Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Outline of Curriculum

This section will give you a sense of how a normal class in a Goju-ryu Karate-do is ran, along with a core curriculum listing: Once opening ritual and beginning lecture are complete the class moves into the realm of learning actual technique. These items are what make Goju-Ryu one of the most beautiful and dynamic arts around. In learning Goju-Ryu Karate, we perform activities from one of four categories. These categories are characterized as two major and two minor. Further, there are subdivisions within each of the four categories.

Outline of Goju Ryu Classes

1. Opening ritual and meditation (Reishiki)

2. Warm-up exercises

3. Sequence of techniques from Kihon (basics) category

4. Sequence of techniques from Ido (Movement) category

5. Kata (Forms)

6. Kumite  (Sparring)

7. Closing ritual and Meditation

The two major categories are called "Kata" and "Kumite". Kata is a set of formal patterns, where we envisions that they are going against an opponent. Whereas Kumite is a sparring exercise with an actual opponent. The two minor categories are called "Kihon" and "Ido". These two categories are the foundation for "Kata," "Kumite", and all technique done in Goju-Ryu.

Within Karate basics, we must learn to stand, to move, block, strike, kick, fall, and later to throw. I must emphasize that considerable time is spent on learning how to block. If we do not know how to block a strike or kick, then we should not learn how to throw a strike or kick.

In "Kihon" the first minor category, we practices stationary techniques, utilizing the principle movements of blocking, striking, and kicking. The second minor category of "Ido", is aimed at using extensive footwork, along with blocking, striking, and kicking. In "Ido", the subdivisions , "Kata-Ido" and "Neko-Ashi-Ido", are preparatory programs which function as the transitional exercise between the minor programs and the programs of "Kata" and "Kumite". "Kata-Ido" works on the turning exercises in preparation for Kata. "Neko-Ashi-Ido" works on footwork exercises in preparation for Kumite. The following is an outline version of the base categories:

Jumbi Undo, Warm-Up Exercises (18 items 20-25 minutes)

Hojo Undo

Fukyu-Gata or Kihon Gata

Kihon-Gata 

Kaishu-Gata

Kihon Kumite 

Yakusoku-Kumite 

Jiyu-Kumite