Goju-ryu (剛柔流), Japanese for “hard-soft style”, is one of the main traditional Okinawan styles of karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. Gō, which means hard, refers to closed hand techniques or straight linear attacks; jū, which means soft, refers to open hand techniques and circular movements.
Goju-ryu practices methods that include body strengthening and conditioning, its basic approach to fighting (distance, limb control, power generation, etc.), and partner drills – as well as the three basic pillars of karate: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring).
Despite some misconceptions, classical karate emphasizes a blend of striking and grappling arts and incorporates kicking, striking, clinching, and wrestling skills — making it one of the original “mixed” martial arts, and a practical methodology for self-defense.