GOJU-RYU means "hard/soft school". It refers to the many concepts of balance that embody our style. For example, by becoming physically stronger ("hard") we can develop a more gentle ("soft") personality.

KARATE means "empty hands" or "Chinese hands". This refers to karate being a form of combat without weapons.

DO means "way". This means we consider karate to be a way of life and not just a sport.

These are specialised warm up and callisthenic exercises based upon karate techniques that prepare the body for karate practice. Every practice session begins with Junbi Undo.

The basics are the alphabet of karate and form the foundation of all subsequent practice. They consist mostly of stances, body movements and blocking, kicking and striking techniques. As a beginner you would start learning these straight away.

A Kata is a preset sequence of techniques and movements. The thirteen Kata that we practice are a library of techniques and strategies developed since the middle ages by many Chinese and Okinawan masters, the most recent of whom are Kanryo Higaonna and Chogun Miyagi. As with most Oriental fighting systems the Kata are the very heart of karate. All of the principles and methods of Goju-Ry are encoded within them and so consequently the study of the Kata and their applications is the most important aspect of our training.

Karate begins and ends with Kata. Kata is the essence and foundation of Karate and it represents the accumulation of more than a thousand years of knowledge. Formed by masters throughout the ages through dedicated training and research, the Kata are a map to guide us, and must never be changed or tampered with.

Sanchin Ichi (3 battles)
Sanchin Ni
Tensho (Rotating palms)

Gekisai-Dai-Ichi (To destroy introduction number 1)
Gekisai-Dai-Ni (To destroy introduction number 2)
Saifa (To destroy by pounding/pulverising)
Seiyunchin (Grasping, pulling, unbalancing)
Shisochin (To destroy in 4 directions)
Sanseru (36 hands or movements)
Sepai (18 hands or movements)
Kururunfa (Holding on long and striking suddenly)
Sesan (13 hands or movements)
Suparinpei (108 hands or movements)

Kumite complements Kata practice with sparring and other partner work. We practice a variety of set and semi-free sparring drills to develop timing and distance awareness, these are based upon the Kata. This eventually develops into free-sparring.

"Pushing hands" exercises are evident in most Chinese fighting systems. Kakei emphasises tactics, awareness and sensitivity at close range, reducing the reliance on visual senses. Once the basic exercises have been mastered, trapping, locking and take down techniques are introduce
HOJO UNDO (body conditioning) We use traditional Okinawan equipment and specialised exercises to build a strong and resilient body, improve coordination and develop focus. Many martial styles used to practice these exercises, but now few do.

We use traditional Okinawan equipment and specialist exercises to build a strong and resilient body, improve co-ordination and develop focus. Many martial art styles used to practice these exercises, but now few do.

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