Course Design - Ryusyokai Okinawan Goju-Ryu

(hereinafter referred to as Ryusyokai)

1. 1. The Program was formed with the historical and cultural context of Okinawa, Japan, in mind and framed specifically by training at the Ryusyokai So Hombu Dojo in Tomigusuku, Okinawa Japan, and also by the Onaga Karate Dojo (Shinjinbukan Hombu Dojo) in Naha, Okinawa Japan.

1. 1. The primary elements of the Ryusyokai Curriculum, as taught at the Mt. Vernon Karate Dojo, are; 1) striking, 2) kicking, and 3) displacing one’s body. Supplemental elements include “blocking,” grappling and throwing.

1. 1. The combative techniques of Ryusyokai are framed by the traditional Goju-Ryu kata and accompanying drills and exercises, as passed on from Miyagi Chojun (the founder of Goju-Ryu) through Yagi Meitoku and to Senaha Shigetoshi, Kancho, who formed the Ryusyokai International Association. Each successive generation has studied and added to the core knowledge base.

1. 1. At its heart, the course is instructional in nature. The instructor is responsible for teaching the “what, how, and why” of the subject matter. The instructor also shares methods for training the techniques, but does not act as a “trainer,” who drills students on repetitions (at least not during class). Coursework and practice are two separate things.

1. 1. It is understood that, in order to develop aptitude, the material being studied must be practiced regularly outside of class. It is a serious investment of time, effort, and personal dedication to truly be a student. This involves countless repetitions, personal sacrifice, and a great deal of independent thought and reflection. Eventually, the value of individual and partner practice will outweigh that of “coursework.” How well one knows their subject matter and can employ it with confidence is much more important than the breadth of knowledge one possesses.

1. 1. Students will develop a level of fitness and conditioning necessary to train rigorously and regularly so that they may improve their skill.

1. 1. The “kata” (sequential movement routines, often referred to as “forms”) of Goju-Ryu provide a convenient catalog of techniques and themes in line with the intent of its founder. Students will develop an understanding of how techniques from the kata are employed against an opponent, and in what situations they may be used optimally.

1. 1. Students will strictly observe and develop a knowledge base of traditions and etiquette geared specifically toward study in an Okinawan dojo (training hall), as well as rudimentary Japanese and Okinawan words and phrases. This establishes an environment conducive to the teaching and training formats of the instructor.

1. 1. Over a period of years, the student will develop increasing skill, benchmarked by periodic gradings and rank. Rank provides a tool for mutual understanding of skill level, knowledge base and responsibility. It is not a reward or designation of status.

1. 1. Prior to the start of class, students perform a series of pre-established “yobi undo” or preparative exercises. Each exercise applies in some way to the techniques practiced in the dojo and their rigorous performance has the ancillary benefit of ensuring that the heart rate is elevated and the muscles, joints and tendons are in a state conducive to training. The yobi undo are taught as a part of class at the introductory level.

1. 1. Beginning students are taught the rudiments of proper body alignment and fundamental stances, basic strikes, kicks and blocks. These are practiced separately at first and eventually in conjunction with one another. These “kihon waza” (basic or fundamental techniques) are the foundation for learning both kata and applied techniques, taught later on. They are highly stylized and provide a framework for learning how the body moves and the development of speed, power, and skill.

1. 1. The kata are taught in order, based upon the Ryusyokai syllabus. They are usually taught after some of their basic principals, themes and techniques are shared and practiced. In this way, the kata become a means of remembering these concepts rather than an abstract and cryptic series of movements. Each kata can be thought of as its own fighting system and the student’s understanding of it will broaden over time through further guided and independent exploration.

1. 1. The techniques, principals and themes being studied at a given time have supplemental exercises that enhance their development. These are known as “hojo undo” (literally “helping exercises”) and “kigu undo” (exercises with training tools) and they are of equal importance to kata study. These drills and techniques are practiced individually and with training partners. Thus, students are taught the proper way to develop any given technique through practice in the air, practice with load-bearing devices, and practice against targets (both living and non-living) with various levels of structure and control. Eventually, the ability to employ techniques and strategies spontaneously is cultivated.

1. 1. For beginning and intermediate students, the time spent on instruction is generally one hour. Students arrive a half-hour early for yobi undo, then an hour of instruction and an hour of open training after that. This permits students to practice with partners and training tools kept at the dojo until such a time that they may choose to build some themselves.

1. 1. Jonathon Hallberg is a Shinjinbukai (rankless research group) member. He actively studies the principals of Ti (the predecessor of Okinawan Karate) as taught to him by Onaga Yoshimitsu Kancho. While rudimentary elements of this system are consciously included in the teaching of Ryusyokai at the Mt. Vernon Dojo, it is not done so in a manner that creates a “hybrid” style (those who claim this have no idea what Ti is). A great deal more remains to be explored. Advanced students (brown belt and above in the Ryusyokai and in other styles) may participate in Ti study along with me. Rank is not given in the Shinjinbukai and students seeking formal affiliation must obtain permission through the International Shinjinbukan Karate-Do Association.