Martial Art Combat Centre - MACC

of Martial Art Combat Centre - India. Senaha Shigetoshi Sensei is the founder and president of Ryusyokai and he extends his welcome to explore this style and learn more about the association. This Page is the source for essential materials related to Ryusyokai Okinawan Goju-Ryu and the activities of the Mumbai dojo Martial Art Combat Centre - India. The page is meant to be a resource for those involved in Ryusyokai and a starting point for those who want to learn more

Goju literally translated means hard/soft. "GO" means physical hardness and strength of character; "JU" is the gentleness which flows from it and "RYU" means system. Grandmaster Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953), who developed Goju Ryu in Okinawa from the self-defence techniques which had come down through the centuries from China, described

karate as "a martial art which is dependent solely on the human body – weapons are not used at all". He also believed that as the karate-ka (student) achieves strength and skill through diligent training and gains physical and mental toughness, he also mellows and becomes a gentler, more selfless person. Compared to an incomprehensible universe, all the things we know – people, nations, objects – are but small and insignificant. Rather than fighting and opposing everything, one should respect nature and try to attune oneself to the universe. The karate-ka strives to achieve a balance between them in his/her life. Difference from other Styles:
One of the outstanding characteristics of Goju-Ryu is its use of circular movement, which does not occur in other styles. For example, in Goju-Ryu when an opponent starts an attack, a circular movement can be used to forestall the attack by depriving the opponent of his power. Karate for Self-Defence:
Karate is one of the most dynamic of all the martial arts. The trained karate-ka is able to co-ordinate his mind and body perfectly, thereby enabling him to unleash tremendous physical power at will. It is not the possession of great strength that makes a good karate-ka, rather the ability to co-ordinate body and mind. With this ability, even a small person finds that he/she has the power to deliver a devastating blow to any attacker. The Value of Karate:
Modern city life deprives you of the exercise necessary for fitness and mental health. Karate tones the body, develops co-ordination, quickens reflexes and builds stamina without the danger of harmful injuries. The practice of karate develops composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insight into your mental capabilities and more self-confidence. Karate Training:
The training is divided into three categories:
Kihon (basic blocks, punches, kicks and stances)
Kata (pre-arranged forms simulating combat situations)
Kumite (sparring)

In each category the individual is given instruction at the most basic level until the techniques become spontaneous. As the student advances technically, he progresses physically and develops greater stamina. At the same time he learns increasingly intricate Kata and more dynamic forms of kumite. As the student approaches black belt level, technique, stamina, speed and co-ordination become natural as a result of intensive practice. It is at this stage that the serious student discovers the wonderful world that karate has opened to him. The object of true karate practice is the perfection of oneself through the perfection of the art. Membership:
When you join a Dojo, you pay a monthly membership fee to the instructor, who may or may not ask you to sign a contract for a certain number of months. You pay an annual affiliation fee to the Karate Federation and the instructor may, within reason, also charge an additional annual fee to cover administrative expenses. Affiliation is done by means of an affiliation card. Grading tests are normally held every few months for promotion to the next belt rank. If you pass, you will receive an official grading certificate. The charging of a grading fee for the test is at the instructor's discretion.