Who we are:
Zanshin Dojo is located in the heart of San Francisco, on the edge of Golden Gate Park. Established in 1998, our school is a traditional karate dojo, with affiliation to the TOGKF (The Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-do Federation) based in Okinawa, Japan. As a member of our dojo, our students become members of the TOGKF, allowing them to train at any TOGKF affiliated school around the world. Our students’ training is further legitimized by the internationally recognized belt certification offered by the TOGKF. Members of our dojo are also offered the opportunity to train with karate masters from Japan, and attend special “Gasshuku” (training camps) all over the world. Our dojo has hosted teaching seminars featuring both the world chief instructor and his top students. So training with us means your part of a much larger organization that has legitimacy and history. It also means a solid investment of your time and energy!
What is Goju Ryu Karate?
Goju Ryu – “hard and soft style” in Japanese – is a complete, traditional martial art that can be practiced at any age. Originating in Okinawa, the Goju Ryu system incorporates almost every aspect of martial arts training. Close circular blocks, joint manipulations, and low kicks characterize the style. Goju Ryu is excellent for those seeking balance between self-defense and solid physical conditioning.
Goju Ryu karate is one of the only traditional martial arts styles that has a clear lineage and history. Originally called “Naha Te” (referring to the Okinawan port city, Naha), the style was formally named “Goju Ryu”
around 1931 by the style’s formal founder, the legendary Miyagi Chojun. Chojun Sensei studied under Higaonna Kanryo Sensei, a master of martial arts who spent 14 years of his life studying in southern China before returning to Okinawa. From Kanryo Sensei’s teachings and wisdom, Chojun Sensei developed the formal Goju Ryu system, adding a complete set of warm up exercises, a systemized order in which to learn all of the existing kata (forms), as well as creating two new kata.
Chojun Sensei dedicated his whole life to Goju Ryu karate. Upon his death he passed the knowledge and spirit of Goju Ryu on to his closest student Miyagi Anichi Sensei. Anichi Sensei learned the Goju Ryu system in its entirety. His most senior student and the world chief instructor of Goju Ryu is the renowned martial arts master Morio Higaonna, 10th Dan Hanshi. Higaonna Sensei is known throughout the world as the leading authority on Goju Ryu, and is respected not only for his amazing skill and power but also for his humility and humble demeanor. Higaonna Sensei heads the IOGKF, currently one of the largest karate organizations in the world, which Zanshin Dojo is extremely proud to be a part of.
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