Eastern philosophy, entwined deeply with the foundation of Shorei Goju martial arts, contributes a rich tapestry of concepts that shape both physical movements and mental discipline. Rooted in Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, each strike or hold in Shorei Goju is not just an outward physical move but also an attempt to balance inner energy or ‘chi’. It embodies yin-yang principles reflecting the constant play between hardness and softness – go (hard) juxtaposed to ju (soft) – wherein one acknowledges that strength accepts yielding and power welcomes gentleness.
Delving deeper into Zen Buddhist philosophy communicated through this art form shines a light on mindfulness practices far beyond combat techniques. The meditative aspect of martial arts such as Shorei Goju encourages practitioners to cultivate an understanding of mushin, the state of no-mindedness where action flows without being clouded by fear, anger, hesitation, or indecision. Thus every punch thrown is about achieving a harmonious and centered existence; every defensive maneuver represents conquering our internal conflicts rather than external foes.