History of Goshoky Ryu
The World Budo Alliance proudly presents the History of Goshoky Ryu as part of its preservation of martial art history project. Gosoku-ryu is a Japanese style of Karate that combines techniques from Shotokan and Goju-ryu. There is a mix of both hard and soft techniques.
Deep stances are usually taught to beginners. And as they progress, more natural stances are employed. This style has 46 Kata. Which is a relatively large number and this includes several weapons ones.
Founder: Takayuki Kubota in 1953
Takayuki Kubota is one of the most famous and respected karate masters in the United States. Born on September 20, 1934 on the Japanese island of Kyushu. And he demonstrated and performed his breathtaking strength and conditioning exercises at Ed Parker’s Long Beach International Championships in 1966.
In addition to teaching his very aggressive style of Gosoku ryu karate, Soke Kubota has been acknowledged as the most active and innovative karate instructor in the field of law enforcement techniques. Although his hair has grayed some since his memorable Long Beach demonstration in the mid-60's. He still leads his classes with the same intensity and dedication as he did then. Most of all Kubota is as famous for his work in motion pictures. And for his karate expertise especially. Therefore his resume includes appearances in films such as the classic Tora, Tora, Tora, and The Killer Elite.
History of Goshoky Ryu
Born in Kumamoto, Japan, Takayuki Kubota began studying martial arts at the age of four. This was under the direction of his father, Denjiro Kubota. Because of his insatiable desire to learn every aspect of the arts, he trained daily. And he also studied several different styles of martial arts.
Despite his restrictive scholastic program and grueling training schedules, he managed to complement his martial arts training with additional studies in meditation. And also history and other non combative aspects of the arts. He distinguished himself by earning advanced instructor ratings in Judo, Aikido, Kendo, Iaido and meditation. As well as calligraphy and several other arts. Grand Master Kubota began his teaching career at the age of 14 and it has flourished ever since.
At age eighteen he opened his first Dojo in Tokyo. Where he has taught police techniques for over 35 years from simple handcuffing to the world famous baton and Kubotan techniques.
And Master Kubotan has taught at 34 law enforcement agencies all over the world. This is including the Tokyo and Los Angeles police departments, the FBI and the California Highway patrol.
And an American citizen since 1974, Grand Master Kubota devotes much of his time to teaching karate at his school in Glendale, California. Also he is well known for having been an instructor to some of the most prominent members of our society. And he is most sincerely interested in the development of karate at all levels. Thus has placed a special emphasis on teaching young people.
Takayuki Kubota
Respect and discipline are two of the primary concepts stressed in all children’s classes resulting in proper growth and the continuation of the art. And in addition to his many other activities, Grand Master Kubota has written several books on the martial arts.
His published works include Action Kubotan, The Art of Karate, Gosoku-Ryu Karate, Weapons Kumite and others. He has also produced a number of video tapes on the art.
Takayuki Kubota is also an actor who has appeared in over 300 movies, television shows and commercials. The Mechanic, Killer Elite, Blue Thunder, Simon & Simon, Black Rain, Rising Sun and The Hunted are listed among his numerous acting credits.
Here is an Interest video on Soke Kubota
Thank you for reading this History of Goshoky Ryu. This history is somewhat short however the video is excellent and fills in a lot of holes.
Researched by Sensei Kara Borshuk
Edited by Grand Master Art Mason