History of Okinawa Goju Ryu
Okinawa Goju Ryu was designed to build upon human health and spiritual wellbeing. This system focuses on vitality training through breathing katas that are unique to Okinawa Goju Ryu. By incorporating both the hard, external nature and the soft, intrinsic nature, this practice literally translates as Hard Soft style. In addition, special training tools called Hojo Undo are used. This provides progressive strength training. Together these elements create a close-quarter battle system that is unique to the world of karate.
Eiichi Miyazato (1922-1999) was the only legitimate successor to Miyagi Chōjun Sensei (1888-1953). Miyagi Chōjun Sensei also trained a loyal cadre of superb Masters, such as Nanko Minei, Koshin Iha, Hichiya Sensei and Yasuda Sensei.
Eiichi Miyazato passed the torch to Yamanaka Sensei who in turn prepared his daughter, Jaime Yamanaka, who now heads the organization along with its directors.
Terminology
Hard Soft Style
A practice within Goju Ryu karate that balances both hard and soft practices
Hojo Undo
Translates to 'supplementary training', and using these tools is the key for developing the devastating power of karate techniques
Karate-Do
The way of the empty hand
Kata
A pre-set sequence of martial arts movements otherwise known as "forms"
Okinawa Goju Ryu
Karate Federation (Canada)
