撃砕第一
Gekisai Dai Ichi
Attack & Smash I
Geki "attack," sai "smash," dai ichi "number one."
Our style · 剛柔流
Goju Ryu: the hard–soft way
A close-range Okinawan karate that pairs power with flowing movement and deep breathing, practiced the traditional way.
Hard and soft, in balance
In Japanese, go (剛) means hard and ju (柔) means soft. Goju Ryu trains both: strong, explosive technique driven from the hips, and soft, circular movement that redirects and flows.
Breathing ties it together. In ibuki breathing, you might inhale with every block and exhale with every strike, linking mind and body. Goju Ryu also keeps its roots as a complete fighting art, with grappling, throws and close-range sparring (kumite) built on quick footwork like the cat stance (neko ashi dachi).
The goal isn't fighting for its own sake. It's buji: peace and the absence of conflict, while always looking for a better way.
剛 Go
Hard. External strength, speed and power.
柔 Ju
Soft. Internal energy, circles and breath.
Where it comes from
Goju Ryu has more Chinese influence than any other Japanese karate style.
- Naha-te, OkinawaFighting arts from China arrive in Okinawa over 400 years ago and blend with native Okinawan "te." The style practiced in the city of Naha becomes known as Naha-te.
- Kanryo HigaonnaThe leading authority on Naha-te travels to mainland China to study and bring back new skills.
- Chojun Miyagi (1888–1953)Higaonna's top student organizes and modernizes the training and gives the style its name: Goju Ryu, the "hard–soft style."
- 1928: Mainland JapanMiyagi introduces Goju Ryu to mainland Japan, where it grows into one of karate's major styles.
- Today: PleasantonTri-Valley Karate is part of the All Japan Karatedo Federation Goju Kai and Goju Ryu Karatedo Seiwakai, one of the largest karate organizations in the world, headquartered in Japan.
The kata we practice
Kata are forms: set patterns of movement that hold the techniques and principles of the style. Each name has a meaning.
撃砕第二
Gekisai Dai Ni
Attack & Smash II
The second Gekisai kata, dai ni "number two."
三戦
Sanchin
Three Battles
San "three," chin "battle": mind, body and spirit.
転掌
Tensho
Rotating Palms
Ten "turning" or "shifting," sho "palm."
砕破
Saifa
Smash & Destroy
Sai "smash" or "break," fa "tear" or "destroy."
制引戦
Seiyunchin
Control & Pull in Battle
Sei "control," yun "pull," chin "battle."
三十六
Sanseiru
36 Hands
San "three," sei "ten," ru "six."
四向戦
Shisochin
Four Direction Battle
Shi "four," so "direction," chin "battle."
十八
Sepai
18 Hands
Se "ten," pai "eight."
十三
Seisan
13 Hands
Sei "ten," san "three."
久留頓破
Kururunfa
Hold Long, Strike Suddenly
Ku "a long time," ru "keep in place," run "suddenly," fa "destroy."
壱百零八
Suparinpei
108 Hands
Su "one," pa "hundred," rin "zero," pei "eight."
What is a dojo?
The dojo is a special place to train, built on respect from the moment class begins with a bow. Here's what to expect.
- Bow in and bow out. Every class starts and ends with dojo etiquette (reishiki). It sets a calm, focused, positive tone.
- Come with a good attitude. Leave frustration at the door. In the dojo, be alert and purposeful, which keeps everyone safe.
- Say "Hai!" When Sensei gives a correction, answer "Hai" out loud. It means "I understand," so Sensei knows you heard.
- Move quickly when lining up. Keep your lines and match the class rhythm. It helps Sensei see and correct everyone.
- Seniors lead by example. Senior students line up at the front so newer students can follow them.
- Ask before leaving the mat. Always get Sensei's permission to step off the floor, for courtesy and for safety.
In the dojo you'll learn basics (kihon), self-defense, how to respect yourself and others, and stamina you might not have thought possible. Defense and fitness are only the beginning of karatedo.