‘To truly master karate one must embody the entire philosophy. Without a strong virtuous mind the body is useless’ Ohtsuka Tadahiko Sensei
Nihon Goshu Karatejutsu
Empty-hand technique for self-protection
The Japanese martial art of Karate is a practical and effective system of self-protction. Karate training improves health, mobility and awareness, and is beneficial for people looking to undertake an exercise program aand learn effective self-defence and self-discipline. Karate is open to everyone, regardless of age, occupation or experience.
Karate originated in Okinawa from a synthesis of indigenous fighting practices combined with Chinese martial arts, such as external systems of kung fu and internal systems of the Nei Gia (Hsing-I, Ba Gua and Tai Chi). From Okinawa, Karate spread to Japan, where it became part of the Japanese budo systems. Okinawan karate maintained more of the original self-protection purpose, whilst Japanese karate evolved with more of a sporting inclination. Nihon Goshu Karatejutsu is based on traditional martial arts methodology and is foremost a system designed for effective self-protection in modern society.
The objective of Karate is to develop the entire body as an effective weapon of self-protection against 3 enemies, external (attacker) and internal (ego and illness). Nihon Goshu Karatejutsu delivers authentic karate with modern relevance. The suffix -jutsu denotes martial arts of self-protection (i.e. ju-jutsu, aiki-jutsu, etc), compared to the -do suffix which denotes martial ways of self-perfection (i.e. ju-do, aiki-do, etc). The syllabus synthesises key applications from Okinawan and Japanese Karate systems combined with principles from Chinese Nei Jia systems to create a complete system of self-defence and personal development.
Kihon-ido (fundamental exercises): Karate is built on the principle of developing the whole body for use as a tool of self-protection. Specialised exercises achieve complete physical preparation and energy balance to provide strength, flexibility, endurance, awareness and confidence. Combined with breath training, kihon create the foundation for the development of technical combat applications.
Kata & Bunkai (forms & applications): in Eastern martial arts the essence of a system is contained in kata (forms) and is expressed through bunkai (applications). Kata contain the distilled knowledge and expertise of a particular system and teach unique strategies to overcome attacks from different positions and situations. Through diligent training under an informed teacher, the mystery of kata can be studied and understood.
Tai-jutsu Gogi (techniques of unarmed combat): the 5 categories are atemi (strikes), gyaku (joint reversals), nage (throws & takedowns), katame (pins & holds), and shime (chokes & strangulations), and can be practised through kihon (basic drills), kata (forms), bunkai (applications) and goshin-jutsu (self-defence). The technical skills are then expressed using martial tactics. Technical skill combined with strategy and tactics equals authentic Karate.
Goshin-jutsu (self-defence): once the fundamentals have been mastered, kata studied and bunkai understood, the final stage of Karate training is to be able to express a solution to an unexpected spontaneous attack in a natural manner that is effective and efficient in its application and outcome. The study and application of goshinjutsu transitions the more theoretical aspects of training to the practical reality aspects of real-world combat.
"Richard is a dedicated and detail orientated instructor with a passion for teaching. In the 38 years I have known him he always endeavours to bring the best out in others as well as himself." James Sumarac (8th dan Kyoshi, Goju Ryu Kakurinkan Karate-do)
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 Rich with Ohtsuka Sensei, Japan 2004 |
