Traditional Okinawan Style Karate Goju Ryu Karate-Do     "Go means hard and "Ju" means soft, hence Goju Ryu is translated as "Hard and Soft Style". "Kara" means empty and "Te" means hand and "Do" means way, translating to "The empty hand way." Goju Ryu is a blend of Okinawan "Te" (hand) and Chinese Kung Fu; with emphasis on the White Crane Style. Other Chinese influences include Pakua Chang, I Chuan, and Tai Chi Chuan. Goju Ryu is a close-range self-defense system, characterized by soft circular blocks, hard striking, joint manipulations and kicking techniques to lower body targets. Tradition     Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate has a very pure lineage. It is a traditional martial art that was handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken line, which means the art has not been diluted or embellished through the generations. Instead, traditional Okinawan Karate persists as a highly effective system today. It is not a sport style of karate, but offers its students a practical method of self-defense in any situation. The combination of the hard and soft elements compliment the grace and beauty of the Goju movements. The graceful movements of Goju and its defensive mechanics produce a very effective practical system. Goju practitioners train to a level of extreme swiftness in thought and physical application. Maximum training in the dojo will develop an attitude and a mindset of peace. Training     Goju techniques are distinctive, with great effectiveness. Many of the blocks and strikes are performed with exposed palms; they are fast and strong in application, and with a powerful snap. The movements are executed strategically in and out and in circular side patterns, in contrast to traditional karate of hard style, where movements are straight foreward and back.     The essence of Goju is the development of the individual. Through proper training in the art, the student acquires the mental, physical and spiritual harmony to face an ever-changing world. Change being constant, the student will learn and strive to use and understand the full range of their potential. Goju teaches calmness, confidence, and flexibility of the mind. The single-most important and recurring, and ever constant theme in Karate-Do is: "perpetual self improvement" True followers of Karate-Do understand that "nothing is impossible." The Crane     The Crane is our symbol. It represents simplicity, beauty, nature, character and the essence of life. It characterizes the goodness that our Organization represents by our membership, and our commitment to family and community involvement. As a Taoist representation its yang side represents its dynamic striking ability - smooth, flowing, lighting fast, effortless; with unyielding, unforgiving accuracy. The red interior represents health, strength, physical energy, passion, courage, and protection. The color of the element of fire, red is associated with blood (and thus, life and death), as well intense emotions. The black outline represents the banishing of negativity. The white represents protection and purification. The symbol is a reminder of natural law, the order of life, and the wisdom you need to live it. site map || contact us || Web Design: Kirk Waldroff