Hard styles of martial arts tend to meet an attacker's force with an opposing force. Soft styles usually redirect an opponent's force and use it against him. Goju-ryu, which is Japanese for "hard-soft style," is a traditional martial art that combines both of these concepts. Goju-ryu, one of the original forms of karate, developed on the island of Okinawa more than 75 years ago.
History
The roots of traditional goju-ryu karate trace back to China in the late 1800s. At that time, Master Ryu Ryu Ko began teaching gong fu to an Okinawan teenager, Kanryo Higashionna. After training in China for more than a decade, Higashionna returned to Okinawa and began teaching martial arts. He combined Chinese and Okinawan martials arts influences in his lessons. One of Higashionna's students, Chojun Miyagi, founded goju-ryu in 1933.
Techniques
Goju-ryu emphasizes the use of "soft, circular blocking techniques with quick, strong counterattacks delivered in rapid succession," according to the website of Karate BC in British Columbia. An example of a counterattack is the palm-heel strike. To execute this technique, hit an attacker on the nose or chin with the palm of your hand. When you strike with your palm, as opposed to your knuckles, you reduce the chances of hurting your hand or wrist. Goju-ryu practitioners also defend themselves with kicks. Execute a front kick by lifting your knee and thrusting the ball of your foot into an opponent's solar plexus.
Kata
Several martial arts styles teach katas, choreographed routines. In katas, you practice blocking, striking and kicking techniques as you pretend to fight several opponents. Traditional Okinawan goju-ryu teaches 12 katas. If you want to test for different ranks and eventually achieve black belt, you need to proficiently perform these katas and understand their applications.
Kumite
Goju-ryu students practice kumite, or sparring, to improve their hand-to-hand combat skills. Kumite helps you develop the speed, timing and coordination that you need in a real fight. You can practice kumite via prearranged sparring, defending yourself against a predetermined attack. This prepares you for freestyle sparring, continuous, spontaneous fighting that can last for several minutes. This type of kumite improves your endurance.
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