This work reflects the system of education from the School of Dai Sensei Meitoku Yagi named the Meibukan. The Meibukan, in an educational sense, originated from the teachings of "the Empty Hand" that Chojun Miyagi adopted in his Goju-ryu Karate system and passed over to his student in turn, Meitoku Yagi. Sensei Yagi developed the system further and gave these teachings a personal interpretation. The reader will find many historical photographs of great Okinawan Goju-ryu karate masters who were the pioneers of this unique martial art. The syllabus in this book serves as a technical manual in which history, origins, practice, and techniques are arranged in an orderly way, allowing the identity of the style to emerge. This syllabus offers deep background that not only will serve beginning karatekas by giving them a rational framework to grasp this martial art, but also more experienced karatekas, who may reinforce or augment their existing understanding of the style's unique subtleties.

An instructive text on the etiquette, kata, stances and powerful techniques of the renowned goju-ryu system as practiced in Okinawa. Includes a detailed section on sanchin breathing and step-by-step photos with foot patterns.

Challenging timeworn conventions of karate training and revealing the original intent of classical kata—or forms—through detailed descriptions of self-defense applications known as bunkai, this is a crucial addition to any martial-arts library. Containing more than 265 photos, the book is divided into chapters that illuminate each of the ten classical kata of Goju-ryu. Drawing on more than forty years of experience in the martial arts, Giles Hopkins Sensei takes us on a journey into the Goju-ryu karate system, providing a principles-based method for analysis of kata practice. Arguing against the commonly held notion that kata techniques can have multiple interpretations, he insists that a kata cannot simply mean what the user wants it to mean, but contains specific martial principles that must be followed for it to work effectively. The step-by-step descriptions of the receiving, controlling or bridging, and finishing techniques contain in-depth analysis of commonly misunderstood aspects of kata. Each chapter concludes with an engaging anecdote from the author’s time in Okinawa, the birthplace of Goju-ryu, connecting it with the kata under discussion. Equally useful for the novice and for more advanced karate practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of kata and bunkai.

A guide to goju-ryu fundamentals that narrates the author's personal history of Okinawan goju-ryu karate. It covers advanced kata, its evolution and its importance. It features step-by-step photographs that show the advanced techniques of shorei-kan karate, including stances, strikes, blocks, kicks and two-man training styles.

This unique volume records each of the major Okinawan techniques--Shorin, kobudo, ti, and styles derived form Chinese boxing--using lineage charts to trace their descent from ancient Chinese roots. Also includes exercises for breathing, relaxation, and energy circulation. Photographs and drawings.

"Fundamentals of Freestyle Goju Ryu" is the first karate book to take the classroom to the student. You not only get the benefits of a complete karate book but when you buy the book you also get access to an interactive, members-only website. In this groundbreaking book, you will find chapters on the history of karate, basic techniques, advancement requirements as well as step-by step instructions for every kata necessary to obtain your black belt. The techniques and katas contained in this book have been tested and proven to work for over 100 years. Great care has been taken to ensure you will not only learn these techniques, but will also understand why they work, and when to use them. This is not a book about tournament or sport karate. Sensei Sajnog teaches traditional Okinawan techniques, used for physical and mental growth, as well as self-defense. No book on karate has ever made learning so easy. It's like having a Sensei in your home 24 hours a day! Other karate books only show you pictures of the beginning and the end of each movement. "Fundamentals of Freestyle Goju Ryu" describes, in detail, each technique from start to finish. If you're ever in doubt or just want to check and make sure you're doing it right, log on to Freestylegoju.com and see a demonstration performed by Sensei Sajnog.