Gosoku-ryu

Gosoku-ryū (剛速流) is a style of karate which was founded by Takayuki Kubota. Gosoku stands for hard and fast, which suggests a combination of techniques both from the fast and dynamic Shōtōkan style as well as from the strength-focused Gōjū-ryū style.

Gosoku-ryū
剛速流
Also known asGosoku Ryu, Go Soku ryu
Country of origin Japan
FounderTakayuki Kubota
Current headTakayuki Kubota
Arts taughtKarate • kobudo
Ancestor schoolsShōtōkan • Gōjū-ryū
PractitionersJames Caan, Rod Kuratomi, Val Mijailovic, Takemasa Okuyama, Grant Campbell
Official websiteikakarate.com

Background

The International Karate Association (IKA) was formed in Tokyo, Japan in 1953 for the purpose of teaching and promoting the Gosoku style of karate. Gosoku-ryū, "the style of force with speed", incorporates the methods of Goju-ryū and Shotokan karate with aikido, jujitsu, and judo. It is applied so as to encompass any attacker from all angles.

The IKA grew quickly to its current estimated membership of over 100,000 in 60 different countries.[1] In 1964, Kubota came to the United States. He was able to gather several talented young men to create the nucleus of the U.S. branch. Under Kubota's tutelage, the IKA has achieved wide recognition in the martial arts world. Members of the organization have won championship titles, including California state, U.S. national, and world championships. The IKA reaches worldwide with headquarters located in Glendale, California.

Belt system

Advancement through the ranks, as marked by belt color, is a process signifying progressively greater control and coordination of mind and body. The length of time involved is largely dependent upon the dedication of the individual student. Any person, regardless of age, gender, or innate talent, can become proficient if he or she diligently applies the techniques taught.

The progressive ranks of karate are reflected in the different colored belts. There are two major classifications: the ranks of black belt are called dans, while all those below the rank of black belt are kyus.

In Gosoku-ryū, there are ten[2] kyu ratings, as follows:

Lowest
10th KyuWhite
9th KyuYellow Belt
8th KyuOrange Belt
7th KyuBlue Belt
6th KyuPurple Belt
5th KyuGreen Belt
4th KyuGreen Belt
3rd KyuBrown Belt
2nd KyuBrown Belt
1st KyuBrown Belt
Highest

After achieving shodan, or first degree black belt ranking, a karateka may progress further though the dan ranks up to ju-dan, or tenth degree black belt.

Lowest
1st DanBlack Belt 1st Dan
2nd DanBlack Belt 2nd Dan
3rd DanBlack Belt 3rd Dan
4th DanBlack Belt 4th Dan
5th DanBlack Belt 5th Dan
6th DanBlack Belt 6th Dan
7th DanBlack Belt 7th Dan
8th DanBlack Belt 8th Dan
9th DanBlack Belt 9th Dan
10th DanBlack Belt 10th Dan
10th DanJu-dan
Highest

The ju-dan sometimes wears a red belt to distinguish him or herself. Instructors that are 4th dan are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan-Dai" (deputy master). Instructors that are 5th dan or higher are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan" (master instructor). Title is not always awarded by rank alone. One must be an active instructor and be awarded the rank by Kubota.

All Black Belt ranks are registered directly with the International Association Headquarters in Glendale, California.

Major differences from other styles

Gosoku-ryū is similar to Shotokan karate. It differs from Shotokan in that it incorporates the linear power movements of Shotokan with the speed and soft circular motions of Gōjū-ryū. The meaning of Gosoku-Ryu is "Hard and fast". Emphasis is put on practical application and sparring. Stances are generally shorter when in defensive positions and transition to longer stances when power moves are delivered. During kicks, including kihon, hands are kept in guard (and not spread aside). Gosoku-ryū teaches quick leg sweeps and take-downs; in kumite, attacks often end on the floor. Fast footwork which adds speed and power by utilizing the rotation of the hip makes Gosoku-ryū different from other styles. Gosoku-ryū also incorporates aikido, judo, and jujitsu techniques, which are used in ground fighting and for control and restraint techniques that are taught to law enforcement.

Kobudo weapons

Many weapons are practiced in the dojo: Kubotan, Tonfa, Kama, Jō, Bokuto, Bokken, Shinai, Tsue (walking cane), and the Katana (Japanese sword).[3] Kubota trained with Taira Shinken learning ancient Kobudo katas while developing his own for his school. The Kobudo kata created by him include:[3]

  • Tonfa: Washi no kata, Juji no uke.
  • Jō: Keibo jitsu, Ken shin ryū.
  • Tsue (walking cane): Tsue ichi no kata, ni no kata, san no kata, yon no kata, go no kata, roku no kata, Mawashi no kata.
  • Katana (created by Kubota): Sankaku giri, Atemi no kata, Kubo giri, Gyaku giri, Iaido ichi no kata, ni no kata, san no kata, Toshin.
  • Bokken: Ken no Michi, Ken no Mai

Prominent students

Takemasa Okuyama and Temoanarupe Inuhaere [4] are ranked as 8th dan. Several people were awarded the rank of 7th dan and title of Shihan in Gosoku-ryu:

References
  1. List of Affiliates. Ikakarate.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-07.
  2. Kubota, Tak (2002). Fighting Karate Gosoku Ryu. Burbank, CA: Unique Publications. p. 27. ISBN 0-86568-205-4.
  3. Warsaw Karate Center (in English)
  4. Hanshi Master Archived 2011-10-12 at the Wayback Machine. Homepages.ihug.co.nz (1942-03-19). Retrieved on 2012-01-07..
  5. Hank Hamilton's profile. Hypnosis.edu. Retrieved on 2012-01-07.
  6. IKA Newsletter. Ikakarate.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-07.
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