Goju-Ryu

Chojun Miyagi's "hard and soft" style - breathing, tension and circularity.

Founder: Chojun Miyagi
Founded: 1930
Origin: Naha, Okinawa

History

Chojun Miyagi formalised Goju-Ryu in 1930, naming what he had learned from Kanryo Higaonna in Naha. "Go" means hard and "ju" means soft: the style alternates soft circular blocks with short, explosive counters. Breathing is part of the technique, not an accessory to it.

Principles

Constant alternation between hardness (go) and softness (ju)
Controlled breathing built into every technique
Close-range fighting with circular blocks
Sanchin as the foundational kata of structure and breath