Karate History
The legacy of Goju-Ryu Karate-Jutsu is deeply rooted in the teachings of masters like Higaonna Kanryo, Miyagi Chojun, Higa Seiko, and Fukuchi Seiko. Higaonna, the founder, combined traditional martial arts with martial science, laying the foundation for the style. Miyagi, his most notable student, refined and expanded Goju-Ryu, while Higa Seiko carried on his teachings and furthered the style’s development. Fukuchi Seiko, a dedicated student of Higa Seiko, spread Goju-Ryu internationally, ensuring the principles of discipline, respect, and personal growth continue to inspire martial artists worldwide.
Higaonna Kanryo
Grandmaster Higaonna Kanryo, born on March 10, 1853, in Naha, Okinawa, developed a strong physique from a young age, helping his father, a merchant, with physically demanding work. After his father's untimely death, Higaonna sought a deeper path in martial arts and traveled to Fuzhou, China, at just 16 years old. There, he studied under the esteemed Master RyuRyuKo for three years, mastering both empty-handed techniques and weaponry, alongside learning Chinese medicine. His exceptional skill and dedication gained him widespread recognition and respect in the martial arts community.
In 1881, Higaonna returned to Okinawa and his martial arts became known as Naha-te, which would later evolve into the foundational system of Goju-Ryu. Higaonna developed a unique teaching method, focusing on both the mind and body to improve physical well-being. His rigorous training techniques and profound understanding of martial science became the cornerstone of Goju-Ryu, and his legacy continues to influence martial artists worldwide.
Miyagi Chojun
Miyagi Chojun was born on April 25, 1888, and began his martial arts journey at the age of 12, initially training under Aragaki Ryuko in 1900. Ryuko introduced Miyagi to the fundamentals of Budo, teaching him vital techniques such as Yobi-undo, Kigu hojo undo, and kihon waza. After two years, Miyagi was introduced to Higaonna Kanryo, the master of Naha-te, under whose rigorous guidance he would undergo intense and transformative training.
At just 14, Miyagi became an uchi deshi (private disciple) of Higaonna, immersing himself in the complexities of Naha-te for 13 years. His dedication and natural talent led him to progress quickly, often surpassing other students in intensity and enthusiasm. After Higaonna's death in 1915, Miyagi traveled to Fuzhou, China, to further his studies, making three trips throughout his life. Upon returning to Okinawa, he became a respected teacher, instructing at the Okinawan Prefecture Police Training Center, Okinawan Master’s Training College, and Naha Commercial High School, continuing the legacy of his teacher.
Higa Seiko
Higa Seiko was born in Naha, Okinawa, on November 8, 1898, and began his martial arts training at the age of 13 under Grandmaster Higaonna Kanryo, remaining a dedicated student until Higaonna's death in 1917. Following this, he continued his studies with Miyagi Chojun, one of Higaonna’s top students, and remained under Miyagi's tutelage until Miyagi’s passing in 1953. After Miyagi’s death, Higa Seiko reportedly assumed leadership of the Goju-Ryu style, though many of Miyagi’s other top students branched off to form their own dojos and organizations, never fully recognizing Higa Seiko as the true successor.
Higa Seiko was a well-educated man, working initially as an elementary school teacher before embarking on a career as a policeman. After ten years, he dedicated himself entirely to Karate. He opened his first dojo in 1931 and later moved to Saipan in 1937, where he continued his training and teachings. Upon returning to Okinawa, Higa opened another dojo in Itoman-cho and taught at various schools, including high school and university Karate clubs. In 1956, Higa became Vice-chairman of the Okinawa Karate-do Federation, later rising to Chairman. His dojo became a popular hub for martial artists, attracting visits and training from other masters.
Fukuchi Seiko
Fukuchi Seiko was born in Nishi Shin-Machi, Naha, Okinawa. He began studying Goju-Ryu Karate under the guidance of Higa Seiko during his junior high school years. After graduating from high school, Fukuchi served as a soldier in Peking, China, where he was introduced to and trained in Chinese Kenpo for three years. Upon returning to Okinawa, he resumed his training with Higa Seiko and became a dedicated student, eventually rising to the role of assistant instructor at the Higa dojo.
In 1961, Fukuchi Seiko opened his own dojo, the Senbukan (Intense School of Budo), where he continued to impart his martial arts knowledge. His dedication to the art was recognized in 1961 when he was awarded the title of Kyoshi. In 1968, he was appointed Director of the Old Okinawa Goju-kai. Fukuchi's contributions to the martial arts community were honored posthumously in 1975 when he was given the prestigious title of Hanshi.
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