Riverdale
USA GOJU-RYU KARATE-DO
What is USA Goju-Ryu Karate and why should you train with us?
USA Goju-Ryu Karate is a system of training, which utilizes close-contact techniques to subdue an attacker. Known for its use of kicks to the opponent’s legs, circular (non-linear) blocking, grabbing (manipulative), leg sweeps, and powerful striking techniques, USA Goju-Ryu is a splendid form of self-defense. Prominent style markers are the use of controlled abdominal breathing, the cat and the hour-glass stance (neko ashi dachi and sanchin dachi), the wheel blocks (mawashi uke and tora guchi), and simultaneous multiple attacks to the legs, arms, torso, neck and head. USA Goju-Ryu is a kata-based (traditional karate form of defense/offense) system of training with resolute attention paid to the practical application of these forms. The practice of the breathing, body’s motion, and defensive and offensive manipulations are prominent exercises in our school (dojo). In addition, we emphasize spirit building, a “never-give-up-attitude,” the practical application of extrapolated kata movements, a penchant for continuous personal improvement, the safety of all participants, and the efficient use of technique. A 24-kata regimen, ippon kumite (semi-free one blow sparring), jiyu kumite (controlled free-style sparring), jujitsu (system of offense/defense with minimal effort) and repetitious practice of extrapolated kata techniques typically make up the USA Goju-Ryu training session.
Who is the instructor?
The classes are taught by the former (30-39 yr old black belt division) KRANE State, KRANE National , and NASKA World-rated 2000-2004 martial arts athlete, Julio C. Rodriguez. He holds a 5th Degree black belt in USA Goju from Kyoshi Ben Kwaitkowski and Shihan Albert Gotay. He also holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo under Master Tony Morales from the Pan-American Taekwondo Association, and Black Belt ranking from Soke Juan Amato’s Bushido-Ryu Jujitsu and Soke Joseph Mandese’s Kurai-Ryu Jijitsu. Mr. Rodriguez is currently training with Master David Bunch in the art of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali.
Jeremy Sapadin, Renshi Julio Rodriguez, Sempai Waymon Madison and Sempai Sarina Shamoon-Kleinman
Where is the School Located?
The school has two locations: the first is at the Riverdale YM-YWHA, 5625 Arlington Ave. Bronx, NY 10471. Our classes are held in the Racket ball facilities. From downtown Manhattan, you may take A train to Dyckman-200th Street, get off, and take the #7 bus to 256th Street & Riverdale Avenue and walk a block up the hill. If you are traveling by car, take Henry Hudson Parkway (Saw Mill River North) to the 254th Street-Riverdale avenue exit, make two right turns and make a left up a hill at 256th and Riverdale Avenue. If you are traveling from the Saw Mill River Parkway South, get off the 254th and Riverdale Ave. Exit. Make a left at 256th and Mosholu avenue and travel two blocks to 256th and Arlington Ave.
The second location (Harlem Dojo) is at the Boys and Girls Harbor, Inc., 1 East 104 Street (104th and 5th Ave), New York, N.Y. 10029. We are located in the 6th Floor Dance Studio. Students at this location will recieve instruction from Mr. Rodriguez at no cost as long as they are members of the Genesis After-School program. For more information, contact Al Hunter, the Genesis Program Director, at (212) 987-2901.
Classes at the Riverdale Dojo are as follows:
Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:45pm-7:40pm Children:7-12 years old
7:45pm-9:00pm Teens/Adults:13yrs and up.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 3:55pm-4:50pm Children:4-6yrs old
4:55pm-5:50pm Children:7-12 years old
*Sundays: 12:45pm-2:00pm Women’s Body Sculpting & Self -Defense (*Class taught by Sempai Crystal Madison-Rodriguez)
Classes at the Harlem Dojo: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:45pm-8:00pm
*For more information about the specific times for your age group and our affordable rates, please call (917)468-4123. If you have any other questions or comments you may email us.
Genesis USA GoJu-Ryu Karate Dojo
