Gosoku-ryu
Encyclopedia
is a style of Karate
which was founded by Takayuki Kubota
. Gosoku stands for hard and fast, which suggests a combination of techniques both from the fast and dynamic Shotokan
style as well as from the strength-focused Gōjū-ryū style.
, Japan
in 1953 for the purpose of teaching and promoting the Gosoku style of karate. Gosoku-ryū, "the style of force with speed," incorporates the methods of Goju-ryū and Shotokan karate with aikido
, jujitsu, and judo
. It is applied so as to encompass any attacker from all angles.
The International Karate Association grew quickly to its current estimated membership of over 100,000 in 60 different countries. In 1964, Kubota came to the United States. Kubota was able to gather several talented young men to create the nucleus of the U.S. branch. Under Kubota's tutelage, the I.K.A. has achieved wide recognition in the martial arts world. Members of the organization have won championship titles, including California state, U.S. national and World championships. The International Karate Association reaches worldwide with headquarters located in Glendale, California
.
The progressive ranks of karate are reflected in the different colored belts. There are two major classifications: the ranks of black belt are called dans, while all those below the rank of black belt are kyu
s.
In Gosoku-ryū, there are nine kyu ratings, as follows:
After achieving shodan, or first degree black belt ranking, a karateka may progress further though the dan
ranks up to ju-dan, or tenth degree black belt.
The ju-dan sometimes wears a red belt to distinguish him or herself. Instructors that are 4th dan are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan-Dai" (deputy master). Instructors that are 5th dan or higher are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan" (master instructor). Title is not always awarded by rank alone. One must be an active instructor and be awarded the rank by Kubota.
All Black Belt ranks are registered directly with the International Association Headquarters in Glendale, California.
karate
. It differs from Shotokan in that it incorporates the linear power movements of Shotokan with the speed and soft circular motions of Goju Ryū
. Emphasis is put on practical application and sparring
. Stances are generally shorter when in defensive positions and transition to longer stances when power moves are delivered. During kicks, including kihon, hands are kept in guard (and not spread aside). Gosoku-ryū teaches quick leg sweeps and take-downs; in kumite
, attacks often end on the floor. Fast footwork which adds speed and power by utilizing the rotation of the hip make Gosoku Ryū different from other styles. Gosoku Ryū also incorporates Aikido
, Judo
, and Jujitsu techniques which are used in ground fighting and for control and restraint techniques that are taught to law enforcement
.
, Tonfa
, Kama
, Jō
, Bokuto, Bokken, Shinai, Tsue (walking cane), and the Katana
(Japanese sword). Kubota trained with Taira Shinken learning ancient Kobudo
katas while developing his own for his school. The Kobudo kata created by him include:
and Hanshi Temoanarupe Inuhaere are ranked as 8th dan.
Several people were awarded the rank of 7th dan and title of Shihan in Gosoku-ryu:
James Caan
remains one of the most loyal students of Gosoku-ryu and holds the title of soke-dai.
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
which was founded by Takayuki Kubota
Takayuki Kubota
is a Japanese master of karate. He founded the Gosoku-ryu style of karate, and is the founder and president of the International Karate Association. Kubota holds the title of Sōke for his development of the Gosoku-ryū style of karate...
. Gosoku stands for hard and fast, which suggests a combination of techniques both from the fast and dynamic Shotokan
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
style as well as from the strength-focused Gōjū-ryū style.
Background
The International Karate Association was formed in TokyoTokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
in 1953 for the purpose of teaching and promoting the Gosoku style of karate. Gosoku-ryū, "the style of force with speed," incorporates the methods of Goju-ryū and Shotokan karate with aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
, jujitsu, and judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
. It is applied so as to encompass any attacker from all angles.
The International Karate Association grew quickly to its current estimated membership of over 100,000 in 60 different countries. In 1964, Kubota came to the United States. Kubota was able to gather several talented young men to create the nucleus of the U.S. branch. Under Kubota's tutelage, the I.K.A. has achieved wide recognition in the martial arts world. Members of the organization have won championship titles, including California state, U.S. national and World championships. The International Karate Association reaches worldwide with headquarters located in Glendale, California
Glendale, California
Glendale is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 Census, the city population is 191,719, down from 194,973 at the 2000 census. making it the third largest city in Los Angeles County and the 22nd largest city in the state of California...
.
Belt system
Advancement through the ranks, as marked by belt color, is a process signifying progressively greater control and coordination of mind and body. The length of time involved is largely dependent upon the dedication of the individual student. Any person, regardless of age, gender, or innate talent, can become proficient if he or she diligently applies the techniques taught.The progressive ranks of karate are reflected in the different colored belts. There are two major classifications: the ranks of black belt are called dans, while all those below the rank of black belt are kyu
Kyu
is a Japanese term used in martial arts, chadō, ikebana, go, shogi such as Japanese traditional culture, and academic tests and in other similar activities to designate various grades or levels or class of proficiency or experience...
s.
In Gosoku-ryū, there are nine kyu ratings, as follows:
| Lowest | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10th Kyu | White | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 9th Kyu | Yellow Belt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 8th Kyu | Orange Belt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 7th Kyu | Blue Belt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 6th Kyu | Purple Belt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 5th Kyu | Green Belt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 4th Kyu | Green Belt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3rd Kyu | Brown Belt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2nd Kyu | Brown Belt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 1st Kyu | Brown Belt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Highest | ||||||||||||||||||||||
After achieving shodan, or first degree black belt ranking, a karateka may progress further though the dan
Dan
Dan is a name. It refers sometimes to the short form of the name Daniel. Dan, or the acronym DAN may refer to the following:Persons* Fyodor Dan, a Russian Marxist revolutionary...
ranks up to ju-dan, or tenth degree black belt.
| Lowest | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1st Dan | Black Belt 1st Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2nd Dan | Black Belt 2nd Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3rd Dan | Black Belt 3rd Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 4th Dan | Black Belt 4th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 5th Dan | Black Belt 5th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 6th Dan | Black Belt 6th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 7th Dan | Black Belt 7th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 8th Dan | Black Belt 8th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 9th Dan | Black Belt 9th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 10th Dan | Black Belt 10th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 10th Dan | Ju-dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| |align=center|Highest | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The ju-dan sometimes wears a red belt to distinguish him or herself. Instructors that are 4th dan are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan-Dai" (deputy master). Instructors that are 5th dan or higher are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan" (master instructor). Title is not always awarded by rank alone. One must be an active instructor and be awarded the rank by Kubota.
All Black Belt ranks are registered directly with the International Association Headquarters in Glendale, California.
Major differences from other styles
Gosoku-ryū is similar to ShotokanShotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
. It differs from Shotokan in that it incorporates the linear power movements of Shotokan with the speed and soft circular motions of Goju Ryū
Goju Ryu
, is one of the main traditional Okinawan styles of karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. Both principles, hard and soft, come from the famous martial arts book Bubishi , used by Okinawan masters during the 19th and 20th centuries...
. Emphasis is put on practical application and sparring
Sparring
Sparring is a form of training common to many martial arts. Although the precise form varies, it is essentially relatively 'free-form' fighting, with enough rules, customs, or agreements to make injuries unlikely...
. Stances are generally shorter when in defensive positions and transition to longer stances when power moves are delivered. During kicks, including kihon, hands are kept in guard (and not spread aside). Gosoku-ryū teaches quick leg sweeps and take-downs; in kumite
Kumite
Kumite means sparring, and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon. Kumite is the part of karate in which you train against an adversary, using the techniques learned from the kihon and kata....
, attacks often end on the floor. Fast footwork which adds speed and power by utilizing the rotation of the hip make Gosoku Ryū different from other styles. Gosoku Ryū also incorporates Aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
, Judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, and Jujitsu techniques which are used in ground fighting and for control and restraint techniques that are taught to law enforcement
Law enforcement agency
In North American English, a law enforcement agency is a government agency responsible for the enforcement of the laws.Outside North America, such organizations are called police services. In North America, some of these services are called police while others have other names In North American...
.
Kobudo weapons
Many weapons are practiced in the dojo: KubotanKubotan
The Kubotan self-defense keychain is a close-quarter self-defense weapon developed by Takayuki Kubota. It is essentially a derivation of the stick, usually 5.5 inches long and 0.56 inch in diameter, slightly thicker or the same size as a marker pen...
, Tonfa
Tonfa
The tonfa , also known as tong fa or tuifa, is an Okinawan weapon. It is a stick with a handle, and is about 15-20 inches long. It was traditionally made from red oak and wielded in pairs...
, Kama
Kama (weapon)
The is a traditional Filipino and Japanese farming implement similar to a small scythe used for reaping crops and also employed as a weapon...
, Jō
Jo
JO, Jo or jo may refer to:*Jō, a ~4-foot-long wooden staff used in some Japanese martial arts*Cho , , also spelled Jo, a common Korean family name*Jo , a 1971 French comedy...
, Bokuto, Bokken, Shinai, Tsue (walking cane), and the Katana
Katana
A Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
(Japanese sword). Kubota trained with Taira Shinken learning ancient Kobudo
Kobudo
or Ko-budō, a Japanese term meaning "old martial way", may refer to:* Koryū: in contrast to budō, which has become more competitive, a type of martial art which has kept its ancient mode of training and has been preserved and handed down from generation to generation .* Okinawan kobudō: the martial...
katas while developing his own for his school. The Kobudo kata created by him include:
- Tonfa - Washi no kata, Juji no uke.
- Jō - Keibo jitsu, Ken shin ryū.
- Tsue - (walking cane) Tsue ichi no kata, ni no kata, san no kata, yon no kata, go no kata, roku no kata, Mawashi no kata.
- Katana - created by Kubota: Sankaku giri, Atemi no kata, Kubo giri, Gyaku giri, Iaido ichi no kata, ni no kata, san no kata, Toshin.
- Bokken - Ken no Michi, Ken no Mai
Prominent students
Kancho Takemasa OkuyamaTakemasa Okuyama
Takemasa Okuyama is the head of the International Karate Association of Canada and has the Kancho title.He began to train in Japan at the age of 7. In line with the family tradition, he practised sumo and judo. At the aged of 13 he started to learn karate from master Kinjo from Okinawa...
and Hanshi Temoanarupe Inuhaere are ranked as 8th dan.
Several people were awarded the rank of 7th dan and title of Shihan in Gosoku-ryu:
- shihan Val Mijailovic 7th dan
- Shihan Hank Hamilton 7th dan
- Shihan Paul McCaul 7th dan
- Shihan Boban Petkovic 7th dan
- Shihan Charles L. Scott 7th dan
- Shihan-Kyoshi Gorgio Bortolin
- shihan Tomasz Piotrkowicz
James Caan
James Caan
James Caan is an American actor. He is best known for his starring roles in The Godfather, Thief, Misery, A Bridge Too Far, Brian's Song, Rollerball, Kiss Me Goodbye, Elf, and El Dorado...
remains one of the most loyal students of Gosoku-ryu and holds the title of soke-dai.