WHO ARE THE GKI?
Established in 1993
About GKI - Goju Ryu Karate International
The GKI was formed by Shihan James Rousseau (9th Dan) and Shihan Len Sim (8th Dan) in 1993 and is a non-profit making organisation that is dedicated to the promotion and teaching of classical and traditional Goju Ryu Karate Do based on the ideas of Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju Ryu. The GKI conducts regular lectures, seminars and special courses for all students as well as a continuous training programmes for instructors.
With dojos from South Africa, Portugal, Nepal, Spain, Sweden and Belgium joining dojos from the UK – making the GKI a truly international association.
Goju-Ryu Karatedo is a traditional martial art and is an exceptional self defence system. It is one of three styles of karate that originated in Okinawa, the birth place of karate. The GKI teaches a syllabus that is both progressive and demanding, basing its teaching around blocks, punches, strikes, kicks, locks and throws. Please enjoy looking through the site and reading about the GKI, our origins, our training philosophy, and our people.
The Badge
The circle represents softness (JU). The square character in the center means hard (GO). The hardness is within the softness and contained by it. This is the balance between hard and soft. We need to build on a firm foundation, be strong on the inside and show gentleness on the outside. This reflects the balance between positive and negative. To be in harmony with nature we need a balance in our own lives.
In Goju Ryu Karate Do, many of the techniques appear soft on the surface but their strength flows from within. In both softness and hardness there is strength. Goju Ryu means hard and soft style. Karate translates as empty hand. This implies self defence without weapons. Parts of the body are trained and conditioned to be used as weapons.
