Kanryo Higaonna sensei (1853-1915) was taught by Seisho Arakaki sensei when he was around 17. Later, he traveled to Fushou, Fujian Province in China (1874-1877) to research martial arts. After coming back home, he taught and nurtured distinguished karate figures like Chogi Yoshimura, second son of Lord Yoshimura, Chojun Miyagi and Juhatsu Kyoda.

 

Chojun Miyagi sensei (1888-1953) learned from Kanryo Higaonna sensei from the age of 14. In 1915, he traveled to Fushou in Fujian Province, staying over one year studying and seeking good teachers throughout the country. In 1936 he visited China once again to deepen his studies. Miyagi sensei was the one to name the first style of karatedo, Goju-ryu. He mainly instructed karatedo at the Ryukyu Police Academy and other schools, passing away suddenly on October 8, 1953 while being an instructor at the police academy.

 

Eiichi Miyasato sensei (1922-1999) learned from Chojun Miyagi sensei at the age of 17 in Matsuo, Naha City. During the time he was a police officer, he assisted Chojun Miyagi sensei and instructed at the police academy. After the death of his master, he maintained the garden of Miyagi sensei's residence and instructed disciples. In April 1954, at the general meeting of the then Okinawa Goju-kai, he was officially recognized as the successor to Chojun Miyagi sensei. In 1957 he opened the Jundokan Karate Dojo in Asato, Naha City. 

 

Koshin Iha sensei, born November 24, first learned from Chojun Miyagi sensei at the age of 14. Upon the death of his master, he assisted Eiichi Miyasato sensei in the instruction of students. From 1964-1975, he opened the Goju-ryu Shodokan Karate Dojo in Tomari, Naha City where he taught. In October 1969, on the suggestion of Eiichi Miyasato sensei, the Okinawa Goju-ryu Karatedo Association (Kyokai) was inaugurated with Eiichi Miyasato as the first president and Koshin Iha as vice president.

 

Nanko Minei sensei, a senior student of Miyasato, first opened Minei Dojo in 1973 and continues to run till this day.  

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Key Dates

1956 - Establishment of Jundokan

1969 - Foundation of OGKK

1970 - Jundokan moved to Asato, Naha

1973 - Start of the Minei Dojo

2019 - Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyokai 50th Anniversary