history of goju kai

Goju Kai-Karate Do originated in Japan in 1950 and was founded by Yamaguchi Gogen (The Cat) 1909-1989. His sons Gosen and Gosei took Goju Kai to California, USA in the 1960's.

Goju Kai Karate techniques and Katas are very similar to those of Goju Ryu. Goju Kai does place more emphasis on the sport side of training rather than the body conditioning and supplementary exercises of Goju Ryu. The creator of Goju Kai, Yamaguchi Gogen, is credited with introducing free sparring to Karate. Previously Karate styles only used Katas and pre-defined attack/defense techniques in their training.

Goju Kai is a Traditional Japanese Martial Art based on close in offense and defense. It uses logic and economy of strength maneuvers, which combine circular motion blocking techniques and quick & powerful counter attacks delivered in rapid succession.

Many Goju Kai schools are in existence today all over the world, and the characteristic clenched fist logo of Goju Kai can easily be recognized. The insignia was designed by the late Gogen Yamaguchi in 1932, founder of Goju-Kai Karate-Do. In fact, the clenched fist insignia is protected by United States and international trademark and patent laws by those that currently hold the rights for it. Goju Kai is a true form of traditional Karate-do.