Goju-ryu, which was founded by Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953). Its popularity due to the success of Kanryo Higashionna (1853-1915). Higashionna opened a dojo in Naha using eight forms brought from China.
His student, Chojun Miyagi founded Goju-ryu, 'hard soft way' in 1930. In Goju-ryu much emphasis is placed on combining soft circular blocking techniques with quick strong counter attacks delivered in rapid succession.
It came from Shorei-ryu (from Naha-te and Tomari-te), which utilize up and down stances and internal breathing power (known as "hard and soft" techniques). Kata such as Sanchin (Naha-te) and Rohai (Tomari-te) demonstrate this techniques well.
The Goju kata are;-
Taikyoko Shodan
Gekisai dai Ichi, Gekisai dai Ni - (Attac & Destroy) Basic kata No's 1& 2
Saifa - Moneky Kata - (Smash & Tear Apart)
Seiyunchin - Tiger Kata (Control Suppress & Pull)
Sanseru - 36 Techniques (36 Hands)
Shisochin - Dragon Kata (Four Directions of Conflict/Attack)
Sesan - Snake 13 Masters (13 Hands)
Sepai - 18 Stances (18 Hands)
Kururunfa - Praying Mantis (Holding Ground & Attacking Suddenly)
Suparinpei - 108 Positions (108 Hands) (Master Kata)
Sanchin - Three Battles/Conflicts (Breathing Kata)
Tensho - Rotating (Turning) Palms (Breathing Kata)
All 17 Goju Ryu Kata DVD (Region 2) by Andreas Ginger
