Gosoku-ryu

Gosoku-ryu is a style of Karate which was founded by Grandmaster Takayuki Kubota. Gosoku stands for "hard and fast," which suggests a combination of techniques both from the fast and dynamic karate styles as well as from the strength-focused styles such as Goju-ryu.

Takayuki Kubota

Takayuki Kubota holds the official title of Soke - the head of a martial arts style, granted to him by the Japanese governmentFact|date=February 2007. He was a police expert on crowd control and street fighting techniques. He has devoted his life to learning, creating and teaching the application of highly effective self-defense techniques to military, law enforcement and civilian personnel. He has earned black belt degrees in karate, judo, aikido and kendo. Presently one of the highest-rated black belts in the United States,Fact|date=February 2007 Soke Kubota has studied the four major styles of karate and holds the rank of tenth degree black belt.

Background

The International Karate Association was formed in Tokyo, Japan in 1953 for the purpose of teaching and promoting the Gosuku style of karate. Gosuku-ryu, "the style of force with speed," incorporates the methods of Goju-ryu and Shotokan karate with aikido and judo. It is applied so as to encompass any attacker from all angles.

The International Karate Association grew quickly to its current estimated membership of over 100,000 in 45 different countries. In 1964, its Chief Instructor, Grandmaster Takayuki Kubota, came to the United States. With his reputation preceding him, Grandmaster Kubota was able to gather around him several talented young men to create the nucleus of the U.S. branch. Under Grandmaster Kubota's tutelage, the I.K.A. has achieved wide recognition in the martial arts world. Members of the organization have won championship titles, including California state, U.S. national and World championships. The International Karate Association reaches worldwide with headquarters located in Glendale, California.

Belt System

Advancement through the ranks, as marked by belt color, is a rewarding process signifying progressively greater control and coordination of mind and body. The length of time involved in this process is largely dependent upon the dedication to practice and ability of the individual student. Any person, regardless of age, gender, or innate talent, can become reasonably proficient if he or she diligently applies the techniques taught.

The progressive ranks of karate are reflected in the different colored belts the students wear with their uniforms. There are two major classifications: the ranks of black belt are called dans, while all those below the rank of black belt are kyus. In our system, there are nine kyu ratings, as follows: White belt - 0 kyu, Yellow belt - 9th kyu, Orange belt - 8th kyu, Blue belt - 7th kyu, Purple belt - 6th kyu, Green belt - 5th & 4th kyu, Brown belt - 3rd to 1st kyu. After achieving shodan, or first degree black belt ranking, a karateka may progress further though the dan ranks up to ju-dan, or tenth degree black belt. The ju-dan sometimes wears a red belt to distinguish him or herself. However, all those who have achieved the rank of 5th dan or higher may use the title "Master."

Various systems and styles may have slightly different methods of grading. The various ranks in our Association have proven competitive with all different styles we have encountered.Fact|date=February 2007

All grades are registered with the Association. The brown and black belt grades are also recorded with the main headquarters in Japan. Thus, if a student wishes to continue his or her studies in Japan, he or she may do so at the full rank earned in the U.S.

Kata

Since Soke Kubota was trained in the four major styles of karate, most I.K.A schools will teach kata from any of those styles. The two major styles that I.K.A kata is derived from are Goju-ryu and Shotokan. The main foundation for basic kata is known for its "I" pattern. These katas are known as the Heian or Pinan katas, of which there are five.

Major differences from other styles

Gosoku-ryu in everyday practice is somewhat similar to Shotokan karate. More emphasis, however, is put on sparring with gloves (in tournaments with jockstraps and gumshields also). Sparring is only light contact. Stances are generally shorter, even in kihon. During kicks, including kihon, hands are kept in guard (and not spread aside). Also, as Gosoku-ryu teaches quick leg sweeps and tripping; in kumite, attacks often end on the floor.

Kobudo Weapons

Many weapons are practiced in the dojo: Bō, Sai, Tonfa, Kama, Jō, Tsue (walking cane), and the Katana (Japanese sword). [ [http://www.karate.com.pl/en03.html Warsaw Karate Center (in English)] ] Soke Takayuki Kubota trained with Taira Shinken learning ancient Kobudo katas while developing his own for his school. The Kobudo kata created by him include:
*Tonfa - Washi no kata, Juji no uke.
*Jō- Keibo jitsu, Ken shin ryu.
*Tsue - (walking cane) Tsue ichi no kata, ni no kata, san no kata, yon no kata, go no kata, roku no kata, Gyaku tsue no kata, Mawashi no kata, Gyaku mawashi no kata.
*Katana - created by master Kubota: Sankaku giri, Atemi no kata, Kubo giri, Gyaku giri, Iaido ichi no kata, ni no kata, san no kata, Toshin. [ [http://www.karate.com.pl/en03.html Warsaw Karate Center (in English)] ]

Notes