The term "Goju" has two contrasting meanings - go (hard) and ju (soft). The concept of the Goju exist in the Chinese ideolgy and is referred to as "yin-yang". Positive and negative energy forces that hold the universe in balance, as between positive and negative poles, enabling both to exist. The yin (soft) and the yang (hard), are life energy forces that control the universe. An example of the yin/yang theory in relation to Chinese Goju methodology, is the block soft, hit hard theory.

The combination of the hard and soft elements compliments the grace and beauty of the Chinese Goju movements. The graceful movements of Chinese Goju are crucial in its defensive mechanics, which produces a very effective practical system. Chinese Goju practioners train to a level of extreme swiftness in thinking and physical appliction during kumite. They learn to attack with aggressive combinations of hard targeted blows to the opponents ungarded area. Maximum training in the dojo will develop an attitude and mindset of peace unless violently approached by an attacker. The Chinese Goju student learns the importance of survival in the event of a hostile situation.

Okinawa and Japan marks the origin of the Goju style founded by the honorable Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953). Honorable Miyagi reformed his former styles after mastering "Chinese Kempo" and "Naha-te", he named the style "Goju-Ryu Karate".

Meitoku Yagi became the successor of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, after the death of the honorable Miyagi. Moreover, Gogen Yamaguchi was designated as the successor of Japenese Goju-Ryu in Japan. In 1935 Gogen Yamaguchi established the "All Japan Goju-Kai Karate-do Association" in Kyoto, Japan.

O'Sensei Peter Urban, a disciple of Gogen Yamaguchi brought the style of Goju-Ryu to the United States in 1959. In 1964 O'Sensei Peter Urban founded the U.S.A. Goju Association. Master's Frank Ruiz, Harry Rosentein and Ron Taganashi, all students of Grandmaster Peter Urban, founded the Nisie Goju Ryu system in 1969.

Grandmaster Ron Van Clief founded the Chinese Goju system on January 25, 1971. Grandmaster Van Clief is a disciple of Grandmaster Peter Urban, Frank Ruiz, Moses Powell and Leung Ting. After many years of study in Karate, Aiki-Jutsu, Ju-Jutsu, Zen-Jutsu and Kung-Fu, Grandmaster Ron Van Clief desired to bring the Goju system closer to its Chinese roots, due to the distinct ideologies of the Japanese, Chinese and American cultures. He combined the animal forms and soft aspects of his Chinese arts training, with the hard and soft characteristics of Japenese Martial arts.