KIHON

(Picture taken by Tony Willis Sensei on Okinawa, Oct 2008)

    Kihon (基本) is a Japanese term meaning "basics" or "fundamentals." The term is used to refer to the basic techniques taught and practiced as the foundation of most Japanese martial arts. The practice and mastery of kihon is essential to advanced training and application of the techniques. The most basic level includes blocks, punches, kicks, and stances with kata, prearranged forms, as the the next level.

    Daily training of the basics is essential to development of skill and confidence.  Kihon techniques are practiced often in Goju-Ryu karate, in many schools during every practice session.   Practice of the basic blocks, punches, kicks, and stances is the basis for application of techniques found in the kata. They are the foundation of martial arts skills.

Goju-ryu (剛柔流, Goju-ryu), (Japanese for "hard-soft style") is one of the main traditional Okinawan styles of karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. It descended from the Naha-te system originally practiced in and around Naha, Okinawa.  Based on the hard and soft breathing in the style Chojun Miyagi Sensei named the style Goju-ryu.  Both principles, hard and soft, come from the famous martial arts book Bubishi (Chinese: wu bei ji).  Go which means hard, refers to closed hand techniques or straight linear attacks; Ju which means soft, refers to open hand techniques and circular movements.

Goju-ryu practice methods include endless repetition of the basic techniques and kata, study of the kata applications, body strengthening and conditioning, and partner drills.  Major emphasis is given to correct application of the basics and breathing.  Goju-ryu incorporates both circular and linear movements in its curriculum.  Goju-ryu combines hard striking attacks such as kicks and punches with softer open hand circular techniques.

- Traditional  Okinawan Karate-do is a valuable element of martial arts passed down from our Okinawan ancestors.  It emphasizes hard work and training, virtue, courtesy, health, and the human spirit.  Students are taught to respect the traditional martial system, their instructors, and their community.

- Traditional Okinawan Karate-do is a system which cultivates physical and intellectual ability through rigorous training.  It places great importance on kata (forms) and tanren (discipline, training), and aims to develop and form character through the martial arts.  Okinawan Karate-do philosophy is symbolized in maxims such as "never strike first" and "win without fighting".  Goju-Ryu Karate-do emphasizes a strong foundation, controlled breathing, and powerful techniques that can only be achieved through dedicated practice.

- Goyu-kan Goju-Ryu is led by Anyu Shijo Sensei in the same manner as has been handed down for over 100 years beginning with Kanryo Higaonna Sensei. The Goyu-Kan maintains the standards and traditions of Kanyro Higaonna and Chojun Miyagi Sensei's Goju-Ryu.

Mission: To preserve and teach traditional Goju-Ryu Karate-do -- the way.  To teach Goju-Ryu in the same manner as handed down to me by Anyu Shinjo Sensei in an environment free of intimidation, politics, prejudice, and other distractions.  Foster a spirit of confidence, fellowship, community, and understanding.

Vision: Build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through the study of traditional martial arts.

Location: Deerfield, New York

                                                Anthony Willis

Goyu-Kan USA Dojo Kun