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Wa — Harmony 和

Harmony is the basis of happiness and a good life — and a solid foundation for karatedō.

Memorial Day Holiday

The dojo will be closed in celebration of the Memorial Day holiday.

Zanshin — Awareness 残心

Awareness is a key skill that we train and practice in karatedō.

Kyokudo -- Intensity 極度

To act with intensity, and to live with intensity, is a fundamental aspect of karatedō.

Tuition: One Way You Support Your Dojo

How Karatedō and martial arts has been funded through the centuries.

The Path to Blackbelt

Becoming a dan-ranking blackbelt karateka is the goal of a lifetime.

Gaden Insui — Pull Water to My Own Rice Paddy 我田引水

Our karatedō enables us to project our strong spirit to influence the world around us.

Dojo Spring Break 2023

The Dojo Spring Break runs from May 1st to May 9th, 2023.

Akuin Akka — From the Egg of a Serpent, Comes a Serpent 悪因悪果

From an evil source, comes evil results -- we strive to remove negative influences in our lives.

New Blackbelt Section

A new Goju Students section has debuted especially for blackbelts.

April 2023 Rank Testing

The April 2023 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, April 22nd.

Mokuhyō matsu utsu — Aim, Wait, Fire 目標待つ撃つ

Anticipate and appreciate uncertainty, and have a much better chance of reaching you goals.

Help Improve GOJUKARATE.COM

Help us evolve our content with edits and ideas for improvement.

Tsuki no Kata

Tsuki no Kata is a classic Goju Ryu kata. A complete guide to the kata is now available.

🔊 Listen Now: Kime -- Decisive [and More] 決め

The shodo meditation lecture on Kime — Decisive [and More] 決め is now available for both the general public and Goju Students.

Kime – Decisive [and More] 決め

Kime is the decisive strike in a fight: the strike that ends the fight. But it's also so much more.

Easter Holiday Schedule

The dojo will be closed in celebration of the Easter holiday.

The History of Karatedō: The Timeline

The history of Karatedō is easier to understand with a Timeline.

📺 Watch Now: The History of Karatedo Seminar

The full video presentation of the History of Karatedō, Part One, is now available.

Shoshin -- Beginner's Mind 初心

A beginner's mind, with the openness and modesty of a beginner, is a powerful state for the karateka.

Seminar-Related Class Schedule Changes

The Karatedō History Seminar on Friday, March 24th, will affect a number of classes on Friday as well as on Saturday, March 25th.

Ganbaru — Steadfast Determination 頑張る

Ganbaru is part of the triumvirate of concepts that describes determination and persistence in karatedō.

New Class: Saturday 12:30PM Adults

The Saturday class schedule debuts a new rotating special-subject class for adults.

Ikioi — Momentum 勢い

Momentum is an incredible force that can propel you forward inexorably. Seize and maintain momentum always.

Updates in Kihon and Kata

Now available: newer versions of selected kata, the complete Adult syllabus series, and more.

Setsu do Motsu — Strong Like Bamboo 節度持

Being flexible is a superpower in a world of filled with the inflexible. Karatedō teaches mental strength through flexibility.

The History of Karatedō: The Seminar

Make plans to attend a ground-breaking seminar on the history and origins of karatedō.

Advanced Brown Belt Review Class

1st Kyu Advanced Brown Belts will have a review class available to prepare for blackbelt selection.

Blackbelt Selection 2023

Blackbelt Testing is an annual event that lasts several months and culminates in Blackbelt Week in the Fall.

Presidents Day Holiday Week

Goju Karate will celebrate Presidents Day and the Dojo Winter Break Classes Resume Monday, February 27th.

February 2023 Rank Testing

The February 2023 Rank Testing will be held on Saturday, February 18th.

What's a Shinzen Katami 形見?

Ever wonder what's inside the baskets on the Shinzen? Shinzen Katami are in one of them.

Kiri de uteki — Raindrops in Fog 霧で雨滴

We live in a world dense with the fog of information: our goal should be to pick out the raindrops of knowledge hidden in that fog.

New Class Schedules Available

Want a printable PDF of the Class Schedule that includes the brand-new Tuesday lineup? It's available now, right here.

Ikann — Consistency 一貫

Ikann is consistency: the practice of continuing to work on goals until they are achieved. Without ikann, very little is achieved.

🔊Listen Now: Mokuteki -- Goals 目的

The shodo meditation lecture on Mokuteki — Goals 目的 is now available for both the general public and Goju Students.

Nen — Mindfulness 念

Nen is the fundamental power of the "now mind" sharpening focus and increasing mindfulness.

Mokuteki — Goals 目的

Goals are the lighthouses of our ambition, guiding our daily actions so that we move towards achieving our ultimate life purposes.

NYC Dojo Announces NEW Tuesday Schedule

Tuesday classes arrive on the NYC Dojo schedule! A full range of kids classes and Jishu for adults.

Ikigai Shodo Lecture Video Now Available

Missed the first shodo lecture in the Cycle of Four? The Goju Students section now has a live recording available for review.

Zen wa Isoge — Rushing is Good 善は急げ

Time is the most precious thing we have and Zen wa Isoge reminds us that rushing to accomplish our goals and pursue our purpose is vitally important to a satisfying life.

Ikigai — Purpose for Living 生き甲斐

To have a purpose for living is the true measure of a satisfied and rich life; rather than striving for happiness, strive for purpose.

Cycle of Four: The January Meditations

Every year, the dojo presents a unique cycle of four meditation+shodo lectures during the first four weeks of January.

The Meitoku Yagi Monument

A monument to Meitoku Yagi is being completed on Okinawa and Goju students have an opportunity to contribute to its construction and maintenance.

2023 Dojo Calendar Announced

The 2023 Dojo Events Calendar has been released, with dates for Rank Testing, Seminars, Tournaments, and other special events.

Kids Kumite Classes Start

Youth Kumite Class and Teens Kumite Class formally joins the schedule for 2023 on Monday afternoons.

Koenkai 2023 Meeting

The Koenkai 2023 Meeting will be held immediately following Kagami Biraki on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

Kagami Biraki 2023

The traditional dojo-wide group workout will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023

Happy 2023! Classes Resume January 9

Classes resume on Monday, January 9th

Christmas and New Year's Holiday Schedule

The dojo is excited to celebrate the Christmas and New Year's Holidays.

Goju — Hard/Soft 剛柔

The last shodo lecture of 2022 reprises one of the most fundamental concepts in karatedo: the duality of karate, life, and the universe.

Dojo Holiday Party

The Dojo Christmas Holiday Party will be held on Saturday, December 17th.

Nintai — Indomitable Persistance 忍耐

Indomitable persistence is the engine of karatedo.

December 2022 Rank Testing

The December 2022 Rank Testing will be held on December 17th.

Holiday Fund 2022

The 2022 Holiday Fund donation drive has begun -- please give generously.

Ren ma — Constant Polishing 錬磨

One of the fundamental goals of training in karatedo is to continually improve ourselves.

Tournament Tshirts Now Available

2022 Tameshiwari Tournament T-shirts Released.

Gassho — Deep Appreciation 合掌

Deep appreciation is one of the core tenets of karatedo.

Tameshiwari Tournament 2022 Results

The 2022 Edition of the Tameshiwari Tournament featured an incredible range of breaks.

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule

The dojo will be closed in celebration of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

The Official 2022 Tournament Tshirt

Every year, the dojo produces a limited edition tshirt design for the Tameshiwari Tournament.

Omomuku Heito — Close Doors, Go 赴く閉戸

Moving forward sometimes requires us to close doors to parts of our past.

Veteran's Day Holiday Schedule

Goju Karate will observe the Veteran's Day Holiday on Friday, November 11th, and Monday, November 14th.

Women’s Self-Defense Seminar

The Women’s Self Defense Seminar offers practical and real-world training for everyday women.

Iki — Style 粋

Style is the external representation of our true essence.

The 2022 Tameshiwari (Breaking) Tournament

On the Eleventh Anniversary of the founding of Goju Karate, the 2022 Tameshiwari Tournament promises to be an exciting celebration.

Tameshiwari (Breaking) Seminar 2022

The annual Tameshiwari Seminar returns on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

Taikibansei — Great Talent, Evening Forming 大器晩成

It is never too late to reach for the aspirations that define our lives.

Tameshiwari (Breaking) Tournament Rules

These are the official, generally accepted rules for Tameshiwari (Breaking) Tournaments conducted since 2014.

Neko ni Koban — Gold Coins to a Cat 猫 に 小判

Spending our resources wisely is one of the keys to a fulfilling life.

October 2022 Rank Testing

Rank testing is generally held at the New York City dojo, and includes both written and physical tests.

Meikyō Shisui — Polished Mirror, Still Water 明鏡止水

Serenity is a mind that is mirror-like and reflects without being changed fundamentally.

Halloween at the Dojo

Kids train in costume on Halloween Day!

Minu Ga Hana — Not Seeing is a Flower 見ぬが花

Reality can’t compete with our imagined expectations; on the other hand, our imagination can power a new reality.

Columbus Day Holiday Schedule

The dojo will be closed for the Columbus Day holiday.

Zenshin Hasu Pasu — Advance on the Oblique Path 前進斜パス

Sometimes the correct path ahead is not the most direct one.

NYC Dojo Saturday Schedule Resumes

Regular Saturday Class Schedule resumes October 1st.

Shite Waki — Be the Main Character シテワキ

We can be the main character on the stage of life, writing our own script and having a massive impact.

Dan and Kyu: How Ranking Works in Martial Arts

Ranking in martial arts can be mysterious, but a few simple rules helps explain everything clearly and concisely.

Tuesday Livestream Classes

Tuesday Evening Classes will be Livestreamed as well as in-person in NYC.

Ryuutou Dabi — Dragon Head, Snake Tail 竜頭蛇尾

It is important to plan for "what comes next" once we achieve our goals.

Blackbelt Week Events 2022

Blackbelt Week 2022 starts September 19th, and offers classes every day of the week.

Sokutei Zoka — Measure Increase 測定増加

One of the surest methods to increase something is to measure it.

2PM Classes: In-Person and Livestream

Students seeking an in-person early afternoon class now have three new options.

Poll: New Livestream Evening Class

Goju Karate’s livestream schedule continues expanding.

Shikantaza — Just Sitting 只管打坐

There are three major tools we have in meditation in karatedo. Shikantaza is one of those tools.

Labor Day Holiday 2022

Goju Karate will be closed throughout the Labor Day weekend.

Kumo no aimai tsuki — Clouds Obscure the Moon 雲のあいまい月

Our perspective of what is important can sometimes be obscured by distractions and unimportant matters.

Sai-Ou No Uma — The Old Man and the Horse 塞翁之馬

Based on a famous parable from China and Japan, the changing nature of luck is illustrated.

Goju Karate Deploys Launchpad Dojo Community Software

In a major upgrade to the dojo’s student systems, Goju Karate has deployed Launchpad’s new community software.

Dojo Tuition Increase

As rising costs spread throughout the US economy, the dojo must also keep pace with inflation.

Evening Livestream Class and Monday 8/15 Class Changes

An experimental evening livestream class will be presented.

Wabi — Simplicity 侘

Wabi 侘 is a celebration of simplicity and a core concept in karatedō

The New GOJUKARATE.COM

The new GOJUKARATE.COM unveils a range of new features including real-time schedules, video, book excerpts, and much more.

Karatedo Seminar 2022: Video Now Available

The video and lecture notes from the ground-breaking Karatedo Seminar 2022 are now available.

Goju History: The Karatedo Shutdown Trailer

In the spring of 2020, we needed a way to support our young karateka, many of whom were shut-in. So we made a video.

Junbi Undo Videos Released

New videos on the Junbi Undo (stretching and flexibility training) are now available in the GOJUKARATE.COM students section

Ima Tane Ashita Hana — Today a Seed, Tomorrow a Flower 今種明日花

If indeed we "reap what we sow" then it is very important to choose what seeds we plant.

Blackbelt Week 2022

Blackbelt Week is a Goju Karate tradition that occurs in the early Autumn, and gives students of all ranks a chance to experience a week of extraordinary training opportunities.

Gasshuku 2022

Gasshuku is the dojo's summer break and generally occurs in August of every year.

August 2022 Rank Testing

Rank testing is generally held at the New York City dojo, and includes both written and physical tests. The August rank test includes a special blackbelt portion.

Shin Gi Tai — Spirit over Technique, Technique over Strength 心技体

Ultimately, it is our strong spirit and well-executed technique that brings victory.

Independence Day Holiday

The 2022 Fourth of July holiday break begins on June 29th.

June 2022 Rank Testing

Rank Testing occurs approximately every two months and offers karateka who have been invited to test an opportunity to advance in rank.

Blackbelt Testing 2022

Blackbelt testing occurs once a year, by invitation only.

Nanakorobi Yaoki — Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight 七転八起

Nanakorobi Yaoki literally means “fall down seven times, get up eight times”, and is an expression of the deep and indomitable will of the karateka to continue persevering until success is at hand.

Kagami Biraki: Starting a New Year

Kagami Biraki is the official start of the dojo year. Find out its fascinating history and unique place in karatedō.

Why Karatedō?

Whether you're an experienced martial arts student or are thinking of pursuing your dream of becoming a karateka, you've come to the right place.

Adult Programs

Goju Karate offers a full-range of adult classes that is especially welcoming to students who are new to martial arts – but also provides a strong range of challenging classes which will support even the most advanced blackbelt student.

Kids Classes

Now, more than ever, kids need what karatedō delivers: training in focus, strong spirit, and the values of constant improvement and striving for worthwhile goals.

Competitors

Interested in fulfilling an Olympic dream? Want to compete in karate tournaments in kata or kumite? Or are you interested in mixed martial arts competition? We have students committed to all those sports, and they train here, at Goju Karate.

Special Needs Karatedō

Special students need special training, and Goju Karate is committed to providing that training, regardless of abilities.

Gasshuku 2020

Gasshuku is the dojo's summer break and generally occurs in August of every year.

Gasshuku - Reflection and Training

Gasshuku is a traditional "summer break" that is a fixture of the standard dojo calendar around the globe.

Kau Kizu Tsubo — Buy the Scratched Pot 買う傷壷

Kau kizu tsubo 買う傷壷 was chosen as the Kagami Biraki message for 2017.

Tōdaishita no mottomo kurai — Darkest Under the Lighthouse 灯台下の最も暗い

Self-reflection is a key to self-improvement but this can be challenging to achieve without the ability to observe ourselves clearly.

Itaidoshin — Different Bodies, Same Mind 異体同心

Itaidōshin 異体同心 was chosen as the Kagami Biraki message for 2020.

Hykso Punch Trackers for Endurance Class

Endurance classes get a new tool for measuring progress.

To Control (And Improve) Something, Measure It

One of the fundamental concepts in karatedo is ren ma, “constant improvement.” We strive to continually become better in all aspects of ourselves. A key part of constantly improving that is often overlooked is the importance of measuring and metrics. A fundamental truth of life is this: if you measure

Why Free Fruit is Good Karatedō

As all of our students know, there is always free fruit at the Front Desk of the dojo. So far it’s been apples and oranges, but we may get more exotic occasionally. The fruit is completely free – staff and instructors encourage students (adults and kids and visitors) to take

Why We Don't Wear Jewelry on the Dojo Floor

The dojo floor is the great leveler that brings karateka from all walks of life onto a single stage.

Goju Karate is a Non-Profit Organization

Goju Karate is a non-profit enterprise dedicated to supporting and bringing karatedō to everyone.