Karate Info

GoJu-Ryu is a close-range self-defence system characterized by circular blocks, joint manipulations and kicking techniques to lower body targets. Dynamic tension and breathing are major elements in its training, incorporated in many of the kata.

The Different Parts Of Karate

GOJU RYU KATAS

Katas are a sequence of pre-defined movements that include the attack and defence against one or more imaginary attackers. They are practised alone to perfect the movements and to learn how to move more efficiently. Many katas contain karate techniques that are not obvious to an onlooker (and sometimes not even to the student performing the kata). The practical application of the katas is called Bunkai. Katas and their applications are an integral part of the grading system. There are twelve katas in the Okinawan Goju-Ryu Kata List

GEKISAI-DAI-ICHI & GEKISAI-DAI-NI

Gekisai means "to destroy or demolish". These katas were created by Chojun Miyagi and are designed for beginners. They contain exaggerated movements and are relatively easy to learn.

Detailed instructions for these two katas are on the following pages.

SAIFA

Saifa means, "tearing" and is of Naha-te origin. It is also known as "Circle/Circular" kata

SEIYUNCHIN

Seiyunchin is said to "mean marching far quietly" or "pulling" and is also known as the "Earth" or "Dragon" kata. It is of Chinese origin.

SHISOCHIN

Shisochin means, "fighting four" and refers to fighting in four directions and is of Chinese origin having been taught to Kanryo Higoanna by Ryu Ryu Ku

SANSERU

Sanseru when written in Chinese characters is the number 36. It also focuses on fighting in all four directions.

SEPAI

Sepai is the number 18. It is of Chinese origin

KURURUNFA

Kururunfa is an advanced kata. It is also of Chinese origin.

SEISAN

Seisan means "thirteen hands". It contains eight defensive and five offensive moves.

SUPERINPEI

Superinpei is the number 108 and is said to refer to a warrior group of 108 men who, in the 1600's travelled the countryside righting wrongs - Robin Hood style

SANCHIN

Sanchin means "three battles" the three being the body, the mind and the spirit. Kanryo Higoanna brought it back from China.

TENSHO

Tensho means "flowing or changing hand". Tensho is also known as "Heavenly Palm". Chojun Miyagi created it. It is a combination of dynamic tension and deep breathing with soft flowing hand movements.

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KUMITE

Kumite incorporates several forms of fighting.

Ipon kumite is one step fighting with six set attacks with the defending students demonstrating their expanding knowledge of techniques to defend themselves.

Roundori is play fighting, that is working with your partner to develop good fighting practice.

Ju-kumite is full contact fighting to over come your opponent. This form of fighting is usually only seen at senior gradings.

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Kihon

Kihon is the practice of the basic moves in Karate.

If you want more technical information on the terminology click on this link  Kihon

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The Belt Order

10th Kyu White Belt
9th Kyu Yellow Belt
8th Kyu Orange Belt
7th Kyu Green Belt
6th Kyu Blue Belt
5th Kyu Purple Belt
4th Kyu Purple and white Belt
3rd Kyu Brown Belt
2nd Kyu Brown Belt with one black tag
1st Kyu Brown Belt with two black tags
1st Dan Black Belt
2nd Dan Black Belt etc¦

DAN GRADES

Shodan - Black Belt (1st Dan)
Nidan - Second Dan
Sandan - Third Dan
Yondan - Fourth Dan
Godan - Fifth Dan
Rokudan - Sixth Dan
Sichidan - Seventh Dan
Hachidan - Eighth Dan
Kudan - Ninth Dan
Judan - Tenth Dan

Notes:
Dan Grades are only conferred at a Gasshuku (held twice yearly - summer & winter)
There is a minimum two-year qualification period from 3rd Kyu to 1st Dan
Other qualification periods and age restrictions apply to the Dan grades
Juniors are awarded Mon grades between kyu grades. There are three Mon grades between each kyu grade signified by striped belts.

10th Kyu = White belt

10th Kyu 1st mon = white belt yellow stripe

10th Kyu 2nd mon = white belt blue stripe

10th Kyu 3rd mon = white belt black stripe

9th Kyu = Yellow belt

9th Kyu 1st mon = yellow belt white stripe

9th Kyu 2nd mon = yellow belt green stripe

9th Kyu 3rd mon = yellow belt black stripe

8th Kyu = Orange belt

8th Kyu 1st mon = orange belt white stripe

8th Kyu 2nd mon = orange belt yellow stripe

8th Kyu 3rd mon = orange belt black stripe

7th Kyu = Green belt

7th Kyu 1st mon = green belt white stripe

7th Kyu 2nd mon = green belt blue stripe

7th Kyu 3rd mon = green belt black stripe

6th Kyu = Blue belt

6th Kyu 1st mon = blue belt white stripe

6th Kyu 2nd mon = blue belt red stripe

6th Kyu 3rd mon = blue belt black stripe

5th Kyu = Purple belt

5th Kyu 1st mon = purple belt brown stripe

5th Kyu 2nd mon = purple belt black stripe

5th Kyu 3rd mon = purple belt black stripe with 1 black tape at end of belt

4th Kyu = Purple belt white stripe

4th Kyu 1st mon = purple belt 2 white stripes

4th Kyu 3rd mon = purple belt 2 white stripes with 2 black tape at end of belt

3rd kyu = Brown belt

2nd kyu = Brown belt 1 black tag

1st Kyu = Brown belt 2 black tags