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| "The Origin of Goju Ryu Karate" The Firm & Flowing Style of Okinawa |
The history of Goju Ryu Karate can be traced back to a man named Kanryo Higashionna
“Higaonna” (1853 / 1916). Although Higashionna Sensei began his training in Okinawa, the true
China and studied there under a man believed to be Master Ryu Ryu Ko. Who was thought to be a
practitioner of Southern Chinese fist boxing. Thus being for a duration of approximately 15 years
(Opinions on this time scale do vary). On his return to Okinawa he combined his native fighting
system of Ti with the teachings he’d taken in whilst studying in China. Where by his home in Nishi
Machi was to be his Dojo. It did not take long though before his fame spread throughout the island
and students came to him for tuition in Naha Te. Among them was a student by the name of Chojun
Miyagi, who was born in Naha in 1888, the son of a wealthy businessman. He began to study karate
around the age of nine years under Aragaki Ryuko, this being in the rudiments of his native art, but
in his early teens he became a student of Master Higashionna. Under the tutelage of his master,
Miyagi underwent a very long and arduous period of training.
After the death of Master Kanryo Higashionna, Miyagi Sensei travelled to the Fuzhou province in
China as his teacher had done before him. Wishing to witness for himself the training of Chinese
Kempo. However, unlike his teacher Kanryo Higashionna Sensei, Chojun Miyagi is only believed to
have stayed in China for a year or two. Returning to set up his own Dojo in Naha, Okinawa. Where
he taught for many years, and even though Miyagi Sensei's reputation as a Karate man was
enormous, one of his greatest achievements was in the organisation and structuring of Ti and
Karate training methods.
He developed the Sanchin kata, known as the hard aspect of Goju, making his own changes and
refinements like the open hand to a closed fist. And created the Tensho kata through his study of
the Rokkishu form. Feeling the need for the open handed soft, smooth and flowing aspects. These
kata are among those considered to be the essence of Miyagi Sensei's Goju Ryu style of Karate.
Being well known as a close range, infighting system that concentrates on efficiency of movement
as well as 100% effectiveness.
Chojun Miyagi was awarded the highest recognition in the 1930's when the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
presented him with Hanshi "Master" title.
Chojun Miyagi is also believed to be the first Okinawan Karate teacher to put a style name to his
Karate. This came about when in 1927 (29) his senior student Shinzato Jinan went to Japan to
demonstrate Karate on his teacher’s behalf at the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Upon his return he mentioned
that he had been asked to name the style of his Art. Which was custom at the time for Japanese
arts like Ju Jutsu to have a style name. Following this Miyagi gave the subject much serious
thought, 3 years later in 1930 he officially called his system Goju Ryu. Meaning Hard / Soft style.
The name being inspired by a line form the Kempo Hakku. Eight precepts of traditional Chinese
boxing, quote, "Everything in the Universe breathes out (Hard) and in (Soft)", Exhaling and Inhaling.
This was a time of many changes in Karate teaching and training. He went on to create two other
kata (forms), Gekki Sai Dai, Ichi and Ni for beginners, in order that the system might be taught more
quickly to Japanese soldiers during the second world war at the request of the Japanese Emperor.
Thus giving one a base for further training in Goju Ryu Karate but without revealing any of the
secrets or deeper meanings of the Art.
Master Chojun Miyagi Sensei was a man of extremely mild temperament, and it is said that he was a
humble man. He lived according to the principles of the martial arts, that of non-violence. Master
Chojun Miyagi died on Okinawa on the 8th October 1953.
Many schools of Goju Ryu now exist in Okinawa, Japan, and around the world. Even though Miyagi
had many students over the years. Masters Seiko Higa, Meitoku Yagi, Eichi Miyazato and Seikichi
Toguchi were amongst the leading influences of Goju on Okinawa. With Yamaguchi Gogen through
Jitsuei Yogi following suit in Japan. Each one emphasising their own interpretation of the Goju Ryu
way of Karate. Many others have also dedicated their lives to keeping the Art of Goju Ryu alive on
Okinawa.
It must be noted at this point that within any Ryu or Kai (System / Style /
Organisation). Different branch (Shibu) Dojo and instructors may vary their
form and practises to a certain degree, remaining however, within certain parameters. Whether this
is intentionally permitted, or simply unavoidable I cannot say.
The Kempo Hakku was a favourite poem of Miyagi Chojun Sensei. It was an article from the ancient
Chinese text, the Bubishi. Miyagi Sensei named his method of Ti, Goju-Ryu, from the third line of
this poem.
1. Jinshin wa tenchi ni onaji. -The mind is one with heaven and earth.
2. Ketsumyaku wa nichigetsu ni nitari. -The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of
the sun and the moon.
3. Ho wa goju wo tondo su. -The way of inhaling and exhaling is both hard and soft.
4. Mi wa toki ni shitagai hen ni ozu. -Act in accordance with time and change.
5. Te wa ku ni ai sunawachi hairu. -Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought.
6. Shintai wa hakarite riho su. -The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.
7. Me wa shiho wo miru wa yosu. -The eyes do not miss even the slightest change.
8. Mimi wa yoku happo wo kiku. -The ears listen well in all directions
“Higaonna” (1853 / 1916). Although Higashionna Sensei began his training in Okinawa, the true
China and studied there under a man believed to be Master Ryu Ryu Ko. Who was thought to be a
practitioner of Southern Chinese fist boxing. Thus being for a duration of approximately 15 years
(Opinions on this time scale do vary). On his return to Okinawa he combined his native fighting
system of Ti with the teachings he’d taken in whilst studying in China. Where by his home in Nishi
Machi was to be his Dojo. It did not take long though before his fame spread throughout the island
and students came to him for tuition in Naha Te. Among them was a student by the name of Chojun
Miyagi, who was born in Naha in 1888, the son of a wealthy businessman. He began to study karate
around the age of nine years under Aragaki Ryuko, this being in the rudiments of his native art, but
in his early teens he became a student of Master Higashionna. Under the tutelage of his master,
Miyagi underwent a very long and arduous period of training.
After the death of Master Kanryo Higashionna, Miyagi Sensei travelled to the Fuzhou province in
China as his teacher had done before him. Wishing to witness for himself the training of Chinese
Kempo. However, unlike his teacher Kanryo Higashionna Sensei, Chojun Miyagi is only believed to
have stayed in China for a year or two. Returning to set up his own Dojo in Naha, Okinawa. Where
he taught for many years, and even though Miyagi Sensei's reputation as a Karate man was
enormous, one of his greatest achievements was in the organisation and structuring of Ti and
Karate training methods.
He developed the Sanchin kata, known as the hard aspect of Goju, making his own changes and
refinements like the open hand to a closed fist. And created the Tensho kata through his study of
the Rokkishu form. Feeling the need for the open handed soft, smooth and flowing aspects. These
kata are among those considered to be the essence of Miyagi Sensei's Goju Ryu style of Karate.
Being well known as a close range, infighting system that concentrates on efficiency of movement
as well as 100% effectiveness.
Chojun Miyagi was awarded the highest recognition in the 1930's when the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
presented him with Hanshi "Master" title.
Chojun Miyagi is also believed to be the first Okinawan Karate teacher to put a style name to his
Karate. This came about when in 1927 (29) his senior student Shinzato Jinan went to Japan to
demonstrate Karate on his teacher’s behalf at the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Upon his return he mentioned
that he had been asked to name the style of his Art. Which was custom at the time for Japanese
arts like Ju Jutsu to have a style name. Following this Miyagi gave the subject much serious
thought, 3 years later in 1930 he officially called his system Goju Ryu. Meaning Hard / Soft style.
The name being inspired by a line form the Kempo Hakku. Eight precepts of traditional Chinese
boxing, quote, "Everything in the Universe breathes out (Hard) and in (Soft)", Exhaling and Inhaling.
This was a time of many changes in Karate teaching and training. He went on to create two other
kata (forms), Gekki Sai Dai, Ichi and Ni for beginners, in order that the system might be taught more
quickly to Japanese soldiers during the second world war at the request of the Japanese Emperor.
Thus giving one a base for further training in Goju Ryu Karate but without revealing any of the
secrets or deeper meanings of the Art.
Master Chojun Miyagi Sensei was a man of extremely mild temperament, and it is said that he was a
humble man. He lived according to the principles of the martial arts, that of non-violence. Master
Chojun Miyagi died on Okinawa on the 8th October 1953.
Many schools of Goju Ryu now exist in Okinawa, Japan, and around the world. Even though Miyagi
had many students over the years. Masters Seiko Higa, Meitoku Yagi, Eichi Miyazato and Seikichi
Toguchi were amongst the leading influences of Goju on Okinawa. With Yamaguchi Gogen through
Jitsuei Yogi following suit in Japan. Each one emphasising their own interpretation of the Goju Ryu
way of Karate. Many others have also dedicated their lives to keeping the Art of Goju Ryu alive on
Okinawa.
It must be noted at this point that within any Ryu or Kai (System / Style /
Organisation). Different branch (Shibu) Dojo and instructors may vary their
form and practises to a certain degree, remaining however, within certain parameters. Whether this
is intentionally permitted, or simply unavoidable I cannot say.
The Kempo Hakku was a favourite poem of Miyagi Chojun Sensei. It was an article from the ancient
Chinese text, the Bubishi. Miyagi Sensei named his method of Ti, Goju-Ryu, from the third line of
this poem.
1. Jinshin wa tenchi ni onaji. -The mind is one with heaven and earth.
2. Ketsumyaku wa nichigetsu ni nitari. -The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of
the sun and the moon.
3. Ho wa goju wo tondo su. -The way of inhaling and exhaling is both hard and soft.
4. Mi wa toki ni shitagai hen ni ozu. -Act in accordance with time and change.
5. Te wa ku ni ai sunawachi hairu. -Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought.
6. Shintai wa hakarite riho su. -The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.
7. Me wa shiho wo miru wa yosu. -The eyes do not miss even the slightest change.
8. Mimi wa yoku happo wo kiku. -The ears listen well in all directions
Kanryo Higashionna (Higaonna) 1853 to 1916 |
| The 3 Characters for Goju Ryu. Top Go “Hard” Bottom Ryu “Style or System” |
Chojun Miyagi 1888 to 1953 |
Kata passed down by Kanryo Higashionna that may have come from China.
Sanchin
Sesan
Sanseryu (Believed to have been taught to Chojun Miyagi by Juhatsu Kiyoda)
Superinpei (Pechurin)
Additional Kata's taught in Goju Ryu by Chojun Miyagi.
Saifa
Shisochin
Seienchin
Sepai
Kururunfa
Kata created by and passed on by Chojun Miyagi.
Gekki Sai Dai Ichi (The Gekki Kata were created alongside Shoshin Nagamine Sensei)
Gekki Sai Dai Ni
Tensho
Kanji for Kata
| Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Lineage |
it is of interest and valid to those of us who practice Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate.
Kyoda 1887 to 1968 and Kenwa Mabuni 1889 to1952 being two other well-known and respected students of Higashiona Sensei.
Concentration here though is primarily on the Goju Ryu lineage, and again it must be understood that Chojun Miyagi Sensei had many
students over the years, far to many for me to completely log and research, especially when you consider that he taught in the Okinawan
High Schools too. How many serious students or disciples he had though is more than debatable. So please note then that there are
numerous other deceased and living students of Chojun Miygai Sensei that are rightfully on the Goju Ryu lineage, and this is in no way
demeaning. I also know that teachings through the lineage of Chojun Miyagi Sensei certainly went in other directions too, where by Jinan
Shinzato Sensei also had students as in Yuchoku Higa. So things weren’t retained to the Goju lineage by any means.
I have decided to give some brief information that is readily available on the students of Miyagi Chojun Sensei listed at the bottom of the
lineage chart. Listing approximately the known age that they began their training with Miyagi Sensei, and for what duration that would
have been maximally possible up until his untimely death in 1953. Again though this is only for ones historical reference as a guide, as it
is very difficult to be precise without any logged historical documentation. Also, we have no way of ever knowing how often these persons
trained under Miyagi or for what continuous duration in years. Or what tuition they received either. So realistically it doesn’t give us the
full picture or any facts on the actual hours of training or what guidance they received from their Sensei Chojun Miyagi. I also feel that
the war years and thereafter need to be taken in to serious consideration here, as it is a known fact that Okinawa as a country was
decimated, and to say that it’s people had been driven in to the ground is an understatement.
Note: Realistically one MUST seriously take in to account the years of no training due to the 2nd World War invasion of Okinawa in 1945,
together with the aftermath years.
Jinan Shinzato (1900 to 1945) In 1927 (29) he was the senior student of Miyagi Chojun Sensei who was sent to demonstrate Karate in
Kyoto. Also, in 1923, at the time that Genkai Nakaima started Karate training he stated that Shinzato Jinan was the senior student of
Chojun Miyagi. So one has to surmise that Shinzato trained under Miyagi Chojun Sensei for around 25 years give or take a year or two.
Seiko Higa. (1898 to 1966). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei from 1916 to 1953 (37 years). Seiko Higa
Sensei was initially a student of Higashionna Sensei until his death in 1916, then he went under the direction of one of Higashionna’s
other students, as in Miyagi Chojun Sensei, to what extent though is debatable and opinions vary. Opened a Dojo in Kumoji then Itoman
after the war. It is always a strange one though on why Seiko Higa Sensei didn't take up the position as head of Goju Ryu upon the death
of Chojun Miyagi.
Meitoku Yagi. (1912 to 2003). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1926 to 1953 (27 years). Meitoku Yagi
Sensei was presented with the Gi (suit) and Obi (belt) of Chojun Miyagi Sensei by his family during a public ceremony in 1963. He formed
the Meibukan Dojo in Daido district then moved to Kume, Naha City. In November 1953 after the death of Chojun Miyagi Sensei, the
Senior students met at the house of Genkai Nakaima. Those present include Seiko Kina, Meitoku Yagi, Jitsue Yogi, Eichi Miyazato and
Koshin Iha. There by upon the death of Chojun Miyagi, Meitoku Yagi Sensei took the position of "Chairman" of the Gojuryu Advancement
Society". A position vacated by the death of their teacher as in Chojun Miyagi Sensei.
Eichi Miyazato. (1922 to 1999). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1938 to 1953 (15 years). Formed the
Jundokan Dojo in Asato, Naha City. Upon the death of Chojun Miyagi Sensei Miyazato Sensei was the one who took the place of his
teacher and headed those practicing from his masters Garden Dojo. Miyazato Sensei was also given the Dojo training equipment or Hojo
Undo by the family of his teacher Chojun Miyagi Sensei.
Seikichi Toguchi. (1917 to 1998). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1932 to 1953 (21 years). Formed the
Shoreikan in Koza City. Seikichi Toguchi began training at the Dojo of Seiko Higa at the age of 13 years, later on he also begun training
under Miyagi Chojun Sensei. Together with receiving guidance from Meitoku Yagi Sensei.
Anichi Miyagi. (1931 to 2009). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei from 1948 to 1953 (5 years). From the age of
17 Years. A member of the Jundokan for many years training under the guidance of Eichi Miyazato Sensei until departing ways in the
80's.
Genkai Nakaima (1908 to ?) Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1923 to ?? Trained under Miyagi Sensei at
his home, stated that he started training in 1923 age 15 years alongside his high school friends as in Tatsutoku Senaha & Kiju Azama.
Tatsutoku (Tatsunori ?) Senaha (Tatsutoku Sakiyama) Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1923 to ?? Trained
under Chojun Miyagi Sensei at his home. One of the first and early senior students of Miyagi Sensei.
Iha Koshin (1925 ) of the Jundokan. Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1939 to 1953 (14 Years) from the age of
14 Years. Now a leading figure with the Okinawa Goju ryu Karate Do Kyokai.
Yamaguchi Gogen (1909 to 1989) Japanese Goju Kai. First introduced to Chojun Miyagi Sensei whilst at the Ritsumei kan University in
1929 or 1931. Between 1938-1945 he was sent to Manchuria on government and military assignments. Mr. Yamaguchi later studied
directly with Chojun Miyagi Sensei in or around 1929 after he and his then current teacher and friend Jitsuei Yogi (1912 to ) wrote to
Chojun Miyagi and invited him to come to Japan. Upon the death of Chojun Miyagi Sensei he continued to receive guidance and tuition in
Goju from Meitoku Yagi Sensei.
Note :: Chojun Miyagi Sensei died on the 8th of October 1953 (Showa 28) of which he never officially named a successor as his death
came early and unexpected.
He was laid to rest in a tomb in Tomigusuku City. One of Miyagi's Senior Students as in Eiichi Miyazato Sensei would later remodel this
grave to an extensive tomb.
Kyoda 1887 to 1968 and Kenwa Mabuni 1889 to1952 being two other well-known and respected students of Higashiona Sensei.
Concentration here though is primarily on the Goju Ryu lineage, and again it must be understood that Chojun Miyagi Sensei had many
students over the years, far to many for me to completely log and research, especially when you consider that he taught in the Okinawan
High Schools too. How many serious students or disciples he had though is more than debatable. So please note then that there are
numerous other deceased and living students of Chojun Miygai Sensei that are rightfully on the Goju Ryu lineage, and this is in no way
demeaning. I also know that teachings through the lineage of Chojun Miyagi Sensei certainly went in other directions too, where by Jinan
Shinzato Sensei also had students as in Yuchoku Higa. So things weren’t retained to the Goju lineage by any means.
I have decided to give some brief information that is readily available on the students of Miyagi Chojun Sensei listed at the bottom of the
lineage chart. Listing approximately the known age that they began their training with Miyagi Sensei, and for what duration that would
have been maximally possible up until his untimely death in 1953. Again though this is only for ones historical reference as a guide, as it
is very difficult to be precise without any logged historical documentation. Also, we have no way of ever knowing how often these persons
trained under Miyagi or for what continuous duration in years. Or what tuition they received either. So realistically it doesn’t give us the
full picture or any facts on the actual hours of training or what guidance they received from their Sensei Chojun Miyagi. I also feel that
the war years and thereafter need to be taken in to serious consideration here, as it is a known fact that Okinawa as a country was
decimated, and to say that it’s people had been driven in to the ground is an understatement.
Note: Realistically one MUST seriously take in to account the years of no training due to the 2nd World War invasion of Okinawa in 1945,
together with the aftermath years.
Jinan Shinzato (1900 to 1945) In 1927 (29) he was the senior student of Miyagi Chojun Sensei who was sent to demonstrate Karate in
Kyoto. Also, in 1923, at the time that Genkai Nakaima started Karate training he stated that Shinzato Jinan was the senior student of
Chojun Miyagi. So one has to surmise that Shinzato trained under Miyagi Chojun Sensei for around 25 years give or take a year or two.
Seiko Higa. (1898 to 1966). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei from 1916 to 1953 (37 years). Seiko Higa
Sensei was initially a student of Higashionna Sensei until his death in 1916, then he went under the direction of one of Higashionna’s
other students, as in Miyagi Chojun Sensei, to what extent though is debatable and opinions vary. Opened a Dojo in Kumoji then Itoman
after the war. It is always a strange one though on why Seiko Higa Sensei didn't take up the position as head of Goju Ryu upon the death
of Chojun Miyagi.
Meitoku Yagi. (1912 to 2003). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1926 to 1953 (27 years). Meitoku Yagi
Sensei was presented with the Gi (suit) and Obi (belt) of Chojun Miyagi Sensei by his family during a public ceremony in 1963. He formed
the Meibukan Dojo in Daido district then moved to Kume, Naha City. In November 1953 after the death of Chojun Miyagi Sensei, the
Senior students met at the house of Genkai Nakaima. Those present include Seiko Kina, Meitoku Yagi, Jitsue Yogi, Eichi Miyazato and
Koshin Iha. There by upon the death of Chojun Miyagi, Meitoku Yagi Sensei took the position of "Chairman" of the Gojuryu Advancement
Society". A position vacated by the death of their teacher as in Chojun Miyagi Sensei.
Eichi Miyazato. (1922 to 1999). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1938 to 1953 (15 years). Formed the
Jundokan Dojo in Asato, Naha City. Upon the death of Chojun Miyagi Sensei Miyazato Sensei was the one who took the place of his
teacher and headed those practicing from his masters Garden Dojo. Miyazato Sensei was also given the Dojo training equipment or Hojo
Undo by the family of his teacher Chojun Miyagi Sensei.
Seikichi Toguchi. (1917 to 1998). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1932 to 1953 (21 years). Formed the
Shoreikan in Koza City. Seikichi Toguchi began training at the Dojo of Seiko Higa at the age of 13 years, later on he also begun training
under Miyagi Chojun Sensei. Together with receiving guidance from Meitoku Yagi Sensei.
Anichi Miyagi. (1931 to 2009). Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei from 1948 to 1953 (5 years). From the age of
17 Years. A member of the Jundokan for many years training under the guidance of Eichi Miyazato Sensei until departing ways in the
80's.
Genkai Nakaima (1908 to ?) Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1923 to ?? Trained under Miyagi Sensei at
his home, stated that he started training in 1923 age 15 years alongside his high school friends as in Tatsutoku Senaha & Kiju Azama.
Tatsutoku (Tatsunori ?) Senaha (Tatsutoku Sakiyama) Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1923 to ?? Trained
under Chojun Miyagi Sensei at his home. One of the first and early senior students of Miyagi Sensei.
Iha Koshin (1925 ) of the Jundokan. Conceivable years of training under Miyagi Chojun Sensei 1939 to 1953 (14 Years) from the age of
14 Years. Now a leading figure with the Okinawa Goju ryu Karate Do Kyokai.
Yamaguchi Gogen (1909 to 1989) Japanese Goju Kai. First introduced to Chojun Miyagi Sensei whilst at the Ritsumei kan University in
1929 or 1931. Between 1938-1945 he was sent to Manchuria on government and military assignments. Mr. Yamaguchi later studied
directly with Chojun Miyagi Sensei in or around 1929 after he and his then current teacher and friend Jitsuei Yogi (1912 to ) wrote to
Chojun Miyagi and invited him to come to Japan. Upon the death of Chojun Miyagi Sensei he continued to receive guidance and tuition in
Goju from Meitoku Yagi Sensei.
Note :: Chojun Miyagi Sensei died on the 8th of October 1953 (Showa 28) of which he never officially named a successor as his death
came early and unexpected.
He was laid to rest in a tomb in Tomigusuku City. One of Miyagi's Senior Students as in Eiichi Miyazato Sensei would later remodel this
grave to an extensive tomb.
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Okinawa Karate Dojo UK 沖縄空手道場英国 |
