Goju-Ryu was born in the city of Naha on the island of Okinawa, the cradle of karate. Its founder, Master Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953), began practising karate in 1899 with Master Ryu Ko Aragaki, then progressed under the technical supervision of Master Higaonna Kanryo (1853-1917). Master Miyagi devoted his life to karate, perfecting his art through many journeys to Fuzhou, China, and relentless training.

Master Miyagi structured Naha-te, the empty-hand fighting form of Naha. In 1937 he officially named his method Goju-Ryu. Built into a true academic system, Goju-Ryu could then be taught in secondary schools, in society at large, and later throughout the world.

Go means hardness, Ju softness and Ryu school. Master Miyagi is said to have drawn on the Eight Precepts of the Kempo Hakku, found in the Bubishi, to name his method. Legend also tells that while visiting a temple in China he saw a white crane perched on a clay-tile roof. As he approached, the bird flew off — its beating wings shattering tiles. Miyagi was struck that soft, harmless feathers could break something so hard.

In light of that moment, he developed a new approach: combining hard techniques with softer blocking techniques to counter solid punching and kicking attacks.

Goju-Ryu also includes one of the most effective systems of body preparation and conditioning. It is oriented toward the real application of techniques (bunkai) found in the kata and self-defence: the body stays firmly rooted in fundamental stances, complemented by blocks, deflections, grabs and quick footwork.

Until his death in 1953, Master Miyagi kept teaching — particularly one of his most devoted students, Master Miyazato Eiichi (1922-1999), named successor of Goju-Ryu. In 1957, Master Miyazato opened his own dojo, the Jundokan, teaching Goju-Ryu in its most authentic form, faithful to its founder. Today the Jundokan is led by his son, Kancho Miyazato Yoshihiro, assisted by all the sempai of the Jundokan since its founding.

Learn more about Masters Miyagi, Miyazato and Higaonna: jundokan.jp