In 1881, Higaonna Kanryō returned to Okinawa from China after years of instruction and founded the Naha-te style. In 1930, one of Higaonna Sensei’s students, Chojun Miyagi, took those teachings and gave it the name we know it by today — goju-ryu. Goju-ryu literally translates as “hard-soft style,” and is today considered one of the major styles of karate, practiced by millions worldwide. The style is most recognized for its focus on close-range fighting, and specifically for grabbing and trapping techniques that lead to strikes, throws, and joint locks.
SPORTS CHANBARA
Sports Chanbara is a free-style Japanese combat sport, which originated from Kodachi Goshindo (Self-defense with short sword). Chanbara uses the short sword (Kodachi), long sword (Choken) and other traditional Japanese weaponry, such as the dagger, spear, halberd, long and short staff. Sports Chanbara was founded by Tanabe Tetsundo Sensei in 1969, who himself is an accomplished swordsman in Japan. All equipments used in Chanbara are padded foam or soft air weapons, so it is safe for everyone to practice.
PRACTICE GEARS
Head gear as a protection is used in weapon sparring.
HEAD GEAR
Safe practice weapon made from soft air or soft padded swords.