UNITED STATES OF AMERICA GOJU FEDERATION KARATE

Welcome to the USAGF...

United States of America Goju Federation Karate is a style of Goju Karate developed by Master Joe Kelljchian.

The word karate is a combination of two words, "kara" which means empty and "te" which means hand. Karate is an "empty hand" form of self-defense.

The style of karate we practice is Goju.

The word Goju is a combination of two words, "Go" which means hard and "Ju" which means soft. Our style is a mixture of both hard and soft.

Like the elements of the world we live in, Goju is both hard and soft, yet it is one. For example, we are soothed by the softness of the candles glow, yet the same element of fire can completely devastate an entire forest. The gentle patter of rain on our window can put us to sleep, while the relentless rains of a hurricane can topple the strongest buildings. Each of these elements has the properties of hard and soft, yet they are still the same element.

Our Sensei (teacher) shows us how to harness these elements that are within each of us. We are taught how to be soft when softness is called for. We are taught how to be hard when hardness is required. Most of all, we are taught discipline. Without discipline there is no control. Without control, we are no better off than those who would attack us.

One of the cornerstones of training is courtesy. Courtesy in training helps break down the ego.

In our Dojo (training hall), and all the Dojo's of the USAGF, we have three simple rules:

1.        Everyone works

2.        Nothing is free

3.        Everyone starts at the bottom

These three rules come to us from Grandmaster Peter Urban and the United States of America Goju Association.

All that is required to begin training in USA Goju Federation is a desire to learn Karate.