Goju-ryu karate

Instructor: Sensei Dong Tran, 6th Dan
U.S. representative of the Goju-ryu International Karate Kobudo Federation

Focus of Training

Goju-ryu means "hard soft style" in Japanese. Hard styles of martial arts typically feature closed-hand techniques and linear attacks, while soft styles emphasize open hands and circular movements. True to its name, goju-ryu incorporates both hard and soft elements. Students learn hand punches and kicks as well as blocking, grappling, throwing, and redirecting an opponent.

Study includes cooperation, internal breath work, partner drills, body strengthening, and the in-depth study of ancient katas. Students of goju-ryu continue a long tradition of practice, as goju-ryu was officially granted koryu status (classical martial art) by the Dai Nippon Butokukai.

History and Lineage

Goju-ryu karate traces its lineage back in an unbroken line and exists today as an unembellished, authentic practice. A Chinese master nicknamed Ru Ru Ko in Fuzhou, Fukien Province, southern China taught the art to Kanryo Higaonna (1852-1916). When he returned to Naha, Okinawa, Higaonna sensei instructed Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953) and
Seko Higa (1898-1966).

When Higaonna sensei passed away, Higa sensei
joined Miyagi's dojo and became his assistant. Miyagi sensei named the art Goju-ryu in 1930, and, after he passed away in 1953, a number of his close students opened their own dojos. Seko Higa established his school and his organization, called the Goju-ryu Kokusai Karate Kobudo Renmei (International Goju-ryu Karate & Kobudo Federation) and gave the leadership of the Kokusai Federation to his son,
Sekichi Higa (1927-1999).

The 5th generation President of the Federation, Kurashita Eiki hanshi, who trained with both Seko and Sekichi Higa, is Tran sensei's teacher. Today, the 6th generation current President is Gushiken Zensei hanshi, 9th dan.