IKIGAI DOJO
Okinawakan Goju-Ryu Karate
Matosinhos · Portugal
Breath · strength · softness
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Find, between the two, strength and softness.
剛
GO
strength · firmness · determination
柔
JU
softness · flexibility · adaptation
GO → JU → GO
The Dojo
A simple space for a deep practice.
In the close tradition of Okinawa’s old dojos, Ikigai Dojo deliberately remains intimate, with a limited number of practitioners. This allows the Sensei to observe, correct and accompany each student closely, with the attention that serious practice requires.
Lineage
A living transmission.
Knowledge passes from teacher to student, crossing generations while remaining a living experience.
Chojun Miyagi taught Eiichi Miyazato and Kiichi Nakamoto. Miyazato’s transmission reached Teruo Chinen and Jaime Pereira; Nakamoto is also Jaime’s teacher, forming a second direct connection to the founder. Teruo Chinen and Jaime Pereira taught Alberto Santos.
Mário Azevedo began Goju-Ryu in 2013 with Alberto Santos and, since 2018, has been a direct student of Jaime Sequeira Pereira. Jaime is a 10th Dan, technical director of Ikigai Dojo and a current student of Kiichi Nakamoto; through him, Nakamoto also forms a secondary line in Mário’s training.
Goju-Ryu
An ancient art for the present.
Born in Okinawa, Goju-Ryu is an art of self-defence shaped for close range. Its technique seeks effectiveness without display: short circular movements, control of distance, breathing, and the alternation of strength and softness.
Training does not end with technique. Kata, bunkai and partner work cultivate presence, discipline, character and self-mastery. Knowing when to advance, yield or not fight is also part of the way.
Distance
Close range, maai and an appropriate response.
Movement
Short circular actions, low kicks and sweeps.
Body
Contraction and relaxation. Go and Ju in continuous relation.
Breathing
Ibuki as the link between structure, power and intention.
Self-defence begins with self-mastery: avoiding aggression, acting only when necessary, and restoring peace.
Classes
Begin. Continue. Deepen.
Training welcomes different ages and levels of experience, respecting each practitioner’s pace.
Adults
Beginners and experienced practitioners.
Young people
Progressive learning, discipline and confidence.
Information
See the current timetable on @ikigaidojo_pt.
@ikigaidojo_pt
Follow daily life at the dojo, current timetables, training, gatherings and moments of practice.