The Basics

In the foundational elements of Gotan Ryu, the stances, blocks, and hand weapons bear the indelible imprint of Kyoshi's training under the esteemed lineage of martial arts masters. Guided by Shihan Robert Mallard, who was a direct disciple of Sensei Jessie Whitley, Kyoshi inherited a treasure trove of techniques and knowledge that formed the bedrock of today’s Gotan Ryu's curriculum.

The sequencing of stances in Gotan Ryu reflects Kyoshi's original vision, carefully crafted to enhance the practitioner's understanding of balance, power, and mobility. Drawing upon his expertise and experience, Kyoshi organized the hand weapons into distinct clusters aligned with the progression of rank, facilitating a structured and systematic approach to skill development.

Moreover, Kyoshi's innovative spirit shines through in the introduction of the "calling of the weapons of the feet," a unique concept that adds depth and complexity to footwork techniques within Gotan Ryu. The intricate turns and the meticulously designed 15-count blocking drill further showcase Kyoshi's dedication to refining and expanding the martial repertoire of the system.

By integrating traditional teachings with his own creative contributions, Kyoshi has sculpted a comprehensive and dynamic martial arts system in Gotan Ryu, one that pays homage to its lineage while paving new paths of exploration and growth for practitioners at every level.

Tenchi:

The creation of Gotan Ryu's Tenchi Tenchi form stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and innovative vision of Kyoshi, alongside Tae Kwon Do practitioners Sherwin and Thaddeus Wheeler in Lynn. Rooted in the format of the Tae Kwon Do form Chon-Ji, meaning "heaven and earth," Tenchi was initially inspired by this powerful symbolism of unity and balance in the cosmos.

As the form evolved, Kyoshi made a pivotal decision to modify the second half of Tenchi at the English High School Dojo in Jamaica Plain. By transitioning from the original back-leaning stance to the dynamic horse stance, Kyoshi infused the form with a renewed sense of stability, strength, and grounding. This transformation not only enhanced the technical execution of the form but also imbued it with a deeper connection to traditional Okinawan martial arts principles.

The renaming of the form as Tenchi, drawing from the Okinawan language to signify "Heaven and Earth," encapsulates the harmonious fusion of celestial and earthly energies within this dynamic martial arts sequence. Through Kyoshi's artistic vision and dedication to refinement, Tenchi has emerged as a powerful embodiment of balance, strength, and unity, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all things in the universe within the framework of Gotan Ryu.

Taikyoku Sho & Dai:

The incorporation of Taikyoku Sho and Taikyoku Dai into the Gotan Ryu system stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication to continuous improvement within the martial arts community. Through a fruitful collaboration with Master Hopkins at East Coast original Dojo in Lynn,, Kyoshi introduced these foundational forms to enrich the training repertoire of Gotan Ryu practitioners.

Taikyoku Sho and Taikyoku Dai, both following the standard (I) formation, are ubiquitous in various martial arts systems and serve as essential building blocks for students' progression. The meanings behind their names add depth and significance to their practice: "Tai" conveys the notions of "big" or "great," while "kyoku" embodies the concepts of "extreme" or "ultimate." "Sho" denotes "less than," underscoring the foundational nature of Taikyoku Sho, while "Dai" signifies "greater than," highlighting the advanced aspects of Taikyoku Dai.

By integrating these forms into the Gotan Ryu curriculum, Kyoshi has expanded the students' understanding of fundamental principles while providing a pathway for growth and development in their martial arts journey. Taikyoku Sho and Taikyoku Dai symbolize the pursuit of excellence and mastery within the system, reflecting the core values of discipline, perseverance, and continuous improvement that define Gotan Ryu.

Riggi-ittai:   

The creation of Riggi-ittai within the Gotan Ryu system stands as a testament to Kyoshi's commitment to synthesizing and refining the foundational techniques passed down by his esteemed mentors, Shihan Robert Mallard and Sensei Jesse Whitley. Initially conceived as "form number one," this form served as a pivotal milestone in consolidating the essential beginner techniques into a cohesive and comprehensive sequence.

Through meticulous research and contemplation, Kyoshi discovered the profound significance of merging theory and techniques in martial arts practice. Drawing inspiration from this profound insight, he rechristened the form as Riggi-ittai, embodying the concept of unity and harmony between theory and application within the martial arts context.

Riggi-ittai, born from the fusion of traditional techniques and philosophical underpinnings, symbolizes the seamless integration of knowledge and practice, theory and execution. This form not only represents a culmination of foundational teachings but also serves as a guiding principle for practitioners to embody unity, precision, and mastery in their martial arts journey within the rich tapestry of Gotan Ryu.

Shingi-ittai:

The creation and addition of Shingi-ittai to the Gotan Ryu system mark a significant milestone in the evolution of Kyoshi's martial arts legacy. Crafted as a complementary counterpart to Riggi-ittai, Shingi-ittai seamlessly integrates the foundational movements of Gotan Ryu's "wall of defense" with the intricate hand techniques instilled by Kyoshi's esteemed mentors, Shihan Robert Mallard and Sensei Jessie Whitley.

Embodying the essence of its name, which translates to "mind and technique becoming one," Shingi-ittai encapsulates the profound journey from mere memorization to a profound understanding and application of knowledge in martial arts practice. This form symbolizes the harmonious union of mental acuity and technical prowess, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's thoughts with their actions to achieve a higher level of mastery and proficiency.

Incorporating Shingi-ittai into the Gotan Ryu curriculum not only enriches the training experience for practitioners but also underscores the system's commitment to holistic development and integration of mind, body, and spirit. Through this form, students are encouraged to transcend mere physical techniques and delve deeper into the mental and philosophical aspects of martial arts, fostering a well-rounded and enlightened approach to their practice within the dynamic framework of Gotan Ryu.

The Dragon Form:

The Dragon Form holds a special significance within the Gotan Ryu system, representing a unique and original creation that embodies the essence of martial arts excellence. Initially imparted to Kyoshi by  Wayne Hector, this form retains its original directional format, serving as a testament to tradition and lineage within the system.

Under Kyoshi's expert guidance and innovative spirit, the Dragon Form underwent a thoughtful modification, introducing basic kick combinations to elevate and enrich the kicking skills of novice Gotan Ryu students. This enhancement not only adds depth and complexity to the form but also provides a valuable platform for beginners to develop and refine their kicking techniques in a structured and progressive manner.

By blending tradition with innovation, the Dragon Form exemplifies the dynamic evolution and adaptability of Gotan Ryu, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement and the holistic development of martial artists at all levels. Through its incorporation of basic kick combinations, this form not only honors the lineage of its origins but also serves as a powerful tool for empowering students to cultivate essential skills and abilities on their martial arts journey within the rich tapestry of Gotan Ryu.

Katameru Forms:

The origins and profound meaning behind the Katameru forms in the Gotan Ryu system exemplify Kyoshi's ingenuity, dedication, and commitment to advancing the martial arts discipline. Originally designated as form 1 through 11, these original forms were imbued with a new sense of purpose and identity when Kyoshi bestowed upon them the Okinawan name "Katameru."

"Katameru," meaning to fortify, strengthen, harden, and reinforce, reflects Kyoshi's vision of utilizing the foundational concept of the "wall of defense" to instill resilience and power in the execution of blocks within the forms. This renaming not only imbues the forms with a deeper significance but also underscores the transformative nature of martial arts training as a means of personal growth and empowerment.

The addition of Katameru six, strategically inserted to complement Riggi-ittai, serves as a valuable tool to aid students in memorizing the sequence of blocks within the forms, facilitating a structured and systematic approach to learning and mastery. Furthermore, Kyoshi's creation of testing the turns within the Katameru forms highlights his attention to detail and commitment to refining the technical aspects of the system, ensuring that students develop a comprehensive understanding of movement and execution.

Through the Katameru forms, Kyoshi has crafted a series of original sequences that not only showcase the technical prowess of Gotan Ryu but also instill a sense of discipline, fortitude, and growth within practitioners. These forms stand as a testament to Kyoshi's innovative spirit and his unwavering dedication to shaping a martial arts system that not only hones physical skills but also nurtures the mind and spirit of those who walk the path of Gotan Ryu.

Get sia:

In the evolution of Get sia, the second form passed down to Kyoshi by Wayne Hector, Kyoshi's keen eye for enhancing skill requirements led to a significant modification. While retaining the essence of its original structure in the opening moves, Kyoshi tailored Get sia to challenge and empower the intermediate Gotan Ryu students. Despite Kyoshi's relentless research, the enigmatic meaning of Get sia remains shrouded in mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to its practice and legacy within Gotan Ryu. The continual exploration of this form stands as a testament to Kyoshi's commitment to innovation and excellence instruction Gotan Ryu.

Bo Form #1:

In the creation of Bo Form #1, Kyoshi embraced the teachings of Wayne Hector and Master Hopkins, infusing their strikes and blocks with his wisdom of Kabuto foundation. With a focus on speed control, power, offense, and defense, Bo Form #1 emerged as a dynamic expression of conflict through a nonverbal narrative of combat. Kyoshi's innovation and dedication shine through in this form, a testament to his artistry and martial arts prowess.

Why I teach:

Teaching Gotan Ryu martial arts embodies a profound sense of resilience that is inherent in the role of a martial arts teacher. Each new student that joins the program, class, or school represents a fresh journey for the teacher, filled with untapped potential and possibilities.

Regardless of the type of beginner - whether they are reluctant, pushed by parents, enthusiastic, engaged in multiple activities, in need of discipline, facing bullying, or simply trying something new - martial arts teachers welcome them all with the same level of enthusiasm and anticipation. Each student brings a unique set of circumstances, motivations, and challenges, and as teachers, you embrace the opportunity to guide them on their martial arts journey.

Through your dedication and passion for teaching, you instill not only martial arts skills but also important values such as discipline, respect, perseverance, and self-confidence in your students. You play a pivotal role in shaping their character and helping them grow both physically and mentally.

As you reflect on your teaching journey, you may wonder if any of your students will carry on your teaching style and passion for the martial arts when you are no longer able to. Your impact as a teacher extends far beyond the physical techniques you teach; it lies in the lasting impression you leave on your students' lives and the potential legacy you may pass on to future generations.

Your dedication to teaching and your ability to inspire and empower your students will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished by those whose lives you have touched. Your influence as a martial arts teacher transcends time and leaves a lasting legacy that enriches the lives of others.