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Karate is primarily a stand up or striking system of martial arts that emerged on the island of Okinawa.  It is a blend of the native Okinawan fighting styles & Chinese fighting styles.  The term karateka refers to a person that studies karate.  Here at Ryujinkan we teach the Okinawan style of Karate known as Goju Ryu.  

What is Karate?

Goju Ryu Karate is a traditional form of self defence, developed on the island of Okinawa by Miyagi Chōjun sensei in the 1930s. The Japanese term GOJU（剛柔） literally translates as "Hard/Soft", Go（剛）meaning hard and Ju （柔）meaning soft. The term RYU （流）stands for school, style or system, thus Goju Ryu（剛柔流）is the hard/soft school of karate.  This system of martial arts incorporates both circular and linear movements into its curriculum, combining hard striking attacks such as kicks and punches with softer open hand circular techniques for attacking, blocking and controlling the opponent, including locks, grappling, takedowns and throws.  Major emphasis is given to breathing correctly in all of the kata (forms) but particularly in the Sanchin Kata which is one of many core kata of this style.  Our dojo is a proud member of the International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Federation or IOGKF.

What is Goju Ryu Karate?

The International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Federation (IOGKF) is one of the finest, traditional karate organizations in the world today. Under the leadership of our master, Sensei Morio Higaonna, 10th dan, the IOGKF is committed to preserving the intangible cultural treasure of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, which has been passed down to us in its original form from one generation to the next. Since its establishment in 1979, the IOGKF has attracted culturally diverse martial arts practitioners from around the world, who have joined the organization after recognizing the authenticity and excellence of the IOGKF and its direct karate lineage tracing back to Bushi Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate. Our members actively support our mission, objectives, and activities. The IOGKF sponsors interactive website forums, weekend seminars, and international martial arts events for its members to stay informed with news updates, improve their ongoing knowledge and skills, and develop life-long friendships. The IOGKF now has members in over 50 affiliated countries worldwide and is the largest Okinawan karate organization in the world.

What is the I.O.G.K.F?

Sensei Mori Higaonna 10th Dan

Founder of IOGKF

Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura 7th Dan

IOGKF World Chief Instructor

Miyagi Sensei watching his students train

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