Traditional Goju Ryu Karate Paperback – December 1, 2009

Author Don Warrener's first book specifically about Goju Ryu Karate-do focuses mainly upon kata. Illustrated are the five basic kata (forms) unique to Gogen Yamaguchi's line of Goju-Ryu Karate-do (Taikyoku 1-5), as well as the first 10 kata found in all traditional Goju Ryu schools: Gekisai Dai Ichi, Gekisai Dai Ni, Sanchin, Tensho, Saifa, Seiunchin, Sanseirui, Shisochin, Seisan, and Seipai. This takes the practitioner to about the 2nd or 3rd dan black belt level, depending upon your school of practice. Some of Warrener's kata renditions differ somewhat from those of "orthodox" Goju schools--for instance, the ending on Saifa shown in this book includes a technique I haven't seen practiced by other Yamaguchi-line students (see page 144). Nevertheless, I appreciate the fact that this volume doesn't try to drown the reader in basic drill after basic drill to the point of monotony and questionable usefullness.Includes a chapter on Goju Ryu Karate founder Miyagi Chojun's tenents of Goju Ryu, and a section on history describing the development of Goju from Miyagi's early days with Master Higashionna to Yamaguchi's study of Goju which commenced during Miyagi's trip to Japan, and basic techniques (basics coverage is minimal--this volume assumes the student is receiving some sort of person-to-person instruction). There is even a photo of Warrener with Gogen Yamaguchi, and famed Canadian Sifu Frank Lee.While this volume in my opinion doesn't approach the technical detail of Morio Higaonna's precise four volume "Traditional Karate-Do: Okinawan Goju Ryu" (I haven't found any books on Karate which have!), it is the most inclusive of the lower-priced guides on this style. Warrener's succeeding book, "Advanced Traditional Goju Ryu Karate" follows up where this one leaves off. Warrener was a well-known kata and kumite competitor during the 1960's and '70s. He originally learned Goju Ryu Karate from Bob Dalgleish, and later advanced under the guidance of karate men such as Richard Kim and Morio Higaonna.

I am a black belt in Traditional Goju Ryu and this book went a long way toward helping me achieve that goal.

Cover photo is a very incorrect kick. First page photo he's wearing fake samurai armor with his sword on upside down. Also looks like he was one of the pioneers of the McDojo model.

I enjoy this book very much very useful self-defence system.

Great refresher ! I learned this karate from the ground up . The Katas are the core principle and fundamental. The book is a good reference in understanding the basic kata from tkyogadin all the way to sempai

I disagree with the last reviewer! There are different forms of Goju Ryu karate so I believe he should not be so judgemental!This book is amazing for going through each kata step by step via pictures. I have a black belt in Goju Ryu Karate and these are the exact katas I was taught. I use this book to refresh my memory in my own personal practice. A great buy!

It’s a neat book. It had a basement smell to it.

Lame.