The Roots of Goju Ryu Karate

Just as in most martial arts of Okinawa, the history prior to the 1800’s is lost in the sands of time. There is a general agreement amongst researchers and historians that the classical forms used in Okinawan karate originated from China, moreover from the practitioners of Kung Fu and the Monks of the Shaolin (Shorinji) monastery. It is also accepted amongst most Goju historians that the Goju Ryu root is similar to the White Crane style of Kung Fu.

The first actual so called Chinese connection is with Ryu Ryu Ko. It is agreed that he was a great Chinese master of Kung Fu, but his history ends there. Again, his actual root to the Shorinji temple, and indeed the style of Kung Fu he taught is unknown, although he is credited with teaching the first accepted founder of the Goju Ryu style, Grandmaster Kanryo Higaonna.

Kanryo Higaonna was born on 10^th March 1853, in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa. His father Kanyo worked as a merchant sailor between the small islands of Okinawa trading in everyday goods. From a young age Kanryo Higaonna helped his father in his work, and, as a result of the hard physical labour that this involved, developed a strong body.

Kanryo Higaonna was still only in his teens when his father died suddenly. Deciding that he wanted to study the martial arts, he consequently travelled to Fuzhou in China for this purpose. He arrived in Fuzhou at the age of sixteen to practice the Chinese martial arts under the great Ryu Ryu Ko. He soon became “uchi deshi” (private disciple) and remained in China under the severe instruction of his teacher for approximately 13 years. In addition to the study of empty–handed martial arts, he also became accomplished in weapons techniques and Chinese herbal medicine. Master Ryu Ryu Ko esteemed his pupil so highly that he sanctioned Kanryo’s mastery of these arts; an honour which is accorded extremely rarely. Kanryo’s skill of martial arts preceded him and his fame was widespread throughout Fuzhou and the surrounding area.

Chojun Miyagi, founder of Goju-Ryu in the late 1920’s, and successor to Kanryo, said “My Sensei possessed incredible strength; the severity of the training he underwent in China is beyond comprehension… Kanryo Sensei’s speed and power were truly superhuman; his hands and feet moved faster than lightning. Words cannot express his real ability. We can only say that his skill was incredible, but even this fails to do him justice.”

In 1881 he returned to Naha where his martial arts became known as Naha–Te (these arts were also referred to as “Tode” meaning martial arts from China). Kanryo continued his own research and practice while teaching the people of Okinawa. He developed a special form of teaching for the youth of Okinawa that was specifically aimed at developing the mind, and to also improve both their physical and spiritual well being.

The first occasion on which the previously secretive art of Naha–Te was “opened” to society in general, occurred in 1905 when Kanryo began teaching at the Naha Commercial High School. Kanryo himself was an extremely hard taskmaster. However, in his everyday life he was a quiet and humble man, one who was renowned for his virtuous character. He had no desire for worldly things and led a simple life, which he completely devoted to the study and practice of martial arts.

There are many stories attached to the life and training of Kanryo. The power of his legs was so legendary in Okinawa that he was often referred to as “Ashi no Higaonna” (legs Higaonna). Due mostly to his popularity of the people of Naha, he was bestowed the name of “Obushi Higaonna Tanmei”, a name which reflected the affection and respect they had for this great man and martial artist.

Putting aside Kanryo Higaonna’s unparalleled skill in the martial arts, his great and distinguished work was in bringing the Chinese martial arts from China to Okinawa, and there spreading these arts among the people of Okinawa.