We believe that the ultimate goal of the Martial Arts is an understanding of its correct application in everyday life. Male and female students of all ages and races are trained to strengthen the mind above all else, and empower themselves with diverse mental and physical skills that will last a lifetime.
The physical aspect of Martial Arts is only part of what we teach. We believe that the longer you train, the less likely you are to be involved in a physical confrontation. Ultimately, the more important lessons emphasize focus, respect, compassion, and humility. In their own time, students will discover how to correctly apply these skills throughout their lives, and in turn develop stronger bodies and minds. Strong, secure individuals possess the confidence to find alternative, more disciplined solutions to everyday problems and maintain a more positive outlook in everything they do.
Chojun Miyagi (the founder of Goju Karate) believed that "the ultimate aim of karate-do was to build character, conquer human misery, and find spiritual freedom". He stated that it was important to balance training for self-defense with "training the mind, or cultivating the precept karate-do ni sente nashi ('there is no first strike in karate')"; he also emphasized the importance of "cultivating intellect before strength". Miyagi chose the name Goju-ryu ("go" meaning "hard" and "ju" meaning "soft"), to emphasize that his style integrated both "hard" and "soft" styles. Goju applies not just to karate, but to life in general; only hardness or only softness will not enable one to deal effectively with the fluctuations of life. When blocking, the body is soft and inhaling; when striking, the body is hard and exhaling.
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