malanovaus

I was the second person my instructor had ever promoted to Black Belt under the age of 18, having been 15 when I earned my Shodan. And he'd been operating a dojo for over 25 years at that point. And it took many many, many years to earn the respect of the more senior yudansha at my school. In the organization I belong to there are very few still who under the age of 18 are promoted to Black Belt for all of the mentions that have been mentioned above.

Toguchi-Sensei did develop several kumite drills based off several kata, some of his own creation. I am intrigued as my instructor is of direct lineage from Toguchi-Sensei. Any other information may be helpful to give you a more definite answer.

As previously stated. Doesn't sound like any Gekisai Kata that I know of. The dojo I belong to has three different Gekisai Kata, none of which begin like that. I would be intrigued to find out more.

Okinawan Goju-Ryu under Roseberry John Hanshi.

My class uniform has our organization patch, and on one sleeve a small patch honoring Miyagi Chojun. My tournament uniform has no patches.

Aye, but have sparred many times with this, haven't yet to come across a padded fist that has made it through the cage.

My main reason for using non-open face headgear is simple, I wear glasses. I personally prefer the bars on my mask for the reason that shields can fog up. A link to my headgear can be found below. http://www.centurymartialarts.com/Sparring_Gear/Headgear/Headgear_with_Facemask.aspx

That is very, very different than the version of Seisan that I practice. Interesting to see different variations though.

Interesting a post about Goju and without having a Goju stylist respond. The most basic differences is that where Shotokan is a very linear sytle, Goju-ryu tends to be very circular. Shotokan emphisizes deep stances where Goju prefers solid stances, one of the lowest stances used in Goju-ryu is neko-ashi-dachi. And true that Goju is not geared towards competition, it is a close-in style that blends itself well with grappling arts.

My instructor is turning 71 this year, and he is in great shape for his age. This just goes to show how martial arts can improve the longevity of its practicioners. We also have a judo instructor in our school who still practices and he is 90 years old.

I myself have studied Goju-Ryu for many years, I would base my choices on where to study based on the teacher, class size, as well as the attitude of the other students. I find Goju-Ryu to be a well-rounded art.

The best advice is to focus only on what you are doing, and not lettting your opponent take control of the match or make you frustrated.

Have studied it for many years.

I agree rock solid kihon will help anyone's training, it is just unfortunate that there aren't any nearby Shotokan dojos in my area to try. Especially since Shotokan is at the complete opposite of my primary style. But nonetheless great information.

My favorite katas to perform at tournaments are either Kata Seipai or Kata Shisochin. Kata Sanseiru might be one of my favorites as well.