor: Tatsue Straighten or
stand up Instructor: Kurasant Jantov Good Night (honored guests)
All Clap several times Applause
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6.0 Dojo Kun (precepts or virtues) 6.1 Introduction The Dojo Kun
are usually posted at the front of a Dojo. They are recited either
at the opening or the closing of class (or both) depending on the
Dojo. The Dojo recites its Kun, or virtues, in hopes of making all
those attending or listening better people in general, both
physically and mentally. While each person may not have the same
exact belief or definition for each virtue, this ritual is meant to
instill a positive ideal in each person hearing it. Typically the
most senior student in the class recites one line, which is then
repeated by the entire class until the progression is ended.
Through the practice of Karate, the discipline of the body and
mind, and the reciting of virtue we become better people, of higher
nature, and better in contact with ourselves. Although Dojo Kun
tends to be similar within most Goju Ryu schools, the exact wording
varies somewhat by instructor and system. The Dojo Kun are not
numbered as each item is equally important. We sometimes say Itos
(meaning first or most important) before each virtue. The following
is used at the West Seattle Dojo 6.2 West Seattle Karate Academy
Dojo Kun We Karateka: { Respect good manners { Practice a sense of
harmony { Learn to persevere { Give our minds to application { Make
every effort to agree among heart and technique { As students, and
later teachers, will follow the Dojo rules
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7.0 Daruma (warm-up exercises) It is essential to always warm-up
before practicing and to know your physical condition and practice
accordingly. Proper hydration and breathing are also of paramount
importance. Exercises begin with jumping jacks or other aerobic
activity to warm and loosen the muscles so that stretching will not
cause injury. Once warm, proceed to stretch the joints, then
stretch the tendons and finally to build muscles, in that order.
When stretching joints or tendons, work from the ground up. When
building muscles be sure to work opposing groups (e.g. when doing
sit-ups also do back lifts, when building biceps also work triceps,
etc.). A typical routine might go something like this (this is
representative, not an all inclusive list): 7.1 Warm-up
1. Jumping Jacks (and/or light jogging) 7.2 Stretch Joints
2. Stretch Toes (curls and cross-foot stretch) 3. Stretch Whole
Foot (curls) 4. Stretch Ankle (circular motion) 5. Stretch Knees
(hands on knees, rotate in circular motion) 6. Stretch Hips (hands
on hips, rotate in circular motion) 7. Stretch Torso (hands on
hips, rotate in circular motion and arms extended windmill stretch)
8. Stretch Shoulders (arms extended circles) 9. Stretch Neck
(circular motion)
7.3 Stretch Tendons
10. Stretch Knees (drop to Shiko Dachi with hands on knees and
rock back-and-forth) 11. Stretch Legs (feet together and touch
toes, then cross feet and touch toes) 12. Stretch Groin (sit
butterfly style with feet touching, pull-in while pressing down on
knees) 13. Stretch Torso (drop to Shiko with hands supporting at
knees, lift up while turtling neck and inhaling,
then drop down with exhale and repeat) 14. Stretch Shoulders
(elbow raised above head, grip back and pull back and hands behind
then lift up) 15. Stretch Wrists (make a wall with support hand
then bent wrist stretch, and capture fingers pulling
downward, and twist toward thumb stretch) 7.4 Build Muscles
16. Crunch sit-ups and/or Back lifts 17. Push ups and/or
mountain push-ups (two person) 18. Scoop ups (front arms together,
legs spread wide, move down and forward then back) 19. Finger Grips
20. Hojo Undo exercises (e.g. Chiishi, Makiwara, or Nigiri Game)
21. Basic technique (punches, kicks, blocks, etc.) or Kata (e.g.
Taikyoku or Hookiyu) practice
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8.0 Karate Terminology 8.1 General Terminology Ashi Leg Bunkai
Techniques and applications of a Kata Chudan Middle area Dojo
Classroom Daruma Warm-up exercises Gedan Lower area Fah Jing
Explosive power (loose flowing movement, then tense entire body
with strike,
kind of like a sneeze) Go Hard Goshin Do Self-defense techniques
Hajime Begin Happo no Kuzushi Eight directions of imbalance Hantai
When used as a command, this means to switch to a position or
posture opposite
to the one previously in. Hidari Left Hikite Push/pull Jodan
Upper area Ju Soft Kamae Combative posture (generally one hand in
chamber and the other in Uke or
receiving position) Kansetsu Joint Karate-do Way or path of
karate (from the Chinese Tao) Karateka Karate practitioner Kata
Sequence of pre-arranged movements and techniques Ki Spirit and
energy Kiai Shout given as technique is delivered to focus energy
Kime Focus Kumite Sparring Ma-Ai Correct distancing or timing with
respect to one's partner Mokuso Meditation Migi Right Muchimi
Emphasis/power Mudansha Kyu belts (colored belts white through
brown) Nigiri Fingers Obi Belt or sash Otogai Fellow students Rei
Bow Seiken Normal karate fist (striking 70/30 with front two
knuckles) Seiza Kneel Shime Choke or strangle Shomen Front (place
of honor or shrine) Tai Sabaki Moving/shifting Tanden Lower abdomen
(or Hara) Te Hand Tori Attacker (such as in Bunkai practice) Tsuki
Thrust Uchi Strike Uke Receive or block (also refers to the
defender in Bunkai practice) Ukeme Break falls Waza Technique Yame
Stop Yoi Ready Yudansha Black belts (or guest instructors)
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8.2 Counting One Ichi Two Ni Three San Four Shi (or Yon) Five Go
Six Roku Seven Shichi Eight Hachi Nine Ku Ten Ju Twenty Niju Thirty
Sanju Forty Yonju Fifty Goju Sixty Rokuju Seventy Nanaju Eighty
Hachiju Ninety Kuju One Hundred Hyaku 8.3 Supplementary Exercises
Equipment (Hojo Undo) Chiishi Concrete or stone weight mounted on a
wood handle used for strength conditioning of upper
body Makige Kigu Wooden handle with suspended weight rolled to
strengthen wrists Makiwara Padded striking post for practicing
Tsuki, Uchi, and Ashi Waza Nigiri Game Gripping jars used to
strengthen fingers Tan Heavy wooden log used for strength and
conditioning exercises Tau Bundle of bamboo sticks used for Nukite
practice and finger conditioning Tetsuarei Free weights 8.4 Moving
/ Shifting Techniques (Tae Sabaki Waza) Ayumi Ashi Natural stepping
Chakuchi Replacing De Ashi Forward Hiri Ashi Backward Keri Ashi
Kicking foot Mawari Ashi Circular Suri Ashi Sliding step or shift
Tenshin Moving, shifting Tsugi Ashi Shuffling step Tubi Ashi
Jumping Yoko Ashi Lateral step Yori Ashi Dragging step
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8.5 Stances (Tachi Waza)
Hansa
Heiko Dachi
Heisoku Dachi
Kokutsu Dachi
Masubi Dachi
Neko Ashi Dachi
Renoji Dachi
Sanchin Dachi
Seiza
Shiko Dachi
Tsuruashi Dachi
Zenkutsu Dachi
It has been said that nature kills a horse from the ground up. A
horse that cannot walk or run properly is unable to search for food
or escape from predators.
Similarly, a martial artist whose body is out of position will
surely be defeated.
Strength of technique and ability to move to attack or defend
rely on proper footwork and good balance.
Pictures to the left represent common stances found in Goju Ryu
Karate.
A more complete listing with detailed descriptions follows
below.
Bensoku Dachi (crossed-leg stance) One leg crossed over the
other with both knees bent.
Front foot flat on ground. Rear leg supported on ball of foot.
Front foot facing to outside at 45.
Fudo Dachi (free stance) Feet shoulder-width apart with toes
pointing inward. Gyaku-Zenkutsu Dachi (rear defense stance)
Zenkutsu Dachi reversed so that straight leg points
forward. Head and torso turned to face forward, leaning to the
rear.
Hachiji Dachi (natural stance) Feet shoulder-width apart, toes
pointing slightly outwards.
Hakusura Dachi (crane stance) Front leg raised with thigh
straight perpendicular to body and knee bent 45. Toes point down.
Back leg slightly bent with body erect.
Hansa (sitting) Sitting with legs crossed in front of body
(Indian style). Heiko Dachi (natural stance) Feet parallel,
shoulder-width apart. Heisoku Dachi (closed foot stance) Feet and
heels together, legs straight and relaxed. Kiba Dachi (side facing
horse stance) Feet roughly two shoulder-widths apart, parallel,
toes
pointed forwards, facing sideways. Kokutsu Dachi (back stance)
Rear knee bent, with foot facing to the outside. Forward
leg approximately two shoulder-widths in front of and
perpendicular to rear foot (i.e. facing forwards). 70% of weight on
rear leg, 30% on forward leg.
Migi Heiko Dachi (natural stance right forward) Right foot
forward Heiko Dachi. Masubi Dachi (formal attention stance) Heels
together, foot pointing outward 45. Naihanchi Dachi (toe-in horse
stance) Kiba Dachi with the heels out and toes in Naname Shiko
Dachi (diagonal straddle stance) Diagonal Shiko Dachi. Neko-Ashi
Dachi (cat stance) Rear knee bent, with foot flat on ground, and
toes facing
to the outside. Resting lightly (10%) on the front leg,
approximately one shoulder-width from the rear leg.
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Toes of front foot facing forwards, flat on ground with heel of
foot raised. Crouching slightly, with front leg in center of body,
bent a little at the knee. Torso erect.
Nissin Dachi (side defense stance) Legs parallel with front leg
straight, back leg bent. 30% of weight on front leg, 70% on back
leg. Head faces sideways.
Renoji Dachi (L stance) Feet one shoulder width apart, front leg
just off center of body pointing directly forwards. Rear leg
pointing outward 45. Weight distributed 50/50.
Sagiashi Dachi (one-leg heron stance) Leg raised and tucked
behind knee of supporting leg. Supporting leg bent at knee and foot
turned outward, weight shifted back above supporting leg.
Sanchin Dachi (hourglass stance) Feet shoulder-width apart,
weight distributed 60/40. Knees tensed and pulled inwards. Forward
foot slightly ahead of rear foot. Toes pointed slightly inward.
Back straight and hips tensed with pelvis pulled forwards and
upwards.
Seiza (kneeling) Sitting in kneeling position on heels. Sesan
Dachi (side facing straddle stance) Shiko Dachi, but looking
directly to the side. Shiko Dachi (straddle stance) Feet spread
approximately two shoulder-widths apart;
toes pointed outward at 45. Weight distributed evenly over both
legs. Knees bent deeply and pulled back as far as possible with
torso erect. Lower legs/shins approximately vertical.
Shozenkutsu Dachi (half-front stance) Same as Zenkutsu Dachi,
but feet only one shoulder-width behind lead foot.
Tsuruashi Dachi (one-foot stance) Back (supporting) leg slightly
bent, front leg elevated with knee horizontal and lower leg angling
downward toward knee of supporting leg (Seisan Kata).
Uchi-Hachiji Dachi (toe-in natural stance) Hachiji Dachi with
feet pointing slightly inwards. Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance)
Forward leg bent at the knee, rear leg locked and
extended approximately two shoulder-widths behind lead foot,
torso erect. If you drop to a kneeling position, back knee aligns
with front heel. Weight distributed 70/30.
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8.6 Blocking / Receiving Techniques (Uke Waza)
Gedan Uke
Jodan Uke
Juji Uke
Kakai Uke
Koken Uke
Nagashi Uke
Uchi Uke
These pictures represent a variety of blocks found in Goju Ryu
Karate. A more complete listing follows below. Note that the range
is usually much closer than shown here.
Uke actually means to receive rather than simply block. A strong
block looks and feels much like an attack to your opponent.
Blocks to the outside of an opponents arm should be above the
elbow to jam/disrupt while protecting against an elbow strike.
Blocks to the inside of an opponents arm should be below the
elbow so that they cannot strike around your block.
Age Uke Rising block Ashi Uke Leg block Chudan Uke Middle inside
circular (chest level) block Gedan Barai Uke Downward circular
block Gedan Uchi Barai Outside downward block (open hand) Gedan Uke
Downward (waist level) block Heisoku Barai Instep block Hara Uke
Archer block (from Seiyunchin) Harai Uke Sweep block (deflects a
kick, like in Gekisai Kata Bunkai) Hiji Uke Elbow block Hiki Uke
Pulling/grasping open hand chest block Hiza Uke Knee block Jodan
Uke Upward (head) block Joge Uke Double block Juji Uke X block
Kakai Uke Hooking block (Gekiha, Seisan) Koken Uke Wrist block Kosa
Uke Cross block Mawashi Uke Round house or wheel block Marote Uke
Double hand (augmented) block Nagashi Uke Sweeping block Osai Uke
Pressing block Shotei Otoshi Uke Open hand dropping block Shotei
Uke Palm heel block Shuto Uke Knife hand block Sokutei Harai Uke
Sole of the foot block Sokutei Osai Uke Pressing block with the
sole of the foot Soto Uke Outside forearm block Sukui Uke Scooping
block Tomoe Uke Circular block (same as Mawashi Uke) Uchi Uke
Inside forearm block Ude Uke Forearm block (wing block) Ura Uke
Back hand block Yama Uke Mountain block (open hands start up like
Seiyunchin, drop like Sanchin) Yoko Uke Circular block
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8.7 Hand Techniques (Te Waza)
Age Tsuki
Gyaku Tsuki
Mawashe Tsuki
Marote Tsuki
Oi Tsuki
Yama Tsuki
These pictures represent a variety of hand techniques found in
Goju Ryu Karate. A more complete listing with descriptions follows
below.
Ippon Ken
Nukite Tsuki
Seiken Tsuki Tetsui Uchi
Strikes work against your opponents force, while throws work
with it.
In order to deliver blows with maximum force aim attacks through
your opponent, rather than at him/her, aligning the angle of attack
and striking surface to your opponents body.
Utilize pressure point and vital area attacks whenever possible
to enhance your chances of success.
Age Tsuki Rising punch (uppercut) Awase Tsuki U punch Boshiken
Tsuki Thumb fist Choku Tsuki Straight thrust punch Chudan Tsuki
Chest punch Chukoken Tsuki Knuckle punch (second knuckle of middle
finger) Furi Tsuki Circular punch Furi Uchi Swing strike (back
fist) Gyaku Tsuki Reverse punch (rear fist) Haito Uchi Ridge hand
strike Hasami Tsuki Scissors punch (double knuckle strike point
inward) Heiko Tsuki Parallel punch Heiko Hiji Ate Horizontal elbow
strike Hiji Ate Elbow strike Hiraken Tsuki Knuckle punch (second
knuckle of all four fingers) Hiza Ate Knee strike Ippon-Ken
Standing fist with knuckle of index or middle finger extended Kagi
Tsuki Hook punch Kaikoken Tsuki Crab shell fist punch (second
knuckle of index finger) Kama-De Uchi Bear hand (claw) strike
Keikoken Tsuki One knuckle fist Kizami Tsuki Leading punch, or jab
(front fist) Koken Uchi Bent wrist strike Kote Uchi Forearm strike
Mawashi Tsuki Round hook punch Marote Tsuki Double punch Nagashi
Tsuki Flowing punch Nai Wan Uchi Dead arm strike Nakadaka Ken
Middle finger knuckle fist Nakanishuto Inside sword hand Nihon
Tsuki Double punch Nukite Tsuki Finger thrust
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Oi Tsuki Lunge punch Sanbon Tsuki Triple punch Seiken Tsuki Fore
fist (standard) punch Shita Tsuki Palm up center (uppercut) punch
Shotei Tsuki Palm heel thrust Shotei Uchi Palm heel strike Shuto
Uchi Knife hand strike Sotoshuto Outside sword hand Tate Tsuki
Vertical (standing fist) punch Tetsui Uchi Hammer fist strike Ura
Tsuki Short uppercut punch (palm side up) Uraken Uchi Whipping back
fist strike Washi-De Uchi Eagle hand (fi ngers together like beak)
strike Yama Tsuki Mountain (U) punch 8.7.1 Te Waza Dai Ichi This is
the first combination hand technique. Sequence is Jodan Uke (head
block), Chudan Uchi Uke (inside forearm block), Uraken Uchi (back
fist), Gedan Uke (down block), Gedan Gyaku Tsuki (downward reverse
punch). Switch sides and repeat. Optionally, this sequence can be
done using both hands simultaneously or one movement out of synch.
Another option is to complete the original sequence then reverse
the order (forward and back).
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8.8 Foot Techniques (Ashi Waza)
Hiza Geri
Kakato Geri
Mae Geri
Mawashe Geri
Mikazuki Geri
Ushiro Geri
Yoko Geri
These pictures represent a variety of foot techniques found in
Goju Ryu Karate. A more complete listing follows below.
In Goju Ryu we generally do not kick above the waist unless an
opponent is bent over in such a way as to make the upper body a
ready target.
Strikes work against your opponents force, while sweeps work
with it.
All kicks begin by raising the knee (Hiza Geri). Range is often
close enough that your upraised knee strikes first, and then you
strike again with the kick that follows.
Ashi Barai Foot sweep Fumikomi Geri Stamping kick Gyaku Mawashi
Geri Reverse round house kick Heisoku Geri Kicking with the instep
Hiza Geri Knee kick Kakato Geri Stomping Heel kick Kansetsu Geri
Joint kick Mae Geri Keage Front snap kick Mae Geri Kekomi Front
thrust kick Mae Geri Front kick Mae Tobi Geri Jumping front kick
Mawashi Geri Round house kick Nakanimikazuki Geri Inside hook kick
Nidan Geri Double front snap kick (back leg first) Ren Geri Double
front snap kick (front leg first) Sokuto Geri Kicking with the foot
edge (foot sword) Sotomikazuki Outside hook kick Tobi Nidan Geri
Jumping double kick Tsumasaki Geri Kicking with the tips of the
toes Ushiro Geri Back thrust kick Ushiro Mawashi Geri Round house
to the rear kick Yoko Geri Keage Side snap kick Yoko Geri Kekomi
Side thrust kick Yoko Geri Side kick Yoko Tobi Geri Jumping side
thrust kick 8.8.1 Ashi Waza Dai Ichi This is the first combination
foot technique. Sequence is Mae Geri (front kick), Mikazuki Geri
(hook kick), Mikazuki Geri (hook kick), Ushiro Geri (back kick),
Yoko Geri (side kick). Switch sides and repeat. 8.8.2 Sensei
Schweizers Ground Fighting Exercise 1. Begin in Heiko Dachi
(natural stance) 2. Move hands up into Yoi position, then execute a
standing Ukemi Waza (backward breakfall). 3. Immediately roll to
left-side Ukemi (breakfall) position and execute a Yoko Geri (side
kick) with the right foot. 4. Roll to the right side Ukemi
(breakfall) position and execute a Yoko Geri (side kick) with the
left foot.
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Goju Ryu Karate / Matayoshi Kobudo Notes
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5. Roll back to the left side Ukemi (breakfall) position and
execute a Mikazuki Geri (hook kick) with the right foot while
pulling the left leg back and in (similar to leg scissors takedown
in Judo).
6. Roll back to the right side Ukemi (breakfall) position and
execute a Mikazuki Geri (hook kick) with the left foot while
pulling the right leg back and in (similar to leg scissors takedown
in Judo).
7. Roll to center position, slide hands back and lift your body
so that you balance on hands and feet. 8. Immediately execute an
upward Kakato Geri (heel kick) with the right leg, thrusting toward
opponents
stomach. 9. Without changing position, follow with an upward
Kakato Geri (heel kick) with the left leg, thrusting toward
opponents stomach. 10. Shift your weight to the left and execute
a Fumikomi Geri (stamping kick with bottom of foot) with the left
leg
aiming at the opponents ankle. 11. Shoot your left leg back past
your left arm, rising into Shiko Dachi (straddle stance) while
executing a right
hand Chudan Uke (middle block). 12. Shift back into Heiko Dachi
(natural stance) 8.9 Sparring Terminology (Kumite) Fuku Shiki
Kumite Free style sparring with emphasis on Kata application Go
Kumite Full-contact sparring Go no Sen Receive and respond Goshin
Do Ippon Kumite Prearranged sparring for self-defense application
Ippon Kumite One step sparring (block and counter) Jiyu Ippon
Kumite Free one step sparring, emphasis on technique Jiyu Kumite
Hard and fast controlled continuous free fighting Kiso Kumite
Prearranged sparring Randori Kumite Slow and soft free style
sparring with emphasis on technique San Dan Gi Basic three
step/three level sparring Sanbon Kumite Three step sparring Sanbon
Shobu Kumite Three point competition (tournament Karate) Sen no Sen
Meet before the attack is complete (intercept) Sen Sen no Sen Move
as opponents intent is formed (to an outsider this may look as if
you
attacked) Yakusoku Kumite Prearranged sparring
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Goju Ryu Karate / Matayoshi Kobudo Notes
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9.0 Break-Fall Techniques (Ukemi Waza) There are four basic
types of falls: front, back, side, and rolling. Properly executed
Ukemi cushions vital areas, absorbs shock, and allows you to be
thrown to the ground without injury. 9.1 Front Falls Kneeling Kneel
with your heels raised. Let yourself fall forward. Just before your
body hits the
ground, slap down with both hands. Your forearms should slant
outward at a 45-degree angle. Support yourself on your hands and
toes in a similar position to that of doing push-ups.
Squatting Squat with your hands on your thighs. Fall forward.
Just before your body hits the
ground, slap down with both hands. Your forearms should slant
outward at a 45-degree angle. Support yourself on your hands and
toes in a similar position to that of doing push-ups.
Standing From a natural standing position with your feet close
together and your arms at your
sides, lean forward and let yourself fall. Just before your body
hits the ground, slap down with both hands. Your forearms should
slant outward at a 45-degree angle. Support yourself on your hands
and toes in a similar position to that of doing push-ups.
9.2 Back Falls Seated From a seated position, roll back and let
your feet ride up. Slap the ground as the small
of your back hits. Let the momentum carry your buttocks up. Your
upper body should remain in contact with the ground. Be sure your
hand slaps close to your body (6 to 10 away). Tuck your chin to
your chest so that your head will not impact the ground.
Standing From a standing position, do the same technique
described above, but drop straight
down to a squatting position before rolling back to slap. When
the legs have reached their peak and begin to swing back down, use
that momentum to bring your body back up into a standing
position.
9.3 Side Falls Lying Down Move from side to side. When moving
right slap with the palm of the right hand. When
moving left slap with the palm of the left hand. The hand not in
use should be placed on your stomach. Be sure your hand slaps close
to your body (6 to 10 away). Keep your head up off the mat with
your chin tucked-in. Legs should be slightly bent and apart. When
rolling from side to side, whip your legs up and back down again.
Be sure to end up with your upper body flat against the ground so
that you will not roll too much.
Standing Stand with the feet shoulder width apart. Kick the left
leg across the right side and raise
the left hand to the right side. Squat straight down, continuing
to raise the left arm. Continue to descend until the left buttock
hits the floor. Roll back and bring the arm forcefully down to the
ground. The side of the left leg should make contact with the
ground at about the same time as the left hand slaps. The right
hand goes to the stomach. This can be done to the reverse side as
well. Be sure your hand slaps close to your body (6 to 10 away).
Keep your head up off the mat with your chin tucked-in. Legs should
be slightly bent and apart. Be sure to keep the knees from crossing
or knocking together. The upper leg should land on the ball of your
foot for greater impact absorption.
9.4 Rolling Falls Standing Rolling falls are only done from a
standing position. Start with feet shoulder width apart.
Step forward with the right foot naturally turned to the left.
Bend at the knees and hips
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and place the hands between the right and left feet, fingers
pointed towards each other. Lean forward so that the toes of the
right foot are your only means of support. Look back at the left
foot and begin to roll over your right shoulder with your chin
tucked-in against your chest. Once contact is made, continue
through getting ready to bring the right hand to the mat and the
left to the stomach. Continuing through the body should roll to the
right side and end up in the same position as a side fall. This
Ukemi is usually repeated to the opposite side, alternating as you
transverse the Dojo floor. Be sure to point the fingers inward to
protect your wrist. Also be sure to roll over the shoulder, not the
head (like a somersault).
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Goju Ryu Karate / Matayoshi Kobudo Notes
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10.0 Strangling / Choking Techniques (Shime Waza) 10.1
Introduction There are two types of choking technique. By applying
pressure to the trachea of an opponent, you can cut off the oxygen
supply to his or her lungs. The second method applies pressure to
the carotid arteries, denying a blood supply to the brain. While
both are effective, the latter is somewhat less painful. 10.2
Techniques Okuri Eri Jime Sliding lapel strangle (assisting arm
choke). Done from behind using opponents clothing
to execute the technique. Reach around from behind to grab the
lapel with your right hand. With the left hand, come up under the
chin and encircle the neck, gripping the lapel with the thumb to
the inside of their Gi or clothing. Pull in and down with the right
hand and in and around with the left hand. Defense: grab the
outside of your opponents right sleeve or arm at the shoulder with
both hands, pull down hard, lean backward, and slip your head
free.
Kata Ha Jime One-side wing-strangle (single arm trap choke).
Done from the front. Opponents
clothing helps, but is not required for this technique. From the
regular Okuri-Eri-Jime (sliding lapel strangle), the attackers
right arm releases and is brought straight up. This will raise the
opponents arm and shoulder. The left hand remains gripping the Gi
or clothing under the chin. The right arm of the attacker is
directed in the back of the opponents head, trapping their arm high
in the air. Pull back with the left arm while pushing forward with
the right. Defense: when your opponent is about to put his/her left
arm behind your neck, pull it down with your right hand and bend
your head backward.
Juji Jime Cross-strangle. Done from the front using opponents
clothing to execute the technique.
Can be done from on top or under your opponent. Place your right
thumb on the inside of the opponents right lapel. With the left
hand, place the fingers to the inside of the opponents left lapel
with the palm facing towards your. Simultaneously pull in and down
with the left hand while the right hand pulls in and the elbow goes
across the opponents neck for the choke. Defense: twist to your
right side; get your left arm under your opponents left arm, and
place the palm of your left hand at the back of your neck. Push
his/her left elbow with your right hand or both elbows at the same
time and roll him/her off to your left side.
Hadaka Jime Naked-strangle (bare arm choke). Done from behind.
Opponents clothing is not
required to execute the technique. Version 1 Bring the right arm
under and across the opponents chin. Clasp both hands together with
the right hand palm down. Push forward with the right shoulder and
pull back with both clasped arms. Version 2 Reach around the
opponents neck with your right arm palm down. Place the right hand
on the biceps with the little finger at the bend of the elbow. Next
bend the left-arm over the grasping right hand and place it behind
the opponents head. Squeeze in and backwards with the right arm
while pushing forward with the right hand. Defense: grab the
outside of your opponents right sleeve or arm at the shoulder with
both hands, pull down hard, lean backward, and slip your head
free.
Sode Guruma Jime Sleeve wheel choke. Done from the front.
Opponents clothing is not required to execute
the technique. Put your right forearm against your opponents
throat and your left forearm against the back of his/her neck.
Grasp your right lower sleeve or forearm with your left hand and
thrust your right hand into the right side of his/her neck. Apply
pressure by making circular movements with both arms.
Sangaku Jime Triangle-strangle. Done from behind. Opponents
clothing is not required to execute the
technique. Apply pressure to your opponents neck by wrapping
your right leg over his/her left shoulder and your left leg under
his/her right armpit. Catch your right foot
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Goju Ryu Karate / Matayoshi Kobudo Notes
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under the back of his/her left knee diagonally. Squeeze your
legs to put pressure on the left side of the neck.
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Goju Ryu Karate / Matayoshi Kobudo Notes
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11.0 Joint Locking Techniques (Kansetsu Waza) 11.1 Introduction
Joint locks are directed against the opponents joints, which are
twisted, stretched, or bent with the hands, arms or legs. This can
cause dislocation or hyperextension of the entangled limb. These
techniques are described from only one side but can obviously be
done from the reverse side as well. 11.2 Techniques Ude Garami
Entangled arm lock. Done on the ground. Taking your opponents wrist
in your left hand,
put your right forearm underneath his left upper arm, and grab
your own left wrist. Lock his elbow joint by pressing against his
upper arm with your right forearm. For this technique to be
effective, you must control your opponents left arm and apply
efficient leverage. The same lock can be applied while on top or
underneath an opponent. Defense: grab your own left wrist with your
right hand, turn your body to the left, and stand up. Another
defense is to grab your own belt or jacket with your left hand,
turn over to your left, then stand up before your opponent can
re-apply the technique from behind.
Juji Gatame Cross arm lock. This technique is generally applied
on the ground, either when your
opponent is still holding your left sleeve after you have thrown
him/her, or when your approach him from his/her right side kneeling
on your left knee and he grabs for you with his/her right hand. The
same technique can be applied while on ones back. While holding
your opponents right wrist with both hands, trap his/her right arm
between your thighs and bend it back toward the elbow on the
little-finger side. Be sure there is no space between his/her arm
and your body. Hook your right leg over your opponents
neck/shoulder and press your left leg into his/her left side.
Leverage with your whole body against his/her arm strength.
Defense: with your left hand, grab your right wrist or lower right
sleeve before your opponent can take hold of it and twist and bend
to your right. If caught in this lock, turn and bend your right arm
until your elbow points to the side. Push your opponents left leg
away with your left hand, then roll your body to the left until it
is parallel with your opponents, then pull your arm free.
Zempaku Gatame Arm arm lock. This technique can be done standing
or lying down. This can be used
against a front grab. Pull your opponents left wrist against
your right shoulder, place your hands or right forearm above the
elbow of his/her outstretched arm, and press it downward toward
your body bringing pressure to bear on his/her left elbow. Be sure
that your opponents arm is straight and fully extended. Defense:
instead of attempting to pull free, simply push your arm past your
opponents shoulder and bend it.
Hiza Gatame Knee arm lock. Hold your opponents right wrist in
your left armpit and press down on
his/her elbow from the outside with your left knee. It is very
important to coordinate three movements: push against the opponents
right side with your left foot, break his/her balance forward, and
press his/her right elbow with your left knee. Defense: twist your
right wrist clockwise and pull it out of your opponents armpit,
push your arm through his/her armpit to relieve pressure on your
elbow, and then roll forward over his/her body.
Waki Gatame Armpit arm lock. From the side, grip one of your
opponents wrists with both hands and
hold his arm in your armpit. Stretch his/her elbow and lock the
straightened arm. Hara Gatame Stomach arm lock. Grip one of our
opponents wrists from the side using either left or
right hand. Use your stomach or chest to apply pressure to
his/her elbow. Lock the elbow by straightening, twisting, or
bending the arm.
Ashi Gatame Leg arm lock. With your opponent face down on the
ground and you to one side, catch
his/her forearm with one leg. Straighten to bend the arm and
lock the elbow.
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Goju Ryu Karate / Matayoshi Kobudo Notes
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Te Gatame Hand arm lock. From your opponents right side, slip
your left hand through his/her right armpit and grasp his left
front collar. Take hold of his/her right wrist with your right
hand, straighten his/her arm, and lock the elbow. It is also
possible to grasp his/her wrist with one or both hands and apply a
lock to the elbow by twisting his/her arm behind your opponents
back.
Sangaku Gatame Triangular arm lock. Wrap one leg over your
opponents shoulder and the other under
the opposite side armpit to control the head. This can b