Our Expertise
The Goju-Ryu training method can be divided into four main categories. In each category the individual is given instruction at the most basic level until the techniques become spontaneous. As the student advances technically, they progress physically and develop greater stamina. At the same time they learn increasingly intricate kata and more dynamic forms of kumite.
As the student approaches black belt level, technique, stamina, speed and co-ordination become natural as a result of intensive practice. It is at this stage that the serious students discover the wonderful world that karate has opened to them.
The object of true karate practice is the perfection of ones self through perfection of the art.
Kihon ("basics": the practice of blocks, punches, kicks and stances)
Kata ("form": pre-arranged forms simulating combat situations)
Kumite ("sparring": combat situations practiced with an opponent)
Hojo Undo ("supplementary training": the use of weights and implements to increase strength and agility)
Class Timings:
Hedge-End Class
Village Hall, St John's Rd, Hedge End, SO30 4AF
HOURS
Mon: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Juniors from the age of 7
Mon: 7:00pm - 8.00 pm Adult Traditional Karate
Mon: 8.00pm - 8.45 pm Adult Kata and Applications
Weds: 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm Juniors from the age of 7
Weds 6.30pm - 8.00pm Adult Traditional Karate
On this page we will add content for training and grading such as kata and basic applications, also variation applications of kata techniques. It is not meant as an online training programme, but just a reference for students.
Remember there is only one way to train and that is in the Dojo.
Grading / Training
Gekisai Dai-Ichi.
Gekisai dai ichi. ( Introduction to destroy number one or attack and destroy number one)
A most colourful translation. This kata was created by Chojun Miyagi (The founder of Goju-Ryu karate) in 1940. It is the only Goju-Ryu kata that finishes with a step forward. This is because it was created during the second World War and the step forward is meant to acknowledge Japan moving forward during this period.
This kata is performed at walk through pace so you can see the individual techniques.
This kata is required for 9th kyu (yellow belt) on our grading system.
Gekisai Dai Ni
Gekisai Dai Ni is the second kata taught. Also created by Chojun Miyagi it introduces open hand technique.
This kata is performed at walk through pace.
The video below shows the side view of the hiki uke (grasping block) segment of the kata.
Grading/ Training
Our grading tests take place about every 4 months for juniors and every six months for adults. This gives students recognition of their progress in Gojo-Ryu karate.
It takes approximately 5 years to obtain black belt first dan. This is the goal for a majority of karate students, but one must remember the black belt just means that you are now a serious student. It is after black belt that a new journey begins.
Exploring the countless karate kata applications and variations is a life long venture.
Grades and Belt colours are as follows;
10th kyu 2 mon (Juniors only) Red Belt
9th kyu Yellow Belt
8th kyu Orange Belt
7th kyu Green Belt
6th kyu Blue Belt
5th kyu Purple Belt
4th kyu Purple Belt with black stripe
3rd kyu Brown Belt
2nd kyu Brown Belt with white stripe
1st kyu Brown Belt with black stripe
1st Dan Black Belt
The video below shows the basic applications for Gekisai Dai-Ichi kata.
On the left done at walk through pace, on the right done with speed and power. This is how you should show your applications when you take a grading test.
Note the second application is done both stepping backwards (for lower grades) and stepping towards the punch (Higher grades).
This next video shows some variation bunkai we created for Gekisai Dai-Ichi and Gekisai Dai - Ni. These are done at walk through pace.
Once you have mastered the basic bunkai it will advance your training to think of variations that you can link to the kata. Most of these techniques have taken a self defence approach and the attacks are mainly swing punches.
We also do these techniques as a flow drill when they are all linked together as a continous routine.
What Clients Are Saying About Us
