GOGYOU GOSHIN-JITSU

Are you looking for traditional, non-sports orientated training in the martial arts that offers small classes or private lessons? Are you in the Toronto area? Look no further. You have found what you have been looking for! Ryuuko Dojo is a traditionally based mixed martial arts training opportunity located in Toronto, Ontario. The style taught is called Gogyou Goshin-jitsu, (Japanese for ' Truth/Reality of Five Element Self Defense') a mixed hard/soft martial arts style containing techniques and forms from 5 different martial arts styles;

Karate, (hardstyle strikes, kicks and blocks)

Judo, (throws and chokes)

Jiu-jitsu, (grappling, joint locks and controlling)

Okinawan/Shaolin Kempo, (the five animal forms)

Qi-Gong, (life-force skills)

Also studied are the combat applications of many different weapons, Gogyou Goshin jitsu is a very well rounded style offering training in all aspects of martial arts listed above and more, (meditation, meridian theory, pressure points, etc.). The training is both indoors and outdoors, using traditional training methods from the above mentioned styles. Very effective for self-defense or personal development on many levels.

STRUCTURE

The Gogyou Goshin-jitsu system has ten levels, each designated by a coloured belt. The ten belt levels are; white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, red, brown, brown with black stripe, and black. There are no 'dan' levels after black. This system is designed to give the student a wide array of skills and exposure to several different styles of martial arts during the course of their studies. Where they go after that is up to them. Perhaps they may decide to specialize in a certain style of Karate, Judo, Jiu-jitsu, or a particular animal style from the five animals we study, for a more in-depth understanding. They may even decide to take the healing path and use the knowledge they gain here to pursue a career in Eastern Medicine. Regardless which style the student moves on to after achieving a black belt in Gogyou Goshin-jitsu, he or she will be well prepared with an arsenal of techniques, knowledge and skills to build on. For some, the black belt is enough. It is the final goal they had in mind in their martial studies. For others, it is just the beginning. Each of us are different and so each of us must follow our own path. The program offered here will help set you well on the way of your path. Below is a breakdown of the components of the Gogyou Goshin-jitsu system.

STRIKING

Striking techniques form the majority of our hand-to-hand combat training. In striking we learn to use our whole body as a weapon, utilizing all parts to become weapons of self-defense when needed.

BLOCKS

We study many different blocks at Ryuuko Dojo. All are designed to block or deflect incoming attacks from different directions and with different parts of the body, depending on the attack. Blocks can also be used as attacks. All of the blocks we study come from either Shotokan Karate or the Five Animal forms.

GRAPPLING

Learning kicks and punches is great, but what do you do when your opponent catches your kick, throws you to the ground and then jumps on you? Many martial art systems do not take this into consideration, but it can happen. It is foolish to study a martial art system without addressing grappling, as about 80% or more of all fights or attack situations end up with either you, your opponent, or most likely both you and your opponent on the ground. One who has spent years studying only stand up techniques will quickly find themselves beaten to a pulp or choked out by their attacker if they are taken to the ground and don’t know how to handle themselves on the ground. In grappling, one learns how to control the opponent through a variety of effective body positions, various holds, locks, and chokes, as well as how to escape these forms of attacks. The grappling training offered is focused on Judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu techniques which are commonly seen on UFC. 

STANCES

Stances are different ways of standing, and are meant mainly to strengthen our legs during training. However, these stances do have practical applications as well. They promote balance, coordination of the body as a whole during movement, and proper transfer of power when defending or attacking.

KYUSHO (Vital Points)

The study of Kyusho is the study of the weak points of human anatomy in respect to: the muscular system,(skeletal muscles), the nervous system, the organs and the skeletal system,(including cartilage, tendons and ligaments). Not -coincidentally, these same kyusho points are also points of healing in various forms of healing arts that have a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine, (acupuncture, tuina, shiatsu, etc.). To be an effective warrior, one must also know how to be a healer. As such, I teach both the healing, (soft pressure), and damaging, (hard pressure), aspects of these points.

Kyusho, or ‘vital points’, are imperative to learn in the martial arts. Not only is it important for the martial artist learn how to hit, but also where to hit as well. To train for years in any form without also learning about human anatomy and its weaknesses is almost pointless. After all, our attackers are most likely going to be humans, right? It only stands to reason then that humans learning how to to defend themselves against other humans, should understand weaknesses of the human anatomy. Knowing where to attack your opponent and what the effects are of the chosen target(s) can mean the difference between life or death in an attack situation. Kyusho study teaches us which specific targets to use to stun, knock out, paralyze, incapacitate, or kill our opponent,(in extreme cases), depending on the situation.

CHOKES

Chokes can be used to control an opponent, or to make them go unconscious if need be. Not only do I teach how to apply several different chokes, but also how to escape chokes and revive someone that has been choked into unconsciousness.

JOINT LOCKS

All joints of the human body,(shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, toes, ankles, knees, hips, etc.), are very easily manipulated if the proper techniques are known. Joint-locks allow the student to easily control the opponent until help arrives or the threat is ended. They can be used to control, cause extreme pain, or disable the opponent by actually breaking the joint. The joint-locks we study come from different styles of judo, jujutsu and jiu-jitsu, and are very effective in combat.

SELF-DEFENSE

Our self-defense skills are the core of Goshin-jitsu training. It is here that we learn to incorporate all the moves we have learned; strikes, kicks, punches, grappling, throws, chokes, holds and locks, and put them into practice against simulated attacks,(punches, strikes, kicks, grabs or attacks with weapons), that could happen in a real attack situation. We also examine how self-defense is applied in different attire, different environments, and different situations. 

THROWS

Throws are useful for taking our opponent to the ground fast and hard, and if performed correctly, often times a good throw is all it takes to disable an opponent. Most of our throws can be performed against an attack or from a grab. The different types of throws we study come from a Judo background and include various throws, reaps, drops and take-downs.

KATA

Kata, (also known as 'forms'), are set patterns of techniques and movements assembled in the form of an imaginary fight. Kata practice provides the student with a base knowledge of techniques as well as a way to apply them in a variety of applications. At Ryuuko Dojo, each belt level has certain kata which must be learned,(in addition to other belt level requirements), before proceeding to the next level. Practicing these kata over time develops proper form, strength, power, speed, balance and timing of the student. The kata we study are from a variety of martial art styles to ensure that our students learn a broad base of kata knowledge. This way they can develop their skills according to their personal preferences rather than limiting themselves to one particular style of kata training. The majority of our kata/forms are either hard style forms taken from Shotokan karate, or soft style animal forms taken from Kempo and Shaolin Kung fu. Below is the first kata beginning students start with. It is called, 'Nijushichi waza', or, '27 movements'.

UKEMI

Ukemi helps us to avoid injury when going to the ground, whether falling, being pushed or being thrown. We cover basic as well as advanced versions of these breakfalls and rolls. 

WEAPONS

Detailed further on the weapons page, the weapons training at Ryuuko Dojo begins at green belt level. It is here that the student begins to focus on a weapon, and learns the strikes, blocks, techniques and kata associated with that weapon. A new weapon is taught at each level after green belt, so that by Shodan level, (First degree black belt), the student will be proficient in six different martial art weapons. 

MEDITATION/BREATHING/QI GONG

Meditation comes in many forms and from a variety of cultures. It is used for spiritual growth, healing, deep thought, relaxation and stress relief, depending on what the user is trying to accomplish. The types of meditation we study are for personal development, and have no religious intentions nor references. From a martial arts perspective, meditation is used to teach us to focus by learning to calm our mind and how to integrate our body, mind and spirit into one. This increases our response time, our self-awareness and awareness of our surroundings. It makes us more attuned and helps us to develop our senses to their fullest. At the very least, meditation is a great way to relax or blow off some steam.

The breathing exercises we do are taken from a variety of eastern cultures, and are done to increase the strength of the lungs and diaphragm muscle, as well as benefiting the other organs and meridians of the body. This promotes good health, as well as teaches the student that proper breathing is a very important part of the martial arts, as well as life. Knowledge of certain inhaling and exhaling techniques can be very beneficial in a self-defense situation, and is essential to proper technique and power, as well to maintain our endurance.

Qi gong is the skillful practice of gathering, circulating, and applying our life-force energy, called qi, (also known as chi, ki, prana, the force, etc.). Qi gong training involves all the physical senses, concentrating on breathing, listening/hearing, visualizing, and muscle relaxation. Massage and movement are also used in order to develop and control the body's intrinsic energy. All of the Chinese animal forms we study, (tiger, crane, leopard, snake and dragon), contain qi building techniques. In addition we study specific Qi gong exercises that benefit the internal organs and all of the body's systems, which promotes good health and thus a longer life.

AVAILABLE AT RYUUKO DOJO

1. Private or Semi-private Lessons (Gogyo Goshin-jitsu, Self-defense, Fitness or Qi-gong)

2. Morning Qi-gong classes (currently not in place but will set up for interested groups of 3+)

3. Shiatsu or Medical Qi-gong Therapy

4. VIP Special (combo private lesson/therapy session)

5. Seminars

6. Kids Classes (currently not in place but will set up for groups of 3 or more kids)

7. CPR/AED Certification

8. Ninjutsu training (private or semi-private classes)

9. QI-GONG FOR WELLNESS COURSE (LEVEL 1) NEW!!!

10. Foot Reflexology (NEW!!!)

1. PRIVATE OR SEMI PRIVATE LESSONS

Lessons in Gogyou Goshin-jitsu are at this time taught privately or semi-privately. Private lessons lets YOU set the schedule. You get more attention, so you get faster results. Private lessons are the way to go for any serious martial artist. 

A typical Gogyou Goshin-jitsu session would include:

10 minutes of qi gong

5 minutes of warm-up to prepare the body

( joint mobility exercises and dynamic stretches)

10 minutes of sparring

30 minutes of session consists of kata training, techniques, grappling, throws, weapons,etc.

10 minutes of static stretching, (for flexibility)

Cost:         $40/session

Private lessons are also available for:

Self-defense

This course is for those who want to learn to protect themselves, but aren't interested in obtaining belts. This is very basic information as compared to the regular curriculum, but ideal for security personnel, crisis workers, the elderly, disabled, teenagers, children or women's self-defense.  

Fitness

Do you just want to get fit, but either you don't want to join a gym or you lack the motivation to do it alone at home? Then one-on-one training may be the answer for you! I am also a Certified Fitness Instructor Specialist with CanfitPro. Whatever your fitness goals, (weight loss, improved cardio, strength training),

we can address them together! Do you have a group that would like to form a fitness class? Contact me and let's set it up. 647-668-1456

Qi-gong 

Qi-gong is a powerful internal martial art that makes a fine compliment to any external martial arts study, however, even separate from the external martial arts, it can still be a powerful force. Qi-gong means, 'life-force skills'. With it, we learn to purge, cultivate, regulate and tonify the qi flow in the body. Qi-gong works by using breathing, visualization, and movement to create positive changes in our organs, circulatory system, lymphatic system and nervous system that will promote a healthy way of life. 

Currently there are 9 weekly spots available for private lessons in either Goshin-jitsu, Self-defense, Fitness or Qi-gong. Will YOU be one of them?

CHILDREN - private lessons available for children ages 10 +. A parent or guardian must be present during these private lessons. 

SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS

A less costly method is semi-private training. Do you have a group of friends that wants to train together in Gogyou Goshin-jitsu, Self-defense, Fitness or Qi-gong? I offer great group rates for seminars or regular weekly classes, depending on the amount of people involved of course. Let's talk...

Shiatsu, (Shi = finger, atsu = pressure), is a Japanese manual therapy in which the therapist uses the thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, knees and feet to apply physical pressure to the body in order to balance the 'Qi', (energy), of the body. Shiatsu treatment produces a state of relaxation known as the para-sympathetic state. It is in this state that our body does its healing. Shiatsu works on points of the body known as, 'tsubos', which are along energy pathways, or lines of the body called, 'meridians'. There are 12 meridians in this system, (following Traditional Chinese Medicine theory), each running bi-laterally on the body, and each corresponding to an organ of the body. By applying Shiatsu, we aim to restore balance to these meridians/organs/systems involved. Shiatsu is effective for many ailments; musculoskeletal issues, (ex: lower back, neck and shoulder pain), headaches, stress, insomnia, arthritis, menstrual issues, poor digestion, and many other conditions.

Rate: $70.00 (in the clinic) $100.00 (home visit)

Medical Qi-gong

Medical Qi-gong seeks to balance the body using techniques that rely on energy work, not manual contact. It is a gentle type of treatment used to treat specific ailments and symptoms of disease. Recent studies have proven Medical Qi-gong to be effective in treating: Fibromyalgia, Depression, Weakened immune system, and other ailments. As well as the treatment, clients are shown Qi-gong exercises that they can do at home that will help them to maintain balance. 

Rate: $70.00 (in the clinic) $100.00 (home visit)

4. VIP SPECIAL!!! (TRAINING + THERAPY SESSION)

For only $100 you can have a VIP combination session which consists of;

1 hour private training in Goshin-jitsu, Self-defense, Fitness or Qi-gong

+

1 hour Shiatsu Therapy session or Foot Reflexology Session

2 great sessions for one great price! Get a physical challenge with a lesson in Goshin-jitsu, self-defense or fitness, or a balancing of the mind/body/spirit with a lesson in Qi-gong and then top it off with a Shiatsu tune up!  

Call 647-668-1456 for more details

5. SEMINARS

Please see the 'seminars' page for complete details.

Martial arts helps to develop a child in many ways by providing:

- structure

- discipline

- physical exercise

- integration of the body/mind/spirit

Note - Child taking part in the program will also be required to purchase a gi and white belt ($30 total)

        - The program offered here for children is a watered down version of the regular program.

I am a Certified Canfitpro PRO Trainer, offering the following CPR courses on the following dates in March and April. To book your spot please visit the canfitpro.com website and register/pay online.

Tues. March 20: 7 pm - CPR A + AED

Sat. March 24: 9 am - CPR C + AED

Tues. March 27: 7 pm - CPR A

Thurs. March 29: 7 pm - CPR C

Sun. Apr. 1: 10 am - CPR A + AED

Sat. Apr. 7: 9 am - CPR C + AED

Wed. Apr. 11: 7 pm - CPR A

Thurs. Apr. 12: 7 pm - CPR C

Thurs. Apr. 19: 7 pm - CPR A + AED

Sun. Apr. 22: 10 am - CPR C + AED

Wed. Apr. 25: 7 pm - CPR A

Thurs. Apr. 26: 7 pm - CPR C

Prices: (subject to change - please check the canfitpro.com site)

CPR A : Canfitpro members - $38 (registered 3 wks prior) or $43

non-members - $47 (registered 3 wks prior) or $52

CPR A + AED : Members - $60 (registered 3 wks prior) or $65

non-members - $69 (registered 3 wks prior) or $74

CPR C : Canfitpro members - $55 (registered 3 wks prior) or $60

non-members - $64 (registered 3 wks prior) or $69

CPR C + AED : Members - $64 (registered 3 wks prior) or $69

non-members - $73 (registered 3 wks prior) or $78

Why get certified through Canfitpro?

1) Get your card the same day

2) Much shorter class time than other certifications of same type

3) I make learning CPR fun. You won't be bored.

For more information, or to register, call John at 647-668-1456

In ninjutsu classes you will learn;

- rolls/breakfalls

- striking, kicks, evasion, blocking methods

- joint locks, throws, chokes

- silent movement, invisibility

- weapons, (staves, knives, chain, shuriken, katana)

- meditation/spiritual work

- wilderness survival/first aid

- much, much more....

If interested, please call:

647-668-1456

Improve your health, reduce stress, and learn how to maintain that renewed health

This course is fully accredited with Canfitpro, and is worth 4 CEC's (FIS/PTS/HWL), to Canfitpro instructors, however this course is open to the public as well.    

Course: Qi-gong for Wellness (Level 1)

Dates: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2020 AT 12 PM

            SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020 AT 12 PM 

            SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 AT 12 PM

Time: 12 pm start

Location: Ryuuko Dojo, Scarborough

Spots remaining: 10 of 10 per course

Call 647-668-1456 to register your spot in the next course. Ten person maximum per course.

This course will be run monthly. Keep checking here each month for updates.

ONLY $150!!!