Product Description

The true essence of Goju Ryu karate is to be found in the basic techniques from which the art is constructed. Each is a part of the formula, code, or one could say, the DNA of the style, and their mastery, the key to its inner secrets. It naturally follows therefore that even if a single technique is neglected, ignored, or abandoned, the complete art can never be acquired. This program, the third in a series of six by Morio Higaonna Sensei, presents the entire arsenal of Goju Ryu karate techniques; twenty-one striking and punching, ten kicking, and thirty-one blocking methods, as well as their most effective combinations. Also included are reflex training methods, tai-sabaki evasion movements, and the trademark nerve attacks, grips, and locks that make Goju Ryu so effective at close-range. For centuries training in basic techniques has been recognized as the path to mastery of the martial arts. Samurai General Yamamoto Kansuke wrote: "Even if you have studied hard in the past to acquire knowledge and ability in the martial arts, it will come to nothing unless you continually practise...I have studied martial arts every day since childhood and have yet to reach the heart of the matter." This is as true today as when it was written more than four hundred years ago. 52 minutes of performances, lectures and demonstrations by Morio Higaonna, 9th Dan, Hanshi.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #118864 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-03-15
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1

Classical Fighting Arts magazine Spring 2004
"Everything you would expect, and more from the "Boss"

From the Actor
The entire technical curriculum of Goju Rtyu Karate presented by one of its most famous modern masters

Customer Reviews

Complete. But explanations are sorely missing.
The product description is accurate. All the techniques are there. But ... not even one of them is explained at all. I expected Shihan Higaonna to tell us how to properly execute the techniques, but all we get from him are Kiai shouts.

There is a narrator who gives very general comments every now and then, and that's it.

In all, there are two possible uses for an instructional DVD like this one:
* Learning a new technique
* Perfecting a known technique

Learning a new technique, without an explanation ... I don't think so. For instance, would you know, if no one told you, that in a mae geri you must hit with the balls of your feet and not the sole, just by watching a video?. I know I wouldn't. And that's an easy one, picture trying to get a nerve grip right with no explanation.

For perfecting a known technique ... yes, the video of Shihan Higaonna performing it flawlessly is very valuable.

But then again, do you know all 50+ techniques included here?. For all those techniques you don't know, lower your expectations of learning them here.

Also of note, there was enough space for explanations in the disc I think, provided they remove all those slow-motion replays. The replays are mostly worthless, because they didn't use a high speed camera, so the frames in the slow motion are the same as what you get using the slow-motion feature in your DVD player.

I do not own any of the other DVDs in this series. They might have the same issues or not.

Technical Series V3 Goju Ryu Karate
Anyone wishing to advance in the ranks of Goju Ryu karate would be seriously advised to get hold of this series. My husband and I found them to be without equal.