Karate Do, literally translated, means “way of the empty hand”. It is an ancient form of unarmed self-defence
that originates from Okinawa, a small island between Japan and China.

 

 Goju Ryu Karate Do was formed by an Okinawan master of karate, Chojun Miyagi (b. 1888), who was regarded as one of the greatest martial artists of his time.

Master Miyagi named his style of karate Goju Ryu (Hard/soft way) after the hard (strong/rigid) and soft (yielding/flowing) influences he had been trained
in from previous masters from both Okinawa and China.

 

Goju Ryu karate is characterised by hard training and conditioning as well as softer more yielding techniques and breathing exercises to help maintain balance in
training.