Sansei Goju-Ryu Karate is
an art in which the ultimate purpose is not to seek to win but to work towards
perfection of character by the accumulation of experience through training. It
is also a form of self-defense using all parts of the body, which by hard and
systematic training become effective and powerful weapons. Sansei encompasses
whole body movements, which develop balance so that an overall maturity of
movement is created. Sansei incorporates the use of the entire body. The legs, hips, spinal column, shoulders and
arms are all made to react with each other in a mechanically coordinated system
so that power, which has been created at different points of the body, is
finally channeled into a single area with tremendous force.
This
kind of co-ordination is achieved through the constant practice of the basic
movements (Kihon), which due to their variety and complexity can be considered
as a complete art form in themselves. The mastery of these fundamental
techniques ensures a strong foundation for progress and expansion in the two
other aspects of Karate-Do, being, formal exercises (Kata), and sparring (Kumite).
Karate-Do has increased greatly in popularity
throughout the world that is good for true Karate, but there are certain groups
that have moved away from its true meaning, eschewing moral and spiritual
ideas. This attitude results in too much emphasis being placed on free style
fighting which can never develop a person of character. True Karate-Do practice
is to train the body and spirit, to respect one’s training partner it should be
practiced with all one’s heart and energy, and with humility.