Hi all,
I would just like to add my thoughts. From the age of 17 to the age of 25 or so I learnt Shotokan style of karate with David Owen down in Devon who was trained by Aiden trimble. I really enjoyed the style so much and I was completley dedicated and absorbed. However at the ripe old age of 42 I decided to start karate again as a keep fit aspect. I wasn't really interested in style. I was so lucky I went to the right class the first time. I joined up with Sensei Colin at Didcot Community hall in fleet meadow Didcot. There they all made me feel very welcome. I have been training now for around 1.5 years and I don't think I have missed more than 1 class due to other commitments.
I really see the difference now from the linea style of shotokan and the rounded natural movements of Goju Ryu. Not putting Shotokan down as I would never ever put another style down all should be respected. But I can now see huge issues and gaping holes in the Shotokan system. The basics, techniques and the system in general is far more detailed in Goju Ryu while using good technique as shotokan relies on pure power and nothing else. Nearly every lesson I find positives over shotokan in every way and think the style is much more cleverly devised. However I find the Kata very difficult to perform compared to Shotokan and I need to learn not to use power in Goju Ryu techniques. I am slowly losing the shotokan style which is what my goal is.
I must say that I really enjoy Goju Ryu probably even more at 43 then I did at Shotokan as a teenager because I appreciate all the little bits that make it a great style. Also we are so very lucky to have a great Sensei like Colin that is always commited 100% in helping people in getting things right. Along with his dedication and patience. As an added bonus we have Shihan Paul when I saw him for my first time I was speechless. Hes not good he is totally amazingly unhuman with respect I don't think Shihan knows how good he really is! and we are so very lucky and I am proud to be under his instruction. Keep up the good work guys and I am very fortunate to be able to train with such a commited, dedicated and amazing organziation. Goju Ryu is the most complete system ever devised!
Kindest regards David Taxi Man
P.S. Anyone thats reading this and thinking of trying Karate, saying this may not be for everyone, I personally think it is! Go try today you won't be dissapointed!
