Overseas Instruction
During my time instructing in Spain and the United States, I focused primarily on physical conditioning and speed training.
Encounter with Chinese Martial Arts
Through my exposure to the philosophy and technical systems of Chinese martial arts, including Tai Chi, I rediscovered the importance of harmony between hard and soft, as well as breathing techniques.
Training at the Source
I learned that the origins of Goju-ryu Karate lie in Bai He Quan (Shaolin-style Kung Fu) from Fujian Province.
I began my lifelong martial arts journey with the goal of creating a new training system that integrates the theories of Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, and the Eight Trigrams.
Discoveries Through Online Instruction
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I began using Zoom for training sessions.
I realised that this format allowed me to visualise subtle differences that are often overlooked in traditional group training.
Additionally, by using LINE and email in conjunction with Zoom, we found that we could provide more personalised instruction to each student.
Results after 6 years
After six years of implementing this training method, we have produced five black belts.
Three of them are already active as instructors.
Furthermore, participants from Dubai, Germany, and France will join us starting in September.
We are currently challenging ourselves to create a hybrid model that combines a local dojo with a global cyber dojo.
Goal
We believe that the principles of Goju-ryu, ‘non-aggression,’ ‘self-defence,’ and ‘health and longevity,’ are expressions of Okinawa’s unique sense of peace and respect for others.
We believe that ‘self-actualisation’ and ‘contribution to peace’ are the ultimate goals of training.
Features
- Hybrid face-to-face and online training
- Multilingual support for easy participation by people around the world
- Instructional system for a wide range of levels, from beginners to advanced students
- Slow karate class for seniors with a focus on health, ‘Karate Class for Everyone’
Target Students
- Those who want to master karate throughout their lives
- Those who aspire to become instructors in the future
- Those who want to improve their health by improving the balance of mind, technique, and body
Instructional Philosophy
- Health and longevity
- Self-defence in times of emergency
- Non-aggression
Quotes from Miyagi Chojun, founder of Goju-ryu Karate
‘Karate is a way of life in which one carries no weapon, but in times of peace, one trains the mind and body to achieve longevity and in times of danger, one uses the techniques to protect oneself.’
‘Do not strike others, do not be struck by others, and consider all things to be good when there is no harm done.’
Training Overview
- Basic Techniques:
- Receiving
- Punching
- Kicking
- Continuous attack and defence techniques
- Karate forms:
- Tai Chi (upper, middle, lower)
- Hanging block, turning block
- First and second strikes
- Sanchin, Tensho
- Saifu, Seiinchin, Sanser, Seisan, Seipai
- Fist technique theory:
- Stance
- Keikou (power)
- Breathing techniques
- Consciousness techniques
- Weapon Techniques:
- Nunchaku
Instruction Manual
Accurate and logical instruction based on Goju-ryu Kyohan (author: Gozen Yamaguchi, published in 1977)
We provide accurate and logical instruction in accordance with Gozen Yamaguchi, published in 1977.
*This is a famous book written by Gozen Yamaguchi, founder of Goju-ryu Karate-do Academy, as a textbook for karate.
Form of Instruction
Face-to-face instruction, online instruction
About Online Training
Based on six years of online instruction experience, I have come to realise that online training is well-suited for karate training that focuses on forms and basics (punches, kicks, and blocks).
This is because it allows for the visualisation of each individual’s subtle movements, which is difficult to achieve in group training.
In addition, students can compare themselves with the instructor on the screen and make corrections.(Seeing is believing)
Other advantages include the following.
①Convenience and continuity:
No need to worry about weather, travel time, or costs.
As a result, very few students quit midway through the course.
②Information sharing:
Videos and digital materials can be easily shared.
③Ease of individual instruction:
Individual communication with students is easy using LINE or other messaging apps.
Challenges and countermeasures
The only challenge is sparring practice.
However, we have found that this can be addressed by incorporating regular and irregular face-to-face practice sessions.
We have also devised a method of sparring that uses special equipment to safely and effectively learn free sparring.
AI evaluation of online training
① Flexibility and convenience:
Online instruction can be conducted anywhere, making it easy for students to access from home or any other location.
This also improves schedule flexibility.
② Resource sharing:
In an online environment, resources such as videos and materials can be easily shared.
This makes it easier to review and supplement instruction content.
③ Ease of individual instruction:
In an online environment, individual communication with students is easier.
Questions or concerns can be addressed immediately.
This allows for more detailed instruction than in a dojo with many students.
*Basically, karate training that focuses on kata can be expected to be as effective as or even more effective than face-to-face training.
Effects of training
Physical effects:
Improved physical fitness: Karate uses all the muscles in the body, improving endurance, muscle strength, agility, and other aspects of physical fitness.
Improved flexibility: Karate movements are diverse and require flexibility. Regular training improves flexibility.
Improved balance: Karate movements and techniques emphasise balance, so training improves your sense of balance.
Improved reflexes: Karate training requires quick movements and reactions, which trains your reflexes.
Mental effects:
Improved concentration: Karate requires split-second decision-making and intense focus. Training improves your concentration.
Development of endurance: Through repetitive training and mastering difficult techniques, students develop endurance.
Improved self-control: Karate involves physical contact with opponents, and training helps develop the ability to control oneself and suppress anger.
Mental stability: Karate is influenced by Zen, and it is expected to help cultivate a calm and mentally stable state of mind.
Social effects:
Improved manners: Manners are an important part of karate, and respect for opponents and instructors is emphasised.
Improved communication: Communication skills are improved through training and class activities.
International exchange:
International exchange through martial arts promotes mutual understanding and leads to international peace.