Society
Who We Are
The Golden Gate Martial Arts Society (GGMAS) is a small group dedicated to the preservation and study of the
classical martial arts traditions of China and Japan. The organization is comprised of two schools: the Ryufukai,
or “Dragon Wind Association” which practices Bitchu-den Takenouchi-ryu Jujutsu, and Ming Ji Shu, “The Illustrious
Record School” of Chen Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan).
These schools offer in equal measure a
study of Eastern philosophy, religion, and culture, while focusing on the myriad physical and mental strategies by
which ancient warriors survived in armed and unarmed battles fought at close quarters.
The challenge of study, and
the purpose behind the existence of the GGMAS is not only to uphold these traditions for the functions they once
served in times and places far removed from our own, but to experience the ways in which the pursuit of these
arts can enhance the lives of students in the here and now. The Golden Gate Martial Arts Society, and the two schools which comprise its technical component, is one of the very
few organizations in this country with a provable, unbroken connection to centuries-old traditions of both Japan and
China. Moreover, each of the traditions studied by the GGMAS is historically significant in its own right,
representing, respectively, the moments and forms in which Jujutsu and Taijiquan came into being.
Yet for all their similarities, the arts practiced by the GGMAS are the product of two distinct cultures, developed at separate periods
in their respective histories. Because of that, each of the two arts possesses a philosophy, an approach to combat,
and a spirit, all its own. It is our belief that these traditions can speak meaningfully to modern life both in
fighting and philosophy. We invite all who are interested to come and find these benefits for themselves.
For information
about the Golden Gate Martial Arts Society,
please contact us
at 415.793.3041 or
e-mail us at goldengatemartialarts@gmail.com