When I was younger I studied under a sensei that lived his young life in Okinawa (he was originally from California but was stationed there). He was in his early seventies when I met him but he looked about 50.

I was too young to fully understand the lessons that he taught but now that I’m getting older I’m starting to understand. Goju Ryu is a mix between hard and soft techniques (open and closed hand). It’s mostly a defensive and deflective approach, and although you can go far out of brute strength, you can go farther with precise movement.

I’m a convert into Buddhism, and I believe that learning Goju Ryu was a big influence on my philosophy now. To anyone who is interested in learning this style of karate I think it’s an amazing journey. I suggest learning the history and looking into the meaning of why it was created.