About Goju-Kai

The International Karatedo Gojukai Association (IKGA) was formed in 1965. It is a world-wide organization that currently spans over 60 countries and regions. It is the official organization representing the Yamaguchi style of Goju-ryu. It is also sometimes referred to as the Yamaguchi Gojukai. A number of other Goju groups and individuals have their roots tied to Gogen Yamaguchi, but they no longer maintain these ties.

The growth of IKGA started in the 1960s with several teachers going overseas. Among these teachers were Gogen Yamaguchi’s three sons. A number of people came from all over the world and studied under Gogen Yamaguchi. This trend increased with the formation of the Karate College that had its official opening in 1973.

Events such as seminars and tournaments are regularly held by the IKGA. Each country has their own events but there are also international events held every year.

Gogen Yamaguchi

Gogen　”The Cat” Yamaguchi was a legend in karate. Few karate practitioners have had the kind of influence that he had. He was born Jitsumi Yamaguchi on January 21st, 1909 in Kagoshima prefecture in Japan. He began training in several martial arts in his younger years and then started learning karate in 1923.

In 1929, Gogen Yamaguchi entered Ritsumeikan University majoring in law studies. He started up a karate club at the university. Gogen Yamaguchi met Chojun Miyagi Sensei for the first time in 1931. He continued to train with Miyagi Chojun Sensei and was awarded a teaching license by Miyagi Sensei in 1937. In fact, the name “Gogen” was also given to Yamaguchi Sensei by Miyagi Sensei at this time.

After returning from a prisoner of war camp in 1947, Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei found Japan in ruins. He decided to use karate to help rebuild Japan and to promote goodwill among people around the world. He opened the Asakusa dojo in 1949 and the All Japan Karate Gojukai was formed the following year. He attracted large numbers of students. He also attracted non-Japanese students and the spread of Goju began.

In 1961, Gosen Yamaguchi (the second son) went to San Francisco to enter university. He opened a dojo in San Francisco. In 1964 the first son, Gosei Yamaguchi, and then in the following year the third son, Goshi Yamaguchi, went to the US. In 1965, the International Karatedo Gojukai Association (IKGA) was formed.

Gogen Yamaguchi traveled to several countries to help promote Gojukai. He was also involved in the formation of the Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF). As well, he established the Karate College in 1971. He brought together many top teachers from the various arts.

Gogen Yamaguchi Kaiso was very active in many areas in the 1970s and 1980s. He received various prestigious awards throughout his lifetime. He passed away on May 20th, 1989.

Grand Master Goshi Yamaguchi

Goshi Yamaguchi was born on September 28 1942, as the third son of Kaiso (the Founder) Master Gogen Yamaguchi. In 1951, at the age of eight, he began practicing karate-do at Senzoku Dojo in Asakusa. He received the 1st dan in 1957 and the 2nd dan in 1959. In 1962 he became a 3rd dan holder and an instructor.

He entered Nihon University in 1963, majoring in cinema studies in the Department of Arts. While he was a student, he had an opportunity to teach karate-do at an American branch dojo for a year.

After his return to Japan Saiko Shihan continued to teach karate-do in various Goju-ryu dojo.

He graduated from the university in 1969, and he became full time shihan in the head dojo with a view to promote and develop Goju-ryu Karate-do.

Goshi Yamaguchi has visited and taught karatedo in more than 40 countries in the world thus far as an authorized instructor of IKGA/JKGA, All Japan Karate-do Federation (JKF), Tokyo Karate-do Federation, and as an international referee. In 1990, he was appointed to be the president of All Japan Karate-do Goju-kai Association, International Karate-do Goju-kai Association, and Saiko Shihan (Grand Master) for the two associations.

The Birth Of Gojuryu

Goju-kai Karate-do is a mixture of traditional martial arts in Okinawa and traditional martial arts, mainly Chinese Nanpa Kenjutsu in Fuchien province, China.

During the Ryukyu age, peasants couldn’t have any arms because of the government’s power policy. These peasants, who developed the martial arts called Te, fought with bare feet and bare hands. This martial arts was the beginning of Karate, and later, it was called To-de.

In the process of spreading over Okinawa, Naha-te, Shuri-te, and other Styles’ origins were established. Goju-kai, which originated from Naha-te, was established by Chojun Miyagi Sensei who was a disciple of Kanryo Higaonna Sensei, the master of Naha-te. At the age of 16, Chojun Miyagi went to China and studied Karate under many renowned Karate masters. He also studied about theory and completed special breathing way called “Kisoku no Donto”.

Goju-ryu is named after a line from some old Chinese literature named “Bubishi”. Chojun Miyagi improved the old training ways and established a rational program including warming-up exercises, Kihon-kata, and Kaishu-kata, assistant exercises and so on. He thought character building was important so he left many of his words.

In the year 1937, Dainippon Butoku-kai awarded him the title, “Karate-do Kyoshi-go”. Karate-do received a good reputation and this moment was a big step towards spreading Karate all over the Japan.

According to Goju-kai’s spirit, all existence consists of Go, or hardness, which becomes positive and Ju, or softness which becomes negative. During a fight, Go becomes one’s offence and Ju becomes one’s defense for protecting our safety. Mixing Go and Ju leads to a tranquil mental state to prevent fighting