Our Philosophy​

Goju Ryu Karate​

Goju Ryu Karate is one of the oldest martial arts movements and traditions. The concepts of hard (go) and soft (ju) combine to create ‘goju’, a system which blends the internal soft style of ju and external hard principle of go. This combination gives goju ryu its beauty, graceful and disciplined movements, and flowing forms all while being a close-range, infighting system that concentrates on the efficiency of movements and physical strength.

Primary characteristics of Goju-Ryu​

Goju ryu is characterised by circular movements and aspects of Bujutsu, including grappling and throwing techniques as well as quick and explosive motions generated from the hips. Close range fighting in goju ryu takes the form of Jiyu-Kumite, or free sparring, which utilises Neko Ashi Dachi (cat stance or cat leg stance) to allow fighters to quickly and effectively move to and from positions.

Ingersoll Karate’s Mission​

At Ingersoll Karate, we provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for students of all ages and abilities to achieve their physical and mental health and wellness aspirations through martial arts, fitness, meditation, and yoga education.
Our certified instructors lead with passion and integrity to create engaging and meaningful client-centered curriculums in each area of focus. Throughout participation, we strive for students to be empowered and feel determined to achieve their ideal success with discipline and humility.

Father of Goju Ryu Karate​

In 1869, at the age of 13, Kanryo Higaonna traveled to China where he studied empty handed martial arts, herbal medicine, and weapons techniques under the great Master, Ryu Ryu Ko. Upon his return to Okinawa, Grandmaster Higaonna began teaching his style of martial arts, Naha-te, which focused on the development of body and mind or physical and spiritual well-being. Grandmaster Chojun Miyagi studied under Grandmaster Higaonna for 14 years and, as successor to his teacher’s “te,” developed his skill and worked hard to spread karate throughout Okinawa and mainland Japan. In 1933 his efforts were successful as Goju-Ryu Karate became the first Okinawan martial art to be registered at the center for all martial arts in Japan: the Dai Nippon Butoku-Kai.