Our Program

Redlands Traditional Martial Arts is a traditional, non-commercial dojo focusing on Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate and Kobudo.

Goju-Ryu

Goju-Ryu (“hard-soft style”) is a traditional form of karate-do that features a combination of hard and soft techniques. It combines hard striking attacks such as kicks and punches with softer circular techniques for blocking and controlling the opponent, including locks, grappling, takedowns, and throws.

Particular emphasis is given to correct breathing and the refinement of fundamental techniques. Practice methods include kata (forms), body strengthening with traditional Okinawan weights, conditioning, kakie (sticking hands), partner drills, kumite (sparring), and self defense.

Ryukyu Kobudo

Kobudo, the classical weapons tradition of Okinawa, is woven into our training rather than taught as a separate program. It is not ranked on its own and is not required for promotion. Instead, it is shared with students as a gift: a deeper connection to the Okinawan roots of Goju-Ryu, and another way to develop timing, coordination, and power.

Students may train with the bo, sai, tonfa, nunchaku, and other traditional weapons as their karate develops. Training includes kata, bunkai (practical application of kata), kihon waza, and partner drills.

Reference videos of our training are available on our YouTube channel.