I started martial arts in the 1980s with my father introducing me to Japanese Judo. He signed me up with a summer seminar with Cottonwood Goju in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. I was hooked. Over time, I learned some English boxing, some Wado-ryu, but returned to my Cottonwood Goju roots and study of Goju-ryu. I am a member of Lou Angel's NCMA. I practice karate in Magna City and Salt Lake City, Utah.
The martial art of Ryukyu Kenpo Toudi JutsuPatM99 is now called Karatedo. Ryukyu refers to islands roughly south of Japan of which Okinawa is a part. Toudi (or Tode)PM87 refers to the Tang dynasty, or Chinese, hand. Karatedo is therefore the result of Okinawans learning White Crane, and Southern Shaolin Quanfa (Kung Fu), when Quanfa practioners visited the RyuKyu kingdom (and sometimes practiced in Naha parks), or were taught while they visited China.
Karatedo follows templates (a choreography) of techniques, sometimes two person drills, and Chinese classical forms, all of which were adapted, sometimes into simplified or even new kata. Kata are forms that express what a defender might do in response to acts of violence. Kata is the foundation of traditional Okinawan Karatedo. Understanding and practicing the applications and templates for relevant adaption to the individual, and refinement of the kata, is the life long journey of karatedo.
Different schools of Karatedo have different katas, mostly from the
lineages of MatsumuraPM87,
Itosu, and Higaona (Kanryo). Sanchin or
Naifanchi
(especially the first of three) are used as the fundamental (heishu) classical
kataPatM99. Different
introductory training katas are commonly used for beginning (kyu) levels,
especially within the school system or with children. Every teacher presents a
unique approach to teaching, training, and improving the art. Basho, Matsuo
(quoting Kukai)PatM16 gives
this pithy wisdom: Don't [blindly] follow in the footsteps of the old
masters, but rather seek what they sought.
Understanding the principles
of kata design, especially the classical katas and martial application, is
key.
[Note:] Reflecting on conversations about commercially driven karate studios, I am asked about the problem of the colloquially named McDojo. The question is whether you're getting your money's worth. At a bare minimum, karate should teach basic self defense, discipline, respect for people and life, and promote health and well being. Kids have different developmental stages, and instructors need to be aware of and navigate those needs and differences. Ranking doesn't matter too much in the particulars, yet ranks (e.g. green, brown, black belts) have some universal, demonstratable capabilities that are expected. Junior ranks are not the same as adult ranks. There's nothing wrong with a commercial studio if the martial art taught is sound, but the McDojo label becomes more poignant when ranks are compared with nationally and internationally recognized organizational requirements, and failing to meet the expected standard, the question of whether a rank has been sold not earned arises. There are garage dojos, and even in-the-park training, which charge less and have motivations that don't have to weigh the money to keep the dojo open and pay for itself and the instructors. A McDojo is likely not going to move things beyond a certain basic black belt level. Some good teachers you'll find at open tournaments. Some you'll find in your neighborhood. Just make sure you know who they are: a good black belt will always have references and community that recognize the individual.
I learned Goju-ryu as my Karatedo foundation. The primary schools of Goju-ryu taught by Miyagi, Chojun's senior students are Shodokan (Higa), Meibukan (Yagi), Shoreikan (Taguchi), and the Jundokan (Miyazato/Iha). All other existing schools of Goju-ryu are derived from (or influenced by) these.
For instance, the Jundokan International is from Chinen sensei, a young neighbor of Miyagi, and a later student of Miyazato, (some claim with some influence from Miyagi An'ichi, a claim also made by Higaona Mario). The Goju Kai, the Japanese Goju-ryu of Yamaguchi, which influenced Paul N. Starling (Goju Kai in Australia), Peter Urban, and Lou Angel (of the NCMA). There is some understanding that the Meibukan influenced Yamaguchi's training. Tetsuhiro, Hokama, like Taguchi, was a student of the Higa, Seiko.
The katas of Goju-ryu are as followsGH18:
Though it is possible to learn Karatedo, such as Goju-ryu, from a book and internet videos, it is more difficult to fully comprehend or master karate fundamentals without a qualified, trusted teacher, especially if the old ways, the original martial applications of kata, are desired to be understood. A training partner or the dojo environment is especially important. Karatedo is a life time path of inner discovery and discipline, and is not the same as being a paper dragon. Also, beware purposeful (and unintentional) confusions found in internet videos. However, I recommend the book on Karatedo fundamentalsST76 by Toguchi for learning karate fighting basics from the Goju-ryu perspective.