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Goju-ryu (the hard/soft style) is an art which combines traditional Okinawan techniques with both internal and external Chinese principles. The soft (ju), internal Chinese style concentrates upon circular movements and the development of chi (vital energy), while external, hard (go) principle rely upon physical strength. The combination of these principles makes Goju-ryu a close-range, fighting system that concentrates on efficiency of movements as well as a personal development.

A signature quality in this system is the emphasis that is placed upon combining soft circular blocking techniques with quick strong counter techniques delivered in rapid succession. The movements contained with Goju-Ryu kata are intended for self-defense and not for sport. Short, circular blocks, powerful holds and locks, efficient punching maneuvers, and kicking techniques targeted to the lower body characterize the art that Miyagi carefully developed.

Its popularity was primarily due to the teaching success of Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915) who opened a dojo (school) in Naha using eight forms brought/introduced from China.

The best student of Higaonna was Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953) who founded the formal system of "hard/soft way" or "Goju-ryu"
The basic Kata Sanchin, Kaishu, or open hand Kata Gekisai 1 and 2, Heishu, or closed hand Kata Tensho, authentic Kata of Kanryo Higaona Sensei such as Saifa, Seiyunchin, Shisochin, Sanseiru, Seipai, Kururunfa, Seisan and Suparinpei are instructed. In November 1974, four basic Kata Sanchin, Tensho, Saifa and Seiyunchin were standardized by the JKF Gojukai. In 1980, the remaining eight Kata (Gekisai 1 and 2, Shisochin, Sanseiru, Seisan, Seipai, Kururunfa and Suparinpei) were standardized.

It is said that Sanchin is the basic Kata of Gojuryu to study "Ki, Soku and Tai" which are necessary factors of martial arts, and this is a basic Kata for training to learn right breathing and posture for massive attack and defense techniques. The founder Chojun Miyagi studied Rokkish from Chinese boxing Nan-ha Shorin-ken Hakkaku-ken and developed Tensho as Heishu Kata. Tensho aims to study "Ki, Soku and Tai" as same as Sanchin and several Uke techniques and attacking techniques by Shotei are featuring.

For more Goju Ryu information, go to the Goju Ryu Network (www.gojuryu.net)