1. Hard (Go):
    • Represents powerful, linear, and striking techniques.
    • Includes blocks, punches, and kicks that use strength and force.
    • Symbolises resilience and directness in approach.
  2. Soft (Ju):
    • Focuses on circular, flexible, and redirection techniques.
    • Includes movements like evasion, deflection, and controlling the opponent's energy.
    • Symbolises adaptability and yielding to overcome force.
Philosophy behind Goju:
  • The combination of hard and soft reflects balance and harmony, both physically and mentally.
  • The style draws inspiration from nature, where strength (hard) and adaptability (soft) coexist.
  • Practitioners learn to apply both principles, responding to situations with strength when necessary and gentleness when appropriate.
The name Goju-Ryu (pronounced "go-jew-roo" was founded by Chojun Miyagi and inspired by an ancient Chinese martial arts text, which states:"Ho wa Gō Jū donto su" - The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness.
​Students will train in hard and soft techniques, as well as specific breathing patterns that underpin this philosophy.
Dojo translates from Japanese to "place of the way", where "the way" means to learn and grow.  It is a training space where students practice martial arts, in our case, Goju Karate, and develop discipline, respect, and personal growth.
Gi - pronounced "Gee" is a Westerner's shortened version of "Karate gi", which means "uniform".  Gis should be washed after class and hung to dry so it is clean, neat and tidy for the next class.
Obi - pronounced "Oh-bee" means "belt" in Japanese.  Contrary to the Karate Gi, belts typically are not washed.  The Japanese way is to believe that the belt holds the knowledge gained in each class, and washing the belt washes away everything that was learned.

Interestingly, the coloured belts were introduced in the late 19th Century.  Prior, in Japan, white belts were provided to new students.  As they trained, their belt became darker and darker with each training session, slowly making its way to black.  As time went on, the black fabric frayed off and turned back to white - showing the karateka's "shoshin" or "beginner's mind", where the master returns to the basics and sees endless opportunities for growth.
At the beginning of the lesson, students formally bow in.  The instructor states the following in order:
  • Mokuso - pronounced "Mok-so" - close eyes, meditate
  • Mokuso Yame - pronounced "Mok-so ya-meh" - open eyes, stop meditation
  • Shomen ni rei - pronounced "Sho-men nee ray" - bow to front
  • Sensei rei - pronounced "Sen-say ray" - bow to the Sensei
  • Otagai ni rei - pronounced "Ot-eh-guy nee ray" - students and Sensei bow to each other.
The class should meditate, and bow as instructed.  Students should also respond to "Sensei rei" and "Otagai ni rei" with:
  • Onegaishimasu - pronounced "On-eh-guy-she-mus" - I humbly request your guidance or please teach me.
At the end of the lesson, students formally bow out.  The instructor states the following in order:
  • Mokuso - pronounced "Mok-so" - close eyes, meditate
  • Mokuso Yame - pronounced "Mok-so ya-meh" - open eyes, stop meditation
  • Shomen ni rei - pronounced "Sho-men nee ray" - bow to front
  • Sensei rei - pronounced "Sen-say ray" - bow to the Sensei
  • Otagai ni rei - pronounced "Ot-eh-guy nee ray" - students and Sensei bow to each other.
The class should meditate, and bow as instructed.  Students should also respond to "Sensei rei" and "Otagai ni rei" with:
  • Arigato gozaimashita - pronounced "Ah-ree-gar-tow go-zai-ee-mush-ta" - Thank you very much.