|
Goju Ryu Karate's main principle is to never meet the enemy with the same strength he is using.
In Chinese, Goju means Go-hard and Ju-soft “Hard & Soft” If the enemy attacks full force,
never use an equally strong block. The style, however, teaches powerful techniques
designed to down a foe in one blow, and counterattacks that can break the attacker's limbs.
Strength and timing is the key to Goju. In addition, dramatic breathing techniques
are emphasized, and considered as important to master as any attack or defense.
The spiritual foundation of Goju is deeply rooted in Taoism. This inner calmness is
apparent in many of the style's katas. Taoism, however, is not as apparent in more dojos
as it was in years past. Traditional Goju tends to be more internal than most other forms
of Karate. Rather than fighting and opposing everything, one should respect nature and try
to attune oneself to universe. GO and JU are opposites but equal. Miyagi Chojun Sensei
chose the name Goju from the Eight Precepts of the traditional Chinese Kempo found in the
document Bubish. These eight precepts are the essence of the martial arts and are the
elements one strives to achieve in training Goju Ryu Karate-do.
Such training shall serve to lead humankind to rediscover our natural instincts and
capabilities.
The Eight Precepts are as follows:
1.The mind is one with heaven and earth. 2. The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar
to the cycle of the sun and the moon. 3. The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness
and softness. 4. Act in accordance with time and change. 5. Techniques will occur in
the absence of conscious thought. 6. The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.
7. The eyes do not miss even the slightest change. 8. The ears listen well in all
directions.
Hapkido is a discipline of coordination, a way of strengthening the mind and body,
on fusing the individuals physical and mental powers so they will emerge as a more fully
integrated human being A powerful and specialized martial art system from Korea,
Hapkido can be broken down into three words "Hap - together or harmony," "Ki - power,"
"Do - the way." The motions in Hapkido are very fluid and smooth as is the
Japanese and Okinawa karate system of Goju. Hapkido is a comprehensive martial art,
emphasizing kicking and punching as well as joint-locks, throws, chokes, take-downs,
and the use of pressure points. Hapkido is considered a "soft" style of Martial Art,
as opposed to "hard" styles that practice the use of force against force, making the
outcome a simple matter of size and strength.
Tae Kwon Do can be attained through the cultivation and maturity of all three aspects of the Art;
physical, mental and spiritual, in each individual. Once these three aspects have been instilled in a
person, then the total maturation of the person will start a chain-reaction with the goal to; lead us
to a more peaceful world. Tae Kwon Do reaches toward the total development of the individual and the
founding of a peaceful world. To accomplish this goal Tae Kwon Do begins with the foundation, the individual.
The Art strives to develop the character, personality, and positive moral and ethical traits in each
practitioner. It is upon this "foundation" of individuals possessing positive attitudes and characteristics
that the "end goal" may be achieved. Tae Kwon Do strives to develop the positive aspects of an individual's
personality: Respect, Courtesy, Goodness, Trustworthiness, Loyalty, Humility, Courage, Patience, Integrity,
Perseverance, Self-control, an Indomitable Spirit and a sense of responsibility to help and respect all
forms of life.
Back to the top.
|
Designed by: