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Gosoku-ryū 剛速流
Also known as	Gosoku Ryu, Go Soku ryu
Country of origin	Japan • USA
Founder	Takayuki Kubota
Current head	Takayuki Kubota
Arts taught	Karate • kobudo
Ancestor schools	Shotokan • Gōjū-ryū
Practitioners	James Caan, Rod Kuratomi, Val Mijailovic, Takemasa Okuyama
Official Site	http://www.ikakarate.com/

Gosoku-ryū ( 剛速流^?) is a style of Karate which was founded by Takayuki Kubota. Gosoku stands for hard and fast, which suggests a combination of techniques both from the fast and dynamic Shotokan style as well as from the strength-focused Gōjū-ryū style.

[edit] 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-ryū, "the style of force with speed," incorporates the methods of Goju-ryū and Shotokan karate with aikido, jujitsu, 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 60 different countries.^[1] In 1964, Kubota came to the United States. Kubota was able to gather several talented young men to create the nucleus of the U.S. branch. Under 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.^{[citation needed]} The International Karate Association reaches worldwide with headquarters located in Glendale, California.

[edit] Belt System

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

The progressive ranks of karate are reflected in the different colored belts. 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 Gosoku-ryū, there are nine kyu ratings, as follows: White belt - 10 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. Instructors that are 4th dan are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan-Dai" (deputy master). Instructors that are 5th dan or higher are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan" (master instructor). Title is not always awarded by rank alone. One must be an active instructor and be awarded the rank by Kubota.

All Black Belt ranks are registered directly with the International Association Headquarters in Glendale, California.

[edit] Major differences from other styles

Gosoku-ryū is similar to Shotokan karate. It differs from Shotokan in that it incorporates the linear power movements of Shotokan with the speed and soft circular motions of Goju Ryū. Emphasis is put on practical application and sparring. Stances are generally shorter when in defensive positions and transition to longer stances when power moves are delivered. During kicks, including kihon, hands are kept in guard (and not spread aside). Gosoku-ryū teaches quick leg sweeps and take-downs; in kumite, attacks often end on the floor. Fast footwork which adds speed and power by utilzing the rotation of the hip make Gosoku Ryū different from other styles. Gosoku Ryū also incorporates Aikido, Judo, and Jujitsu techniques which are used in ground fighting and for control and restraint techniques that are taught to law enforcement.

[edit] Kata

Gosoku-ryū teaches Shotokan kata and twenty five Gosoku Ryū katas which were developed by Kubota. Gosoku Ryū katas are a fusion of the linear power moves of Shotokan along with the fast circular, soft motions of Goju Ryū. It also incorporates unique footwork which is used to generate more hip rotation which generates power in the upper body for hand techniques.

Here are the katas as practiced at IKA Headquarters:

Gosoku Ryū 1. Kihon ichi no kata 2. Kihon ni no kata 3. Kihon san no kata 4. Kihon yon no kata 5. Kihon go no kata 6. Kihon roku no kata 7. Kihon shichi no kata 8. Kihon hachi no kata 9. Kihon ku no kata 10. Kihon ju no kata 11. Kihon ju ichi no kata 12. Kihon ju ni no kata 13. Kihon ju san no kata 14. Kihon ju yon no kata 15 Kihon ju go no kata 16. Kihon ju roku no kata 17. Uke no kata 18. Gosoku yo dan 19. Gosoku 20. Kime no kata 21. Ni no kata 22. Denko getsu 23. Tamashi 24. Rikyu 25. Go no kata 26. Gosoku Godan 27. Anso no kata 28. Ju Hachi no Tachi Kata 29. Ju No Michi

Shotokan 1. Heian shodan 2. Heian ni dan 3. Heian san dan 4. Heian yo dan 5. Heian go dan 6. Tekki sho dan 7. Basai dai 8. Hangetsu 9. Kanku dai 10. Kanku sho 11. Jion 12. Empi 13. Goju shi o sho 14. Jite 15. Unsu

[edit] Kobudo Weapons

Many weapons are practiced in the dojo: Kubotan, Tonfa, Kama, Jō, Bokuto, Bokken, Shinai, Tsue (walking cane), and the Katana (Japanese sword). ^[2] Kubota trained with Taira Shinken learning ancient Kobudo katas while developing his own for his school. The Kobudo kata created by him include:^[2]

• Tonfa - Washi no kata, Juji no uke.
• Jō - Keibo jitsu, Ken shin ryū.
• Tsue - (walking cane) Tsue ichi no kata, ni no kata, san no kata, yon no kata, go no kata, roku no kata, Mawashi no kata.
• Katana - created by Kubota: Sankaku giri, Atemi no kata, Kubo giri, Gyaku giri, Iaido ichi no kata, ni no kata, san no kata, Toshin.
• Bokken - Ken no Michi, Ken no Mai

[edit] External links

• [1] www.IKAKarate.com
• [2] www.karatesensei.com

[edit] References