Koubukan Goju-Ryu Karatedo

The basis of Koubukan was deeply influenced by Hanshi Hayashi’s father, Akria Hayashi, who practiced under Sensei (Instructor) Yasuhiro Konishi—founder of Shindo Jinen-Ryu and pupil of Chojun Miyagi, Gichin Funakoshi, Kenwa Mabuni, Choki Motobu, and Morihei Ueshiba—establishing his own dojo in 1957 where young Yutaka Hayashi began his Karate training. Under the direction of Hanshi Hayashi, Koubukan Gojuryu Karatedo demonstrates the impressive lineage established from previous Gojuryu masters and grounds its core teachings on guidelines established by the Japan Karatedo Federation. Today, Koubukan Gojuryu has affiliated dojos in both Japan and Canada.

Lineage

Hanshi Yutaka Hayashi 9th Dan Koubukan Goju-Ryu

Hanshi Yutaka Hayashi received his initial training from his father, Akira Hayashi until 1982. Hanshi Hayashi then began training under Katsutoshi Ishihara, founder of Shoseikan Gojuryu. After years of hard work and dedication within the federation, Hayashi became one of Katsutoshi Ishihara’s top Shihans (Master Instructors) and was given the responsibility of overseeing the pedagogy of all globally affiliated dojos. In 2016, Hanshi Hayashi decided to branch off on his own in order to pursue his vision of Goju-Ryu Karatedo—Koubukan was born and its Hombu dojo was constructed. Koubukan was founded with a clear vision in mind: uniting the traditional way of Gojuryu with natural body movement.

Kancho Ishihara

Kancho Ishihara was born in Chiba Prefecture in Japan. He started learning Karate in 1963 under the direction of Gogen Yamaguchi, one of the well-known Karatedoka of the World. Through natural talent, discipline and hard work, Kancho Ishihara acheived Blackbelt 3rd and entitled as Shidoin under All-Japan Karate-do Goju Kai in 1968. In the same year, he established the first Shoseikan dojo in his hometown, Chiba, Japan. Since 1971, Kancho had travelled around the World promoting Goju-Ryu Karate. The fellowship includes the countries of South Africa, Dubai, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, United States and Canada. Today, there are over 50 Shoseikan dojo around the World. http://www.shoseikan.com/katsutoshi-ishihara.html"

Jitsumi Gōgen Yamaguchi (山口剛玄; January 20, 1909 – May 20, 1989)

Jitsumi Gōgen Yamaguchi (also known as Gōgen Yamaguchi, was a Japanese martial artist and student of Gōjū-ryū Karate under Chōjun Miyagi.[4] He was one of the most well-known karate-dō masters from Japan and he founded the International Karate-dō Gōjū Kai Association.[5] From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chōjun Miyagi 宮城長順 Born April 25, 1888 Naha, Okinawa Died October 8, 1953 (aged 65)

Okinawa Style Goju-ryu Teacher(s) Kanryo Higashionna, Ryuko Aragaki Rank Sōke, Founder of Goju-ryu, Kyoshi - Dai Nippon Butokukai Notable students Gogen Yamaguchi, Seiko Higa, Seikichi Toguchi, Tatsuo Shimabuku,[1] Ei'ichi Miyazato, Meitoku Yagi, Seigo Tada Chōjun Miyagi (宮城長順 Miyagi Chōjun, April 25, 1888—October 8, 1953) was an Okinawan martial artist who founded the Gōjū-ryū school of karate by blending Okinawan and Chinese influences. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Higaonna Kanryō (東恩納寛量 Higaonna Kanryō, March 10, 1853 – October 1915)

Higaonna Kanryō, also known as Higashionna West, was a Ryukyuan martial artist who founded a fighting style known at the time as Naha-te. He is recognized as one of the first students of Fujian White Crane Kung Fu masters, namely Ryū Ryū Ko, in the Fuzhou region of China who returned with those skills to Okinawa. His student, Chōjun Miyagi, would later found Gōjū ryū Karate.[2] From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Belt Levels & Ranks

At each belt level the student must learn a specific number of techniques and be tested on those techniques before he/she can move up to the next level. The time required for a student to advance from one belt level to the next will depend upon the number of times a student attends class in a month as well as the effort each student puts forth in training. For example, the average student attending three times per week could probably attain the rank of yellow belt in approximately three to six months. As the student advances in the ranks however the time in each rank will increase as the technical skills required become more demanding and challenging.

10th Kyu: Jukyu / White Belt
9th Kyu: Kukyu / White Belt 1 stripe
8th Kyu: Hachikyu / White Belt 2 stripes (Red Belt Children)
7th Kyu: Nanakyu / Yellow Belt
6th Kyu: Rokkyu / Orange Belt
5th Kyu: Gokyu / Green Belt
4th Kyu: Yonkyu / Blue Belt
3rd Kyu: Sankyu / Brown Belt
2nd Kyu: Nikkyu / Brown Belt 1 Stripes
1st Kyu: Ikkyu / Brown Belt 2 Stripes

1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan)
2nd Degree Black Belt (Nidan)
3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan)
3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan)
4th Degree Black Belt (Yondan)
5th Degree Black Belt (Godan)
6th Degree Black Belt (Rokudan)
7th Degree Black Belt ( Shichidan)
8th Degree Black Belt (Hanshi)