CMAC Dapo alumni and black belt graduates contribute to the CMAC Dapo vision-mission, and stay connected not only to each other, but to the community at large.
The history of Goju Ryu is indeed complex, and it appears as though the art becomes changed (whether for better or worse, based on any number of measures) over time as it is passed down. This was my first hint at the link to biological evolution.
The split of martial arts into a ‘modern version’ and a ‘classical version’ is inevitable. If the classical versions are to be preserved, it must be done independently, with a concerted effort.
In Okinawa, there were three basic styles of martial arts named after the towns they were developed in: Naha-te, Shuri-te and Tomari-te. Goju-ryu ultimately developed from Naha-te. These styles developed in Okinawa in the 19th century from the Fujian province in southern China.
The history of the exact style of Goju Ryu karate-do we train in CMAC is complex. Ultimately, its roots are from Chinese styles of martial arts which have been refined and tested in battle for thousands of years.
How many of us have gotten so comfortable holding on to our rock that we’re too scared to let go and experience the broader world around us? What more might we experience as a result of doing so? The possibilities are endless.
For me, that curiosity represents the first step toward understanding another person’s perspective, and it’s that understanding that enables compassion.