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The History of Chinese Goju
Shidoshi Ron Van Clief's Chinese Goju style of karate is deeply rooted in history, as are a number of other Goju styles. These include the following: Okinawan Goju, Japanese Goju, Nisei Goju, USA Goju, Goju-Shorin, Goju-Kai USA, Goju Ryu, and Shorei-Goju. The number of Goju styles continues to grow to this day. Chinese Goju returns to Goju's roots and is similar to Wing Chun, Northern Shaolin, and White Crane.
Birth of the Goju Art
While studying in Okinawa, a 19th century karate master, Kanryo Higaonna, first combined techniques of Naha-te and the teachings of Shurite with techniques from the Chinese art of Shao Lin Chuan. It is one of his students, however, who is credited with giving this new art a name, which lives on to this day. That student was Master Chojun Miyagi.
Origins of the Goju Name
Master Miyagi could not attend a martial arts convention in Kyoto, Japan, so he sent his own student, Shinsato, to represent him. Others at the event asked what style Shinsato was practicing. Shinsato felt that if he could not give them a name, the style would be looked down upon. He quickly coined the name "Hankry Ryu", meaning "The Way of Half Hard". Upon his return, Shinsato informed Master Miyagi of this. Miyagi was pleased. The Master then took inspiration from "The Eight Poems of the Fist" and changed it to "Goju Ryu", meaning "The Way of Hard and Soft." This reflects an Asian belief that a mix of hardness and softness is best. In fact, "Go" and "Ju" are the Japanese words for "hard" and "soft" respectively.
A Structure Emerges
Early in the 20th century, Gogen Yamaguchi, or "The Cat" added structure to the art by adopting traditional Japanese procedures. He originated the "Kyu-Dan" (white to black) belt ranking system as well as "Jiyu-Kumite" (free-sparring). In 1928, he ascended to become head of Japanese Goju Ryu and founded an institute in Kyoto.
Introduction of Goju in the U.S.
Grandmaster Peter Urban introduced the United States to Japanese Goju Ryu in 1959, and founded the U.S.A. Goju Association in 1964. The following years saw a few of Peter Urban's students take responsibility for further advancing the art. In 1969, the Nisei Goju Ryu System was founded by Frank Ruiz. Soon after, on January 25, 1971, Ron Van Clief established the Chinese Goju System.
The Best of Both Worlds
Trained in the arts of Zen Jitsu, Jiu Jitsu, Aiki Jitsu, Karate, and Kung Fu, Shidoshi Ron Van Clief sought to combine the soft aspects of Chinese arts with the hard-soft aspects of Japanese martial arts. This effectively brought Goju more in line with its Chinese roots. Thus, the name "Chinese Goju" emerged. Also taking into account differences in the Japanese, Chinese, and African-American cultures, he saw a need to forge a martial arts system appropriate for our modern world: A system that reflects East-West societal differences and attitudes.
The Goju Technique: Power with Grace
Speed, power, and grace are always foremost in well-executed Chinese Goju techniques. It incorporates the circular hand movements evident in the Chinese arts with traditional Goju techniques. Graceful and animal-like, an open-hand slap can feel like a tiger's claw when delivered properly. Techniques must be used at close range and at full speed, while moving quickly in and out as well as from side to side. Sparring students must also maintain enough control to be able to stop a punch or kick while still making contact.
Chinese Goju students also share and enjoy a wealth of centuries of tradition and knowledge through the practice of Kata. Kata is held in the highest regard, and when well executed, is a testament to the student's commitment and expression of the Art from within.
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