KGKA - Student Handbook - Edition 1 01/05

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2 Contents Contents 1. Introduction 2. History of Goju-ryu 3. Goju-ryu Karate International 4. Instructor Terry Brown 5. Dojo Etiquette 6. Training Attire 7. Grades & Gradings 8. Grades & Gradings cont. 9. Grading Syllabus 10. Goju Kata 11. Miscellaneous 12. Chishi 13. Terminology 14. Kempo Hakku 15. Kihon Article 16. Kata Article 17. Kumite Article 18. Fees

3 Page 1 St Peter's Church Hall Queenborough Rd Halfway Isle of Sheppey Kent ME12 3DD 9am to 11am Every Saturday Contact: Mobile tel terry@telsun.fsnet.co.uk The Kojima Goju-ryu Karate Academy (KGKA) was established by Terry Brown, January Views in this handbook are those of Terry Brown and are not necessarily endorsed by Goju-ryu Karate-do International. Due to Terry constantly seeking a 'true' path details within this book are subject to change. As understanding advances changes will inevitably be made. Further editions of the handbook will be made available as and when available. In this edition of the KGKA handbook there are three articles by Dan Lewis Sensei of Daigaku Karate Kai. The articles are on the three K's of karate; Kihon, Kata, Kumite. These articles reflect the KGKA's approach to training and will give you an insight to the approach to training at the Kojima dojo. Yours in Budo Terry

4 Page 2 History of Goju-ryu GoJu Ryu (Hard Soft School) Karate originated in Okinawa, the largest of a group of Islands between Japan, China and Taiwan. Okinawa had a fighting system that had developed from 1100 and became influenced by Chinese Kempo. The majority of GoJu Ryu Kata were first introduced by Kanyro Higaonna ( ), who had travelled to China in order to develop his own fighting style. It is believed that he was taught for several years by a man called Ryu Ryu Ko in Fuzhou province of South Eastern China. Sanchin which forms the basis of GoJu Ryu was introduced, along with Saifa, Seiunchin, Shisochin, Sepai, Sanseiru, Sesan, Kururunfa and Suparinpei. Little is known about Ryu Ryu Ko, who may have been a Shaolin monk, or about the early history of the GoJu Ryu style before this time, such is the lack of documentation of events and the general secrecy with which the Chinese kept kung fu training. The true age of these Kata is thus unknown. Some texts track their origins back to the 6th century from Shaolin temple boxing, others argue that exercises were introduced into the temples by Bhodhidarma, (who is also credited with introducing Buddhism and Zen from India), as a way of strengthening monks living in an impoverished lifestyle. Others say, that the styles originated in a Chinese society 2000 years earlier. Whatever story is believed it is likely that the development was part of the monastic disciplines of the temples. Okinawa's various self-defence disciplines continued to be fostered in secrecy up until around With increasing Japanese influence over the islands, they became less secretive, modernised and introduced into the school systems. It was Higaonna's successor Chojun Miyagi ( ), who popularised the style practised today and it is he who is credited as being the founder of GoJu Ryu. Recognising that a formal title would be important in the popularity and development of Karate, Chojun Miyagi chose the name GoJu Ryu in The name derives itself from his favourite poem contained in the Bubishi (see page 14), as reflecting the hard and soft techniques of his Karate with emphasis on correct breathing. Miyagi intended his Karate to influence an individuals physical and spiritual development and to increase the popularity of Karate amongst everyone, young, old, weak or strong. He also introduced the Kata Gekisai Dai Ichi and Gekisai Ni in 1940, as simpler forms of Kata that could be taught to children, together with Tensho for open hand practice, the Gekisai were also considered ideal for training Japanese army conscripts who were noted to be less physical than their Okinawan counterparts. Comments on history: Although Kanryo Higoanna and Chojun Miyagi are the founders of the Goju style and had ability and commitment far exceeding most of todays students I personally feel that the system that was developed, that of Goju, was by no means a finalised system. We can learn from the route that they took in their discoveries and training but ultimately it is our training and our development that we should concentrate on. Although the Goju system is vast it remains debatable whether any Goju that is taught today is that of Miyagi. We should follow our predecessors example of self discovery instead of remaining rigid to their teachings. Cross training sessions at the KGKA will be arranged to allow for an appreciation of a broad spectrum of arts and how they relate to the Goju style, as well as helping to develop an open mind.

5 Page 3 Goju-ryu Karate International GKI Chief Instructor: James Rousseau Shihan (8 th Dan) Chairman: Len Sim Sensei (6 th Dan) GKI is a non-profit making organisation that is dedicated to the promotion and teaching of classical and traditional Goju Ryu Karate Do based on the ideas of Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju Ryu. GKI conducts regular lectures, seminars and special courses for all students as well as a continuous training programme for instructors. Instructors have to conform to the highest standards, as set out by the organisation and are assessed on an ongoing basis. Grading examinations are held at regular intervals for both students and instructors to ensure the development of the association as a whole. Tournaments and championships are organised at regular intervals. Members are encouraged to participate in national and international events. The GKI was formed by James Rousseau with the cooperation and assistance of Len Sim, Gary Weber, Paul Stiffle, John Boyle, Henrieheta Sim, Paul Coleman, Steve Thomson, Craig Nevitt, Kevin Nason, Tim Cooper and Dave Thompson Explanation Of The Badge The circle represents softness (JU). The square character in the centre means hard (GO). The hardness is within the softness and contained by it. This is the balance between had and soft. We need to build on a firm foundation, be strong on the inside and show gentleness on the outside. This reflects the balance between positive and negative. To be in harmony with nature we need a balance in our own lives. In Goju Ryu Karate Do, many of the techniques appear soft on the surface but their strength flows from within. In both softness and hardness there is strength. Goju Ryu means hard and soft style. Karate translates as empty hand. This implies self-defence without weapons. Parts of the body are trained and conditioned to be used as weapons.

6 Page 4 Instructor Terry Brown I started my training in 1987 with my uncle in my parents back garden. Soon I joined the local Shotokan karate club run by Steve Evans Sensei 3 rd dan. I left the club after about 4 years, grading to 1 st kyu Brown Belt under Charles Naylor Sensei of the KUGB. I still have the greatest of respect for Steve Sensei, I have him to thank for setting an excellent foundation upon which to build. After a short break from Shotokan I resumed my karate training, and after receiving a humbling lesson from a boxer I decided to look at something other than Shotokan karate to expand my knowledge of Martial arts. My search lead me to a Goju-kai club run by Shaun Findlay Sensei 5 th dan, a very talented South African karateka. Shaun Sensei introduced bag work and a more realistic approach to dojo sparring. I took my 1 st dan black belt in 1994 under Leo Lipinski Shihan 7 th dan, JKF Goju-ryu Seiwa Kai. I trained with Shaun Sensei for another 3 years until he finally left the club to pursue his career. With Shaun Sensei no longer teaching I tried various local dojo's in the arts of Jujitsu, Shotokan, and kickboxing. In 1999 I met Dave Keen Sensei 5 th dan of Goju-ryu Karate-do International. Dave Sensei showed me where my training had been lacking, highlighting many weak areas in my karate. Training with Dave Sensei was very arduous but educational. I took my transfer 1 st dan in 2001 under the auspices of James Rousseau Shihan 8 th dan. 2 years later in 2003 (almost 10 years after originally taking my 1 st dan!) I took my 2 nd dan, again under the watchful eye of James Sensei. I have taken part in the GKI National Championships 3 times, managing Gold in the Kumite on two occasions, Bronze in the kata at each event and won the Gold in the team Kata. Unfortunately at the beginning of 2004 Dave Sensei stopped teaching. I decided that despite not having a sensei and not having a local Goju club I would still pursue the Goju way. I travelled the country studying with some very talented instructors which has opened my eyes to many areas of exploration and research. Also in 2004 I arranged the inaugural United Goju Seminar 2004, gathering a group of the most respected Goju instructors in the country under one roof for a weekend of superb instruction. I also helped to establish the United Goju Forum, an online forum for uniting Goju karateka and anyone with an interest in Goju. Visit For the future I have been accepted as a student of Chris Rowen Shihan 6 th dan, who was uchi deshi (live in student) of Gogen Yamaguchi Hanshi (direct student of Chojun Miyagi) for 3 years. I will be continuing to arrange UGS events which helps to create bonds between Goju groups and promote the style. The UGS events also allow me to expand my knowledge and create personal relationships with the instructors involved. I will also be continuing my progression within the GKI association, as well as arranging and attending other martial arts events.

7 Page 5 Dojo Etiquette Students should respect the dojo and observe the following etiquette. 1. Upon entering and leaving the dojo, say Onegai Shimasu, meaning please teach me. Senior students late for training should sit in seiza, rei and say Onegai Shimasu and wait for instructor to acknowledge their presence before joining the class. 2. When someone gives you some advice, listen carefully and sincerely. Do not forget to show that you have heard and understood the advice. 3. When an instructor calls for training to begin, line up smartly, facing the dojo shrine. 4. When you use training equipment, handle it with care. Be sure to put it back in the correct place after using it. 5. Keep your finger and toe nails short, to prevent injury to other students when practising together. 6. No jewellery must be worn at all times while training. Make sure your clothing is clean at all times. 7. Chewing gum is not allowed in dojo neither is smoking. 8. You should know your physical condition and strength. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. 9. Before performing any kata, bow and say Onegai Shimasu. 10.When training with a partner, bow and say Onegai Shimasu before beginning any exercises afterwards, thank them by saying Arigato Gozaimashita. We have a relaxed attitude to training at the Kojima dojo, however good manners and respect should always be observed.

8 Page 6 Training Attire In almost all traditional karate schools you will see people wearing a karate gi (suit). The karate gi was developed from the Judo gi which was invented by Jigaro Kano, the founder of Judo, in However the introduction of the karate gi wasn't until 1924 by Gichin Funakoshi, founder of the Shotokan style of karate. The karate gi was widely accepted and became the preferred choice of clothing for training. The gi is heavy cotton (8oz-16oz) making it robust for the rigours of karate training. It is also of a generous cut allowing for freedom of movement. Many people feel uncomfortable when they first put on a gi, however it doesn't take long for you to feel uncomfortable without it...this is where the problem lies. When I put on my gi I feel like Karateman!, ready to take on my training. Without it I'm just me... I can't train without wearing my gi, it just doesn't feel right... Above are a couple of quotes that I have heard from people training in karate. Whilst the gi has become the commonly accepted form of clothing it has brought with it various problems. When you put on your gi it sends a psychological message to your brain that you are preparing to exert yourself and train in karate. Whilst it is positive to be in a ready state to train, it is negative if you have become reliant upon an item of clothing to reach this state of mind. You should always be comfortable with your karate, it should be part of you and not reliant on any outside source. If you are unfortunate enough to get into a confrontational situation you will not be in your gi but you will need to perform to the best of your ability! Some people also rely on their gi to tell them that they are performing their techniques correctly. They believe that they can tell if their technique is correct by the noise that their gi makes! Of course this is complete ludicrousness! A nice looking, nice sounding technique does not signify that it is effective. The fallacy of the technique sounding right has led to a following of the heavy weight gi. People, often instructors, will wear very heavy suits (16oz) which will make a noise regardless of technique giving the impression, to the uneducated, that they have good technique. With the above in mind the following guidelines have been set at the Kojima dojo: You are not obliged to wear a karate gi during regular training, although you may if you wish. You may wear any comfortable, loose clothing. (Please bare in mind that training will be quite rigorous at times and clothing may get ripped). You are obliged to wear a karate gi whenever we have an instructor visit or we visit an instructor. You are obliged to wear a karate gi during formal gradings. You may not wear a gi heavier than 14oz. You may only wear the club badge on your gi. All clothing must be clean and of a tidy appearance.

9 Page 7 Grades & Gradings The use of coloured belts as recognition of grade is a relatively new concept. We can trace the history of belts back to Jigaro Kano, founder of Judo. He originally used black and white hakama (traditional Japanese clothing) to show the difference between advanced and novice students in The introduction of belts (obi), by Kano, wasn't until Later in 1935 Mikonosuke Kawaishi, another Judoka introduced the colour belt system. It was a requirement of the Dai Nippon Butotukai (Martial-Virtue-Organization) that Karate adopt a similar system to gain recognition as a genuine martial art. The belt ranking system did not take hold on Okinawa until 1956, when Chosin Chibana, founder of Shorin-ryu, formed the Okinawa Karate Association. Chosin Chibana and Kanken Toyama of the Shudokan dojo, were the only ones recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education to grant rank certification no matter what style of karate one was studying. In 1964, the Federation of All Japan Karate-do Organizations (FAJKO) was formed as the governing body for all karate, and by 1971, a standard system for issuing rank certification was adopted. This system is still in use today. Unfortunately in todays society a fixation upon grades has become prominent amongst students and instructors alike, with the coveted black belt being most peoples goal when they first start training. At the core of Karate-Do lies Zen. Zen is about Non-Attachment, the destruction of Illusion, and the destruction of Ego. The belt system and the black belt chasing is contrary to this philosophy. It also forms a hieracal society within the dojo with people being judged by the belt around their waist rather than their ability and attitude. Coloured belts simply offer a goal to be reached, this was their original intention which it fulfills very well. As it is hard to set a specific martial goal a materialistic one was put in place so that people would maintain an interest in training. Karate is a lifelong pursuit, when you reach a certain belt (goal) it does not mean that the journey is over. The other benefit of belts is to give the instructor an indication of the level of ability to expect from a student. Although this is of little value outside of the association that awarded the belt as standards and requirements vary immensely between associations. "You either deserve a black belt or you don't. If you don't deserve one, then you shouldn't have one and if you do then you don't need one!" - Chojun Miyagi Grades at the Kojima dojo: A belt is a means to symbolize someones ability to visiting instructors. The wearing of belts (and gi) is not encouraged during regular training. If you wish to never grade that is fine, there is no obligation to grade. The Kojima syllabus is not catered to meet a grade requirement. You work to your ability, not to what belt you wear.

10 Page 8 Grades & Gradings - continued As stated on the previous page the KGKA does not encourage the pursuit of grades, and the black belt is by no means the optimum goal!! Gradings themselves offer various skills, namely pressure testing. It is all very well being able to perform in regular lessons but when the pressure is on you're still expected to perform. The benefits of grades has been outlined and on those basis the following criteria has been set: Grades 9 th kyu Yellow Belt 8 th kyu Orange belt 7 th kyu Green belt 6 th kyu Blue belt 5 th kyu Purple belt 4 th kyu Purple & white belt 3 rd kyu Brown belt 2 nd kyu Brown belt + 1 tab 1 st kyu Brown belt + 2 tabs 1 st dan Black belt All following Dan ranks are black belt. Grading Options at KGKA Up to 7 th kyu, green belt you have two grading options. You may opt for the continual assessment grade or the fast track grade. Continual Assessment you will be continually assessed for a minimum period of 6 months. When you have met the requirement for the grade after the 6 months you will be automatically awarded the grade. Fast Track To fast track you must request a formal grading to be held. This will entail a performance of your skills infront of an examiner/s. The minimum time between grades for requesting a fast track grading is 3 months. If you fail your fast track grading you may retest after 1 month and every month there after. From 6 th kyu to 4 th kyu you must take a formal grading. You may continue with the fast track system but your request maybe denied if it is felt that you do not meet the criteria. The grading will be held in front of a panel of atleast two instructors. From 3 rd kyu upwards you must take a formal grading and the fast track system is no longer available. Your instructor will nominate you to grade when it is felt that you are ready. These grades are to be taken at the regular training camps or where three instructors (the highest of which must be a 3 rd Dan) are available. 1 st kyu upward must be taken amongst other affiliate dojo members. Any previous martial arts experience will be taken into account when taking your initial grading. It may not be essential for you to start at white belt again, although all the criteria of a GKI grading must be met.

11 Page 9 Grading Syllabus (GKI) The test for each level will include some or all of the items from the requirements for lower grades. In all cases, at each grade step, the technical performance improves, as does the speed, power, accuracy, awareness, precision, balance, focus and attitude. Gradings at the KGKA may vary from that listed below. Grade Kihon Waza Kata & Bunkai Kumite Hojo Undo 9th Kyu 3x Tsuki, 3x Uke, 3x Geki Sai Dai Ichi Gohon None Dachi, Mae Geri + stepping in each Dachi 8th Kyu Uraken, Empi, Shuto, Geki Sai Dai Ichi, Sanbon, None Yoko Geri+ stepping Bunkai Restricted Randori 7th Kyu Neko dachi, Mawashi Geki Sai Dai Ni Randori Chi-Ishi basic Geri, Hike Uke, Tora Guchi 6th Kyu Combining two stances, Geki Sai Dai Ni Sandan Ge Makiwara (Tsuki) Tai Sabaki Bunkai 5th Kyu Combinations (alternate hands) Saifa Sandan Ge variation As Above 4th Kyu Double techniques (same hand) Saifa Bunkai Ippon (Jo, Chu, Ge, Mae, Mawashi, Yoko) Bag (keri) Seiunchin Kakie - Basic Kote Kitei 3rd Kyu Ko uke etc in combination 2nd Kyu Tai sabaki combinations Seiunchin Bunkai Ippon (Nage) Makiwara Combination 1st Kyu Neko Dachi Shisochin Kakie - As Above combinations Variation Shodan Advanced moving Shisochin plus Improvisation Chi-Ishi Variation combinations Bunkai

12 Page 10 Goju Kata Goju has relatively few kata in comparison to other karate styles. This allows time for a thorough study of each kata. Although kata application is emphasised in training, the form and it's intricacies are equally important. Below is a list of the kata included in the KGKA syllabus: GEKI SAI DAI ICHI/ NI - Attack and Smash (literal translation = Pulverising) SAIFA - Tearing - actually Smash and Tear SEIUNCHIN - Trapping battle SHISOCHIN - To destroy in four ways SANSERU Eye of the storm SEPAI - 18 Hands KURURUNFA - Long hold sudden break SEISAN - 13 Hands SUPARINPEI SANCHIN - Three Battles TENSHO - Flowing hands

13 Page 11 Miscellaneous Tournaments The sport side of karate consists of sparring and kata. Sparring is riddled with rules, and kata is often modified for aesthetics, however there are benefits to competing. Entering the competition arena induces the effects of confrontation i.e adrenal dump. Overcoming or utilising these effects is beneficial to the rest of your training. Despite the lack of realism in the fighting, tournament fighters are extremely talented, with tremendous speed, accuracy and strategy to name but a few of their skills. Kata competitors generally perform impressive, sharp, precise kata, again good qualities that take a tremendous amount of training. At the KGKA opportunities to compete do exist but are not a priority in training due to the modified karate and mindset of the participants. Stretching Prior to commencing training it is necessary to stretch to avoid injury. Stretching will inevitably make you more supple, however to attain Goju flexibility takes no time at all. Infact you are probably already Goju flexible! Due to the nature of Goju tremendous flexibility is not required, kicks tend to be waist height or below, so the need to kick high does not exist. Although if you possess the ability to kick high it opens your kicking options, so flexibility is not non essential. Flexibility does increase your range of motion but should by no means be a limiting or deciding factor to your studies. Contact Karate is primarily a striking art so it is inevitable that you will get hit. At the KGKA all of the karate is applied ( air training is kept to a minimum) so there is a great deal of contact involved. However you dictate just how much contact you receive. We are all different so what might be soft to you is hard to someone else. We must cooperate with our partners and only work within their abilities. That said contact is encouraged (not the face!) as a means to conditioning and to develop the correct mindset. Conditioning Goju practitioners are re known for their conditioning. As mentioned above in the Contact section we condition ourselves by learning to receive blows. This can be a series of punches to the stomach, or some arm conditioning (ude tanren). Also due to the nature of applied karate at the KGKA, conditioning will form a basis of your regular practice. Please do not concern yourself about contact, we must work together so that no one is hurt unnecessarily. Environment It is the KGKA's aim to provide a friendly, relaxed environment but still remain sincere and serious towards our studies. Bullying and egotistical attitudes will not be tolerated. All students must work together and show empathy towards one another. If you have any qualms about another student please do not hesitate to have a private word with your instructor. Attitude towards other styles Although it is the KGKA's objective to strip away that what is superfluous other styles maintain many of the practices. They are not wrong to do so and their way is to be respected. All (most) styles of martial art have some questionable practice and although we may frown upon what they do we should accept that that is their way.

14 Page 12 Chishi Chishi (Lever with stone) or Chikaraishi (power stone) is the prime exercise equipment used at the KGKA. The chishi is like a one ended dumbbell. There are numerous exercises that can be done with chishi which will primarily build strength in your forearms (grip), upper arm, shoulders, chest and back, although all muscle groups will be indirectly effected. Possibly the most valuable reward of chishi training is the acquisition of being able to control your tanden. The tanden is a reservoir of energy just below your navel. Control of the tanden will give tremendous benefits to your karate training. To make your own chishi you will need: 1. An empty tin. Size according to the weight required, e.g. baked bean, dog food or paint cans. 2. A length of broom handle to reach from the floor to 6cm. above the knee long nails or screws. 4. Sufficient cement to fill can. To make your chishi: 1.Drill through the handle twice at one end at right angles and put the nails/ screws through. 2. Stand the handle in the centre of the can, with the nails inside it, and support upright if necessary. 3. Pour in cement, and leave to harden. 4. Rub down handle and paint the tin if required. When using a large tin it is advisable to half fill tin and add a second layer after a period of training. Your are encouraged to make your own chishi, however Terry will make you one for the sum of 5. Please ask if you require one made or would like help or advice in making your own.

15 Page 13 Basic Dojo Terminology Counting Ichi: one Ni: two San: three Shi: four Go: five Roku: six Shichii: seven Hachi:eight Ku: nine Juu: ten Stances Juu kihon dachi: ten basic stances Musubi dachi: V stance Heisoku dachi: feet together stance Hachiji dachi: standing stance Uchi hachiji dachi: turned in stance Shiko dachi: square stance Zenkutsu dachi: front stance Renoji dachi 'L' stance Neko ashi dachi: Cat leg stance Sanchin dachi: three battles stance Blocks Uke: block (receive) Jodan age uke: Upper rising block Chudan uke: Middle block Gedan barai: Lower block (lower sweep) Kake uke: hooking block Mawashi uke: Round block Tora guchi: Tiger mouth Punches Tsuki: punch (thrust) Jodan tsuki: Upper punch Chudan tsuki: Middle punch Gedan tsuki: lower punch Choku tsuki: straight punch Awase tsuki: double U punch Kicks - Keri Hiza Geri - Knee kick Kansetsu geri - Knee joint kick Mae geri - front kick Maewashi - Round kick Mikazuki Geru - Creasent kick Yoko geri - Side kick Direction Age: rising Hidari: left Mawatte: turn Migi: right Ushiro: behind Yoko: side Striking - Ate Hiji ate - elbow strike Empi - Elbow strike (swallow) Movement Ayumi ashi: alternate steping Tsugi ashi: sliding step Taisabaki: Moving the body Dojo instructions: Ki o tsukete - attention Shomen in rei - bow to the front Sensei ni rei - bow to the teacher Sensei ni arigatou gozaimashita - thank you teacher Sensei onegaishimsu - please teach me Yoi: ready Yamae: stop Notes on Terminology: Japanese terminology is not used extensively at the KGKA but needs to be known as it will be used by visiting instructors and when we visit other dojo.

16 Page 14 Kempo Hakku The Kempo Hakku is a poem from the Chinese text, The Bubishi. Around 1930 Master Chojun Miyagi named his form of Te as Goju-ryu from the 3rd line in this poem. The thoughts contained form the basic 8 concepts of Goju-ryu 1. Jinshin wa tenchi ni onaji -The mind is one with heaven and earth 2. Ketsumyaku wa nichigetsu ni nitari -The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of the sun and the moon 3. Ho wa gojyu wo tondo su -The way of inhaling and exhaling is both hardness and softness 4. Mi wa toki ni shitagai hen ni ozu -Act in accordance with time and change 5. Te wa ku ni ai sunawachi hairu -Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought 6. Shintai wa hakarite riho su -The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet 7. Me wa shiho wo miru wo yosu -The eyes do not miss even the slightest change 8. Mimi wa yoku happo wo kiku -The ears listen well in all directions

17 Kihon (Basics) & Kihon Ido (Moving Basics) by Dan Lewis 5 th dan Daigaku Karate Kai Page 15 In Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate, Kihon plays a very important function in starting off the karateka in the basic movements, muscle structures and weapons that can be utilised. This can be furthered in learning new techniques working and understanding body mechanics, strength work, endurance (though most fights only last seconds). Kihon (Ido) works on a number of levels. Understanding how structure can lead to releasing - power explosive power, (ki / chi?) through correct body mechanics these could be seen as internal mechanisms. External mechanisms can be learnt through such structures (Stances Dachi), such as utilising Zenkutsu Dachi as part of a throw e.g. Tai-otoshi. Or using the knee of the front leg as a break or trap of an opponent s leg. Sanchin dachi as part of a fighting stance All these stances are also transitional stances that are hit for a split second whilst moving into something else. Either as pulling, thrusting or dropping. They can be a vehicle for practicing techniques, that can lead into the above points. To understand tensions and releases within the body whilst also strengthening as a by - product such as in Shiko Dachi which also leads to spirit training and endurance. On a more basic level the above can be seen as: Basic co-ordination Strengthening of muscles. Understanding of ones body: Body mechanics, weight displacement. To develop power and timing. Understanding the internal and external applications and mechanisms of the technique. In many systems there are no, or very little, correlation between the basics, i.e. the stances and hand/leg techniques used. Within Goju Ryu there needs to be a reason for everything, geared to either fighting, self - protection or understanding principles within the system. Many people who practice other arts or sports which are fighting based will be working on the same principles as practitioners of Goju but names may be different and training methods will have differences. i.e. a fighting stance may be called just that but in Goju it may be described as a mixture of Sanchin, Neko and or Zenkutsu with a multitude of transitional stages. These stances could be seen as stepping - stones to those who choose the route I have taken and these stones will increase ones competency and understanding as a martial artist.

18 Article on Kata by Dan Lewis 5 th dan Daigaku Karate Kai Page 16 "It should be known that the secret principles of Goju-Ryu exist within the kata." Master Chojun Miyagi - Founder of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do These are libraries of many techniques, basic and advanced. They are a series of movements that hold the key of self defence and fighting, including: locks,chokes, seizing, ripping, throws, disarms, take downs, strikes, kicks, attacks, defences and footwork, and so on. On another level it also shows the understanding of the embusen - line of attack and defence,the understanding of the body and its relationship to optimising ones power, and the understanding of the four corner stones of Goju-Ryu karate: sink, spit, float and swallow. Within the Goju-Ryu system there are 13 kata. Nine of the kata were passed down from Kanryo Higaonna who gained experience in the Fukien Province of China under Ryu Ryuko. The other four; Geki-sai-dai ichi, Geki-sai-dai ni, Sanchin-ni and Tensho are relatively new forms developed or revised by Chojun Miyagi. Many people have differing opinions on the ideas behind kata. What they are not for is the winning of medals at competitions (unless this is supplemented by real understanding of kata), many will say that this the perfecting of technique, though how can this be when there isn t anyone to try it out on! What I do not want to go on about is my views on other peoples ideas on kata. These views are personal to me and how I teach Goju Ryu Karate. As with Kumite and Kihon (Ido), kata must be geared to realism in some way or another otherwise one might as well perform a dance routine! The Bunkai (applications) to kata are extremely important and without these one of the major fundamentals of kata has been lost. This is where a lot of systems fall down through not doing them or have bunkai that do not work and are said to be taditional. Bunkai should involve everything that the karateka is doing in their other spheres of training body mechanics, emotional chemical change, explosion, understanding stretch reflexes, conditioning, understanding Tai Sabaki / Tension Ho the Embusan, directions of attack, distancing, balance control, redirection, float, sink, spit, swallow. Kata should include external functions of defence and attack sequences incorporating strikes (using all parts of the body), throws, take downs, locks, chokes, grappling, pressure point techniques, chin-na, joint manipulation and weapons (to defend and attack with). The practice of kata can also be performed in a number of ways: Full power, understanding body mechanics/dynamics. Softly as in Tai chi chuan (Goju Ryu has links with Yang Style Tai Chi). A combination of the two. Working rebounds within the body stretch reflexes. To work intensity training emotions/chemical changes Sanchin. Working with ukete to work bunkai To understand new techniques.

19 Page 17 Kumite (Fighting and Sparring) by Dan Lewis 5 th dan Daigaku Karate Kai One can never capture the ferocity and viciousness of a real street confrontation, therefore fighting within the dojo training hall has certain limitations (in both the ferocity and the adrenalin charge and dump). However, one can work within these boundaries effectively, building a realism that incorporates strong attacks causing emotional discharge, adrenaline rush and immediate spontaneous response. Sparring can also be used to develop speed, reflexes, power, timing, aggression, control (and release of control) stamina and confidence. Levels for the karateka are important. Most will start with non or light contact sparring and drills, giving both combatants a free range to safely try out new skills and techniques. As they become more skilled, attacks can become harder and quicker, throws and groundwork can also be incorporated as their knowledge expands. Kumite takes shape in many forms: The practice of Bunkai can be seen as such an example with an ukete directing blows, holds etc at the semete. Utilising principles and fundamental body mechanics to overcome the attacks, plus the repetition as seen in Kihon / Kihon Ido. Sanchin Kiko Testing Non - contact to full contact sparring. Within this range there is a multitude of ways to practice, e.g. slow or fast, hands or leg techniques, grappling, throwing, taking to the floor, exclusion or inclusion of certain techniques i.e. elbows, eye gouging, groin, etc. Environment; this may be in the dojo or outside, try training in a bar, from sitting down. In traditional gi or in jeans and t-shirt. Single attacks, rather than sparring. Having single more realistic attacks, i.e. with a weapon. Multiple attacks, with or with out weapons. Drills. With or without protection boxing gloves etc. The techniques learnt and the understanding of weight change that have been established in Kihon now take on a greater meaning when placed into kumite, the understanding of trapping, take downs, grappling, explosion, dynamics, stamina, energy release, spirit, body positioning, linear and circular principles and movements all should start being understood and incorporated into the kumite. Within all aspects of sparring this system uses drills, enabling the karateka to use their techniques with far more realism, leading to a far greater understanding of biomechanics, speed and spontaneity of technique, understanding the rhythms of sparring and fighting and the chemical release and change in the body.

20 Page 18 Fees Monthly Budget Plan (MBP) MBP = 20 per month ( 25 per month when 2 lessons a week are made available) MBP includes: All lessons Karate Gi (student quality) & Badge Licence fee (including licence book) All grading fees (inc. belt & certificate) Payment can be made via: Cash Cheque (Made payable to T.J.Brown) Standing order MBP fee is due on the first lesson of every month. Failure to pay on time will incur a surcharge of 10 for that month. (Excluding absence due to sickness, holiday, etc) MBP fee is to be paid whether lessons are attended or not. Pay As You Go (PAYG) Fees for PAYG are as follows: Lesson fee: 5 per lesson Karate Gi: Student Quality: 12 10oz Japanese cut: 20 recommended 14oz Heavy weight: 35 Badge: 5 GKI licence: 17 Licence Book: 5 (one of payment) Gradings (see page 8): 9 th,8 th,7 th kyu: Continual Assessment : 5 Fast Track: 10 6 th, 5 th, 4 th kyu: 10 3 rd & 2 nd kyu: 12 1 st kyu: 17 1 st Dan: 35 Grading fees are set by GKI. Fee includes examiners fee, belt and certificate. Other accessories such as clothing, protective equipment, books, etc are available through the club at competitive rates. Please enquire for availability and prices.