The Martial Arts Techniques of Goshin Kai

Goshin kai is a martial arts training system developed in the Manila metro area of the Philippines in 1994. It incorporates elements from traditional martial arts programs from across Asia, including techniques that use the bare body, specialized weaponry and other items, such as farm tools, in its application.

  1. Karate

    • Goshin kai training incorporates techniques from both competitive karate, which is geared toward children, and self-defense karate, which is aimed at adults. In goshin kai, the student is trained to use his hands and feet in self-defense and sparring through karate techniques. Goshin kai also teaches ideals and methods of self-discipline established in karate, for example, fighting should be only a defensive and never an offensive measure.

    Muy Thai

    • Techniques from muy Thai focus on training the student to use eight points of contact in fighting and sparring. The points of contact, called "The Eight Limbs," are the shins, the knees, the elbows and the hands. A student of this technique is called a "nak muay."

    Eskrima

    • A Filipino martial arts system, eskrima incorporates both the use of the body and a variety of weapons, including sticks and blades. Though the eskrima stick striking, wrestling and weaponry techniques are also used in eskrima competition, real eskrima fighting is part of goshin kai training.

    Ryukyo Kobudo

    • Originating in Okinawa, Japan, the ryukyo kobudo technique incorporates the use of everyday items, such as fishing and farm tools. In goshin kai, the ryukyo kobudo weaponry techniques taught are used in kata and other prearranged forms of sparring.

    Bujutsu

    • Based in the samurai arts, bujutsu techniques draw on the traditional Japanese system of swordsmanship. The aim in bujutsu is not only to learn swordsmanship techniques but also to preserve samurai traditions, such as learning the proper construction and care of the samurai sword.

    Haedong Kumbdo

    • Haedong kumbdo is a traditional system of Korean swordsmanship. The techniques used in this system are based on dance forms and other methods of improving physical agility and promoting internal harmony.