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Higaonna Sensei Receives rare Honor in Okinawa

By:David Lambert jr

The International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation of Australia (IOGKF Australia) is pleased to announce a rare and exciting honor, with their World Chief Instructor, Master Morio Higaonna, being promoted to the rank of 10th Dan by his instructors in Okinawa.

Master Higaonna is a living cultural treasure on Okinawa and is really an example of living history.

Higaonna Sensei was in Okinawa born on Christmas day in 1938. As a young boy he trained with his father in another style of Karate and was immediately taken in by what he saw and learnt. Soon after he began training with a school friend, Tsunetaka Shimabukuro Sensei, in his front garden. Shimabukuro told Higaonna Sensei of the immense power of Goju-ryu and that he should join the garden dojo of Miyagi Chojun Bushi.

So at the age of 16, and with the appropriate introductions arranged, the young Higaonna presented himself at the garden dojo of Miyagi Bushi to train. Miyagi Bushi had since passed away but one of the seniors told Higaonna Sensei ‘Anichi Miyagi is the most knowledgeable, go and learn from him.’

This began a life long relationship between Higaonna Sensei and his teacher, Master Anichi Miyagi. Anichi Sensei is a direct disciple of Miyagi Bushi and spent extensive time training with the latter in private at his home in the legendary garden dojo.

When his mentor, Anichi Sensei’s, work took him over seas, Higaonna Sensei decided too, to see more of the world. He attended Tokyo’s Takusoku university and opened the legendary Yoyogi dojo.

Yoyogi would become one of the most famous and most attended dojo’s by foreigners in the world during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Higaonna Sensei began extremely well known and earned the description as ‘the most dangerous man in Japan in a real fight’.

In July, 1979 in Poole, England, Higaonna Sensei founded, with the permission of many of Chojun Sensei’s senior students, the International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF) – a federation dedicated to spreading the true Karate, philosophy, and teachings of Miyagi Chojun Sensei throughout the world. Today the IOGKF has over 50,000 members in over 45 different countries.

Higaonna Sensei now lives back in Okinawa where he has since established the famous Higaonna Dojo and has credit for turning out such fine instructors such as Sensei’s Bakkies Laubscher, Kazuo Terauchi, George Andrews, Ernie Molyneux Nakamura Tetsuji and David Lambert, just to name a few.

However Higaonna Sensei received an even greater honor along with his 10th Dan.

Higaonna Sensei also received a special certificate signed by Aragaki Shuichi Sensei and Miyagi An’ichi Sensei (both direct students of founder of Goju-Ryu, Chojun Miyagi Sensei) that recognizes him as a student in the direct line descended from Miyagi Chojun Sensei, and therefore the heir to the style.

Miyagi An’ichi Sensei and Aragaki Shuichi Sensei both felt that recognizing Morio Higaonna Sensei as part of the Goju-Ryu lineage is important for the future of Goju-Ryu being passed on to future generations.

Higaonna Sensei is a true living definition of a Master of Karate. His humility and kindness knows no bounds and his technique and power will impress anyone, from the most advanced practitioner to the non-training person. His courage in the dojo to never give up and to push himself and his students that little bit more is inspiring. His motto of “Look, Listen, Sweat” is motivating to the most inexperienced beginner.

Recently Higaonna Sensei was filmed in a documentary for the history channel called ‘the Human Weapon’ – which can be seen on you tube. Along with this he is finishing off his latest book to go alongside his much acclaimed life’s work ‘The History of Karate.’ He also has many DVD documentaries and instructional tools and is working on his newest series, ‘the encyclopedia of Goju-ryu’ - which are available through Tsunami productions and Dragon Associates inc.
The IOGKF Australian organization feel very privileged to have such a man as there Chief Instructor and look forward to Higaonna Sensei returning to Australia in the near future. Congratulations Sensei!

Anyone interested in IOGKF Australia should visit www.iogkfoz.com.

Concerning the Road/Path

An essay by Morio Higaonna Sensei as presented to dojo instructors at the 2007 Oceania Gasshuku in Wellington, New Zealand.

Through investigations into the history of martial arts, I would like to consider my own path. From the wisdom and teachings of our predecessors in Japan and Okinawa to the modern era, martials arts like Judo has come from Jujutsu, Kendo from old style Japanese fencing, and the Karate Jutsu of the past to Karate Do of the present, and these martial arts were originally created for self defence but can now be practiced today to complete one's character.

The Chinese Taoist philosopher Laozi believed that the concept of the path represents both mind and spiritual enlightenment. I believe that to find this realization in life, one must practice asceticism and search with a true heart in order to live the most ideal life as a human being.

In the Karate Symposium of October 28th, 1936, which was sponsored by the Ryukyu Shinpo Company, Miyagi Chojun Sensei was quoted (translated quote) as saying, "I think that the phrase Karate do (Road) should be used, rather than just the word Karate". Funakoshi Gichin Sensei and other top instructors agreed to this statement and together consented to apply the word Do when referring to Karate, to create the title of Karate Do. Keeping this in mind, I want to reflect on why Miyagi Chojun Sensei chose the name Karate Do, and what lead up to the change not only in name but concerning martial arts in general in Okinawa.

In 1933 Miyagi Chojun Sensei wrote a summary on Karate Do for a lecture that he presented. In this Karate Do summary there are many quotes (roughly translated) that refer to Zen in relation to martial arts and life. It explains that "Karate Do is an abyss, and it is grasped through deep thinking and understanding as is martial arts in general". I determine this belief as the union of Zen and Martial Arts ordered by the mind and body, which will help me concentrate on the pursuit of true martial arts in my own life.

During his life, it is believed that Miyagi Chojun Sensei focused a great deal on the ascetic practices of Zen meditation in his pursuit of self, and to aid him in his training of character completion. Through his severe training in martial arts coupled with the ascetic practices of Zen, I feel that Miyagi Sensei was able to strive towards his own realization and true path in life. He was a true martial artist that only focused on this way of life, lived according to this way, and did not stray for the duration of his life. The spread of Goju Ryu around the world is just a testament to the art and way of life that Miyagi Chojun Sensei was able to pass on to all the future generations.

In regards to his kata, Miyagi Chojun Sensei's ability was hard to describe in words, as explained by his students, and his application of hard (Go) techniques were like a thrust of incredible power in an instant, while his soft (Ju) techniques could transition from whipping movements to sticky (muchimi) movements with great timing, and this application of muchimi would allow him to stick to his training partner with great strength. It was said that watching these performances was like watching a beautiful artwork in motion. Through his extreme and difficult training in life Miyagi Chojun Sensei came to reach the Truth (true path) of martial arts, and has in return left the art for the world to practice with his teachings.

At times when Chojun Sensei would talk to a disciple he would tell them that "One must polish their character and become one with nature, to understand true karate", and also, "The martial arts are one with the universe". Often he would travel north to Kunigami for training, where there are many mountains and an equally plentiful amount of greenery and nature. During these trips, Miyagi Sensei would immerse himself in the nature of the mountains and the sea off the nearby coast, and it is believed that he also meditated in the midst of the nature around him.

Miyagi Chojun Sensei was a seeker of Truth in search for the correct path, and in closing, I believe that the ideal path in life for a martial artist is sought only through dedication and severe training in all aspects of Kata.

The path to true Karate Do is far away.

With belief in our teachers and ourselves, we must progress step by step with passion. In closing, consider this advice.

Morio Higaonna

Frequently asked questions about Karate

By: Bakkies Laubscher Sensei – 8th Dan, South African Chief Instructor

from EGKA website

When someone asks you "do you have any hobbies?" and your reply is " study karate", their response is usually in the form of a flood of questions.

Here is a list of questions and answers regarding the subject of karate.

The general public's perception of karate is often very misleading and incorrect as a result of sensational press, television and movie animations/projections. This often leads to a sense of disillusionment after the first karate lesson. It remains a great pity that the commercial value of this magnificent Martial Art is so often exploited at the expense of the general public by opportunists or poorly qualified instructors.

Karate, (the name being a combination of two Japanese Kanji characters 'Kara and Te"), literally means 'Empty Hands'. It comprises of an unarmed combat system wherein the body as a whole is trained and developed, along with deliberate mental 'toughening' to develop aspects such as tenacity, will-power, concentration and self discipline.

Various styles or schools or systems of Karate have developed over the years, each emphasising a different approach to Karate training, mostly depending on the personal preferences, qualifications and abilities of the Teacher or ' Sensei

Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate is primarily taught by this association as a traditional 'Martial Art' of self defence, along the traditional lines developed over centuries.

Karate developed in different schools in China and later via the Ryukyu island of Okinawato mainland Japan. These variuos schools emphasized different aspects and concepts of fighting, mainly in the preparation of the body and mind for effective fighting techniques.

In time, many breakaways by senior and junior students from these schools would happen. The reasons for these breakaways would range from personal differences, politics, the death of the Master, or Head, of the specific school, or various other reasons.

During the previous century, qualities such as loyalty, humility and respect were binding factors amongst practitioners, and fragmentation from existing schools was rare, but in the last decade, it has increased to huge dimensions. With the popularisation of karate in the west, it has become common practise to 'branch off' on one's own - caused by the total absence of the original martial art values of loyalty, integrity, sincerety and endeavour.

Numerous 'mutations' from the original styles (and many totally 'out of the blue', with no connection to these styles at all) have developed. Very little of these could be regarded as improvement on the originals, and the result is that a once lethal fighting art is fast becoming watered down - mainly due to 'unqualified' or unskilled teachers, presenting something that they have very basic or none at all, knowledge of.

Another threat to traditional Karate is the emphasis on teaching Karate as a sport. If it is taught primarily as a self-defense, it is possible to adapt it to a sport, but taught mainly as a sport, it is not possible to use it as a self-defense.

There are literally thousands of styles nowadays. The original styles, with their founders, as they were approximately sixty years ago, were the following:

Okinawa

Goju-Ryu - Chojun Miyagi Sensei
Shorin-Ryu - Chosin Tomohana Sensei
Shorin-Ryu - Nagamine Shoshin Sensei
Uechi-Ryu - Uechi Kanbun Sensei

Shotokan - Gichin Funakoshi Sensei
Wado-Ryu - Hironori Otsuka Sensei
Shito-Ryu - Kenwa Mabuni Sensei
Goju-Ryu - Chojun Miyagi Sensei

From these styles and sometimes as a combination of these styles, the following well-known styles also developed: Kyokushinkai, Goju-Kai and Renbu-Kai.

A STYLE OR ORGANIZATION IS NO GUARANTEE FOR QUALITY - THE ONLY GUARANTEE IS THE TEACHER

1. Go and watch a few classes being taught. Observe the state of discipline and the way in which it is applied - as a motivation or as punishment? What are the measures taken by the instructor to prevent possible injuries? Small things such as punctuality, uniformity of dress, discipline on the floor by the instructor etc.

2. Some schools send a senior instructor around at the beginning of a term or year to impress new members, but, thereafter, junior instructors teach the classes. Ask the Head instructor about this.

3. By making a few inquiries regarding teaching fees, you will soon realize whether it is a pure commercial setup or a school with a realistic tuition fee.

4. Ask for the qualifications of the instructors - are they mere Karate grades or has any official sports coaching courses, first aid courses etc, been attended?

5. Look at the track record of the school - How long has it been in operation etc. Trophies on the wall are no guarantee that all students of a school are accommodated equally.

We accommodate students from Peewees (pre-school) to 100 years old! One can start training at any age - we simply adjust your training to your age and/or physical condition. The best age to start is from school going age of 7 years.

Karate will usually improve most of these conditions if care is taken and good communication exists between the teacher and the student. Persons with handicaps could possibly progress slower than their counterparts, but self-defense training can still take place effectively. If you are not sure, first consult a physician.

For juniors, it is possible to obtain a Junior Black Belt at ages 14 or 16 after a minimum of six (6) years training in Goju-Ryu. For seniors, the minimum age is 18 after a minimum of three (3) years training.

On the issue of frequency of gradings, it is sensible to compare it with school exams. It is impossible to progress through more than three gradings per year without watering down standards and dropping requirements for progress.

The head of our organization, Sensei Morio Higaonna, one of the most famous current Karate Masters, aged 66, is a 9th Dan Black Belt and has been practicing the art for more than 55 years.

In other styles in Japan and Okinawa, there are many awards of 10th Dan. In the western world, there are numerous so-called 10th Dan Masters.

Character of a Karate-ka

Through my experiences in Karate, I have been fortunate to have been around the world more than once and had the opportunity to experience different cultures and meet many people with different characters. I thank Karate so much for giving me everything it has, as without doubt, it has helped to shape me into who I am today.

As most of you know I have practiced Karate most of my life. Being the son of one of the only men every graded to Shihan by Higaonna Sensei, in a way I was basically born into the Karate world. Our dojo is built onto our house and as long as I can remember there has always been Karate in my life.

As most will know growing into adulthood is often a complicated and complex chain in the development of a human being. There is often stress that comes into play on a range of subjects during this time. Physique, role, sexuality and what the future holds are just some examples of this. Most would also agree that these are also the years when a person becomes, or draws an outline of who they will basically be for most of their adult life, in regards to character.

As mentioned before, I have had the fantastic opportunities presented to me by Karate and life in general to meet so many people who boast a range of many different characters. This has lead me to question how a Karate-ka should act or portray themselves as members of society and the aspects within our lives that can affect how this happens.

Miyagi Chojun Sensei said (translated) in a speech he gave at a symposium in 1936, “I think that the phrase Karate do (Road or Path) should be used, rather than just the word Karate". Many of the other high ranking Masters of the time agreed. This on reflection is quite a significant event in the history of Karate. It was basically its first official public recognition of the practice of Karate as a way of life and a move away from the Karate Jutsu of the past.

I have seen many who claim to practice Karate-do. They show up to training, they may be excellent technicians and/or instructors, but they can be people of poor character, egotistical and vain of what they can do on the dojo floor or in a tournament ring.

From my understanding and study of Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-Do and under the guidance of many of the planets greatest instructors, one lesson I have learnt is a defense doesn’t need to involve any form of combat or violence. The Karate-Ka, after lengthy study and hard training, should be able to control their emotions to a degree that they may be able to alter the outcome of a situation that may have become aggressive or threatening.

People whom carry egotism and are threatened with a similar situation to the one just mentioned will often return with aggressive or rather ‘tough’ actions. This is usually a cover for fear. Please note the purpose of this article is not to call cowards of any group or minority. To feel fear during any threat is only human, and that is after all what we are.

To sum up this point of the article, an old saying comes to mind. “The taller the stalk grows, the lower it bends towards the ground.” This can be related to Karate in the following: The more the Karate student learns, experiences and takes in, the better they become. The better they become and with the amounts of knowledge they aquire, the more humble and peaceful they should also become.

To understand this, one needs to understand the deeper meanings behind the way. I was quite disappointed to pick up a book in my local book store on Japanese Kanji last weekend, when I viewed the author’s definition of Karate. It was along the lines of ‘An ancient martial art formulated in Okinawa, usually used for competition.’

Again please understand that this article is not aimed at any tournament or competition based groups. Higaonna Sensei said (translated quote) in an interview for martial arts TV, “Tournament or sports Karate is fine for young people, but we should look upon it as a step on the path to true Karate – only a small part of the whole subject.”

I gave away tournament Karate a few years back. I had been fortunate enough to have a good competitive record, however around the age of 12 I began to understand how precious what I had been taught, and at the time left to from my teacher, was. For me Kata is a manifestation of ones true spirit. People will sometimes alter the timing or technique of a Kata to make them easier to perform and over all more impressive in appearance with the goal of scoring points. This is in respect taking shortcuts. Another lesson I have learned- there are no shortcuts with Karate.

The hard and honest training performed by Karate-Ka when they practice Kata correctly, often leads to the development of the humility characteristic, which is vital in the creation of a good Karate-Ka. - A great reference to understanding this way of training can be found in ‘The Typing Master’ which is a short story written by Nakamura Sensei and available in the first free official www.iogkf.com newsletter.

A senior Karate instructor said to me after Kata training one day, ‘you really need to start doing tournaments again, otherwise all that Kata and technique is just a waste’ - I do not feel that I have exercised humility here by mentioning this, but it is valid in making the following point.

Upon reflection on this quote I felt very confused. On a senior instructors recommendation I felt I should obey, but then I remembered the priceless treasure that the Kata is, how blessed I am to be able practice them and the importance of tradition. I have never competed again.

The valve of tradition, especially in a style such as ours, is as important as ever. Traditions can also be expressed as bonds too. The bond a student has with there Sensei can many times be forever lasting. The same can often be said for the partners we train with every time we participate in a class. A group all sharing the same hard training helps to build good characters and if you are fortunate to have a good instructor you often have a living example of what to aspire to.

Personality clashes can occur, but usually only in the absence of humility and tradition on one or both sides. These have happened all through history in all manner of situations and scenarios and are usually driven by politics or power hungry characters who some how forget the effort, loyalty and respect that they may have received from the other party/parties. Rank can sometimes be attributed to this also. Miyagi Chojun Sensei did not approve of the ranking system and I believe this to be one of the reasons.

I believe kindness and humility are the two largest characteristics we should apply to society as Karate-Ka. Say hello to people you pass in town, help anyone you can, treat everyone equally, be loyal and treat others how you would like to be treated, apologize when you are wrong and be sincere and honest always. These are all very simple things to incorporate into your life and are great examples of both of the major characteristics I mentioned. The ultimate goal should be peace and serenity within our societies.

I try to train as much as I can, that is just who I’ve become. I try to emulate Higaonna Morio Sensei not only in my training but in my life also. The man can generate an incredible amount of power and force – something we will never see again in our life times, if ever again in history. Yet he exercises humility beyond belief, he is extremely kind and generous and that is what makes him a true master of Karate – DO. His most loyal and senior students, all of whom have stood the test of time, follow his example. Sensei lives the true way, and anyone who questions him, should, with respect, please take the time question themselves first.

DJ Lambert
18 years old

Please submit articles to  iogkfaus@bigpond.com.au