Analyzing Go Kan Ryu

Go Kan Ryu karate (often abbreviated by GKR) is a form of Japanese Karate. It was founded in 1984 in South Australia by Robert Sullivan. Soon, the teachings of GKR Karate had spread across the country, and it is currently spreading to other parts of the world, such as the United States. Go Kan Ryu is a combination of the Goju Ryu and Shotokan styles of karate, the two styles Robert Sullivan trained in before founding his own style.

GKR Karate is considered by some to be a non-contact karate because it does not allow for contact during sessions of kumite (sparring). This allows the students to practice the techniques they've learned in a setting where they will not be hurt. Like most other Japanese karate, Go Kan Ryu incorporates the use of kata, or "patterns". These kata are combinations of different kicks, blocks, strikes and stances students have learned. In order to advance up higher in the belt hierarchy, students must learn certain kata at each level and successfully perform them. There are ten different ranks a student must achieve before they are given the opportunity to achieve their black belt, along with a total of eight different belt colors. Generally, experience determines when a person is able to test for the next belt or rank level.

Like other forms of karate, GKR also holds tournaments around the world where the most skilled fighters go to test themselves. Typically, fighters will enter a giant ring on opposite sides which acts as the stage for the fight, with one fighter wearing a red belt and the other wearing a white belt. A certified referee will judge the match and award points to the fighters. It is considered proper etiquette for the fighters to bow before one another to show respect.

Go Kan Ryu karate was designed by Robert Sullivan with the intention of creating a martial art that effectively taught self-defense for people of all ages, while also developing a person's fitness level at the same time. Besides self defense and fitness, GKR karate prides itself on developing other qualities in an individual, such as confidence, self discipline, focus, and a person's mental health. GKR has over 40,000 students currently along with over 1500 instructors. It is widely regarded as one of the more popular forms of Japanese karate and is growing at a fast rate all over the world.

By: GKRKarate

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information on the style of Go Kan Ryu, Karate Gi or How to Tie a Karate Belt, visit those links!