BGA Goya-Ra-Ru Karate (Birmingham,UK)
Contact Details:
Simon Wharmby
Phone: 0779 6266741
Email Us
Website: http://www.gokarate.co.uk
We are based in Birmingham UK. Please email or visit our website at www.gokarate.co.uk for further info.
Introduction
The Art of Goya-Ra-Ru (meaning "path to the mind via the physical body") consists mainly of Karate techniques although does incorporate influences from many different martial art styles. This text gives a brief introduction to the main components of the Art and some of the areas covered during training. It is by no means an exhaustive description of the variety of physical and mental techniques available through continued training.
Warm up
At the start of each lesson a short warm up is undertaken. This is primarily to help prepare the body for the main training session and improve flexibility, strength and fitness. The warm up will cater for all levels of fitness.
Basic Techniques
These are the 'building blocks' of any martial art and consist primarily of striking (hands and feet) and blocking moves. Holds, locks, self-defence techniques etc. may also be practised. These may be done free-in-air, against targets (e.g. pads & punch bags) or with partners.
Kata
Most martial art systems practice kata or 'forms'. These are basic techniques combined into a set sequence and performed as though the practitioner were surrounded by imaginary opponents. They progress in complexity as the student advances through the grades and are extremely varied to reflect the influence of different fighting systems.
Freestyle
Also referred to as free-sparring, this is practised mainly with partners. There are a variety of levels at which freestyle may be practised. During 'Compromised Freestyle' the objective is not to 'score points' but is a mutually controlled exchange of actions and reactions between two (or more) people. It allows the student to get used to practising techniques with a partner and to develop the level of control required for more advanced freestyle. 'Competitive Freestyle' could be described as being similar to semi-contact sparring where qualities such as technical skill, creativeness and control are employed to score a point. Contact is light since these qualities can all be demonstrated without the need to cause pain or discomfort towards your partner. Once a high level of control and proficiency have been obtained, students may also wish to partake in full-contact or 'Combat Freestyle' bouts. During all types of freestyle, an emphasis is placed on control and as a result, even very minor injuries are extremely rare in Goya-ra-ru classes.
Training Weapons
From time to time, weapons are used to demonstrate the practitioner's skill and develop co-ordination. Training weapons commonly used include staffs, sticks and nunchaku (rice flail). They are not generally directed towards a training partner and particularly hazardous items such as those with 'live' (sharp) blades aren't usually used.
Power Breaking
Occasionally, the skills developed through training may be demonstrated through the breaking of solid objects such as wooden boards or bricks. Here the student must overcome their fear of striking a solid object as well as using correct technique, speed and accuracy. Breaking is performed under strict supervision and techniques are carefully chosen to reduce the risk of any injury. Children are not required to practice breaking techniques.
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