Karate comes from the Japanese meaning “empty hands”, referring to a martial art not requiring actual weapons (instead using the human body as a weapon), as well as the Zen sense of being ’empty’ of aggressive thought.
The “do” suffix means “way“.
Karate had its developments on the small island of Okinawa, part of the Ryukyu island chain that (both culturally and geographically) links China and Japan. Its origins lie in China.
History of Goju Ryu Karate
Goju Ryu was founded by Miyagi Chogun (1888-1953) of Naha village.
Master Miyagi learned Karate in Okinawa from one of the greats: Kanryo Higashionna (1853-1961).
Master Higashionna had trained for many years in China and combined the skills of Chinese boxing with his native Okinawan to form this distinctive Karate style.
Goju Ryu Karate Master – David Zarb
After acquiring a sound grounding in Karate under Master Higashionna, Master Miyagi retraced his teacher’s steps and journeyed to China, where he trained for many years under a Chinese Boxing Master Wu Ku Chan (Ryu Ryuko).
On his return to Okinawa, he developed Goju Ryu Karate. Goju Ryu Karate is characterised by both hard and soft techniques, circular movements, infighting techniques (including trapping and controlling techniques), the famed Sanchin Kata and Ibuki breathing.
.David Zarb is the 8th Goju Ryu Karate Master by lineage.
Karate Lineage
Kanryo Higashionna1851-1915 (Goju Ryu)
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Chojun Miyagi 1888-1953 (Goju Ryu)
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Seko Higa 1889-1966 (Goju Ryu)
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Kanki Izumikawa 1909-1967 (Goju Ryu)
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Sosui Ichikawa 1925-2005 (Goju Ryu) / Yuchoku Higa 1910-1994 (Shorin Ryu Kobasyashi)
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Tadahiko Ohtsuka 1940 (Goju Ryu)
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Dean Athanassiou (Goju Ryu)/ James Sumarac (Goju Ryu)
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David Zarb 1954- (Goju Ryu)