Chojun Miyagi and Goju-ryu

“Do not strike others, and do not allow others to strike you. The goal is peace without incident.”

 – Chojun Miyagi

I just finished reading Chojun by Goran Powell.  It’s a novel based on the legendary karate master Chojun Miyagi. I will write a review of this novel shortly, but wanted to post a little about Miyagi and the art he is famous for.

The martial art of Okinawan Goju-ryu as developed by Chojun Miyagi is a true combat art, not at all suited to modern day sport karate competition. Goju-ryu is a counter-attacking system based on a synthesis of hard linear type techniques with softer circular movements. Goju-ryu’s circular blocking actions and evasive body movements not only deflect and/or absorb an opponent’s energy, but serve to wind up the body like a spring in order to unleash the art’s explosive counter-attacks.

The art’s techniques include strikes, kicks, foot-sweeps, stomps, knee and elbow strikes, rips, tears, gouges and headbutts. Gripping, pulling, pushing, jamming, joint-lock techniques and throws are also included. Additionally, the art is known for the warm-up and conditioning exercises Miyagi developed and called Yobi undo (also known as Junbi undo in Japanese). These were designed to prevent injury and develop optimum health while assisting with the development of technique.

From a philosophical point of view, Chojun Miyagi chose the name goju-ryu (hard-soft style) to mirror the concept of the yin-yang and to provide a guide to the performance of the techniques. Examples of his teachings include:

In defense, attack – in attack, defend.

Soft target, hard weapon – hard target, soft weapon.

Grip a strong person lightly – a weak person strongly.

Linear attack, circular block – circular attack, linear block.

To strike high, first kick low – to kick low, first strike high.

Strike to disrupt – disrupt to strike.

Chojun Miyagi also applied the “hard-soft” concept to conflict resolution without resorting to fighting.  This was summed up with his teaching, “When your temper rises, lower your fists – when your fists rise, lower your temper.”

The quote at the beginning of this post sums up Chojun Miyagi’s karate philosophy and is worth repeating:

“Do not strike others, and do not allow others to strike you. The goal is peace without incident.”