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Affiliations & Links

The Ambler Area YMCA Goju-Ryu Karate dojo is affiliated with the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai (GKK) organization. The GKK is the largest and one of the oldest Goju organizations in America. It has been operating since 1959, and has member clubs throughout the United State as well as in Canada and Europe.

The highest authority in the GKK is Master Motoo Yamakura. He generally manages the operation of the organization and provides direction in the art of Goju-Ryu. The majority of the organizational functions are handled through the headquarters by the director and other officers. The organization is based in Toledo, Ohio.

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  1. GKK (Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai) home page

    http://www.goju.com/

  2. GKK Facebook page (Closed Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/219902838024910/
  3. Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Home Page, with Kata descriptions

    http://www.gojuryu.net/

  4. Ryukyu Martial Arts (Research and General Discussion)

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/501758733240876/

  5. New Zealand Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-do

    http://www.karate.org.nz/

  6. Karate Masters Bibliography

    http://www.lawrencetown.com/masters.htm

Dojo Dun (Rules)

  1. Always practice courtesy and respect of your classmates
  2. Bow at the yellow line (or door) when leaving or entering the dojo
  3. After working with a partner… Remember: When in doubt, bow.
  4. Never lean against the wall when watching kata, sparring, etc.
  5. Keep your gi clean and in good repair
  6. Absorb the following points written by Gogen "The Cat" Yamguchi, founder of Japanese Goju Ryu:
    We who are studying Karate-Do aspire to these virtues
    • We are proud to study the spirit of Goju
    • We shall practice courtesy
    • We shall always practice patience
    • We shall be quick to size opportunity, when required
    • We shall always keep the fighting spirit of Karate

GKK Application (Click on image  below)

Dojo Maxims (Contributed by Motoo Yamakura)

  1. All of life is sacred and I will always respect the sanctity of life.
  2. I will use karate only to defend myself and others and only use the amount of force necessary to preserve my life and that of others.
  3. The ultimate goal of karate is to achieve balance and harmony with the universe and to realize one's fullest potential to contribute to humankind through the development of mind, body and spirit.
  4. True karate practitioners will strengthen their hands to lift those who have fallen, no matter how low.
  5. As a karateka I will always strive to have an open mind and realize that toleration and diversity form the seedbed where creative intelligence and genius will thrive.
  6. As a karateka I will apply the lessons learned on the dojo floor to my daily life and always strive to treat every person I meet with decency and respect, irrespective of their views or positions in life.
  7. As a martial artist I will strive to always be aware of what is good and what is right, and to use my skills to promote peace and respect for all of humankind.
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