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OUR HISTORY
OUR HISTORY
Goju-ryu karatedo shares roots with other styles of karate developed over the centuries from the unarmed fighting arts of China. These arts came to Okinawa, where they underwent development and fusion with Okinawan unarmed fighting styles.
Several different approaches to self-defence were popularized in the mid-1800s; practitioners from the towns of Naha, Tomari and Shuri were laying the groundwork for the development of what would become modern karate-do and kobudo (weaponry).
MASTER KANRYO HIGASHIONNA
MASTER KANRYO HIGASHIONNA
The origins of Goju-ryu can be traced back to Master Kanryo Higashionna, (ca. 1840 - 1910), known as the "Fist of Naha." Although Master Higashionna began his training in Naha, the true seeds of Goju-ryu were planted in China, when Master Higashionna went there to study under Master Woo (Ru in Japanese) who was a practitioner of Chinese boxing.
Master Higashionna trained under Master Woo for 15 to 20 years. On his return to Okinawa, he combined his native fighting system with the Chinese system and became the father of Naha-Te. It did not take long before his fame spread throughout the island and students started to come to him for training. Among them was a student named Chojun Miyagi.
CHOJUN MIYAGI KENSEI
CHOJUN MIYAGI KENSEI
Chojun Miyagi Kensei (Sacred Fist) coined the term Goju-ryu. Later, due in large part to his tireless efforts and those of his followers, the popularity of Goju-ryu spread throughout the world and eventually became recognized as a traditional school of Karate.
GOGEN YAMAGUCHI KAISO
GOGEN YAMAGUCHI KAISO
Gogen Yamaguchi Kaiso (Founder) was entrusted by Master Chojun Miyagi with the task of popularizing and developing Goju-ryu Karate-do on the Japanese mainland. Master Gogen dedicated himself to the spreading of Karate-do in Japan and abroad by organizing the All Japan Karate-do Goju-Kai Association (JKGA) and the International Karate-do Goju-Kai Association (IKGA).
GOSHI YAMAGUCHI SAIKO SHIHAN
GOSHI YAMAGUCHI SAIKO SHIHAN
Goshi Yamaguchi Saiko Shihan, (Highest Master), Master Gogen's third son, inherited his father's legacy after Master Gogen's death on May 20, 1989, and is currently President of the JKGA and of the IKGA.
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