A Brief History of Goju Ryu Karate

Goju Ryu Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan, and is one of the most popular styles of karate in the world. Its history dates back to the early 1900s when it was first introduced by its founder, Chojun Miyagi.

Miyagi was born in 1888 in Okinawa and was introduced to karate at a young age by his friend and neighbour, Kanryo Higaonna. Higaonna was a master of Naha-te, which is a traditional Okinawan style of karate that focuses on close-range combat and incorporates techniques from Chinese Martial Arts. Miyagi became Higaonna’s student and learned Naha-te for several years.

In 1915, Miyagi travelled to China to further his studies in martial arts. There, he trained under various masters and learned a style of kung fu called Fujian White Crane. Miyagi combined the techniques he learned in China with his knowledge of Naha-te to create a new style of karate, which he named Goju Ryu. The name “Goju” means “hard-soft” in Japanese, referring to the combination of hard and soft techniques used in the style.

Miyagi returned to Okinawa and began teaching Goju Ryu to a small group of students. His style quickly gained popularity, and he opened his first official dojo in 1929. Miyagi continued to refine and develop Goju Ryu throughout his life, incorporating elements from other martial arts and refining his techniques.

During World War II, Okinawa was occupied by the United States, and karate was banned. However, Miyagi continued to teach Goju Ryu in secret to a small group of dedicated students. After the war, Goju Ryu gained popularity in Japan and was recognized as an official style of karate. Miyagi travelled throughout Japan, teaching Goju Ryu to students and promoting the style.

Miyagi passed away in 1953, but his legacy continued through his students, who went on to spread Goju Ryu throughout the world. Today, Goju Ryu is practiced in over 50 countries and is one of the most widely recognized styles of karate.

Goju Ryu Karate has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Its founder, Chojun Miyagi, combined his knowledge of Naha-te with the techniques he learned in China to create a new style of karate that emphasizes the use of both hard and soft techniques. Despite facing adversity during World War II, Miyagi continued to teach Goju Ryu in secret, and the style gained popularity after the war. Today, Goju Ryu is practiced by martial artists all over the world and is recognized as one of the most popular styles of karate.