Seibukan Traditional Martial Arts
Canada
In the beginning, Martial Art called Toshukuken (The hand protecting the body) handed down from father to son in the island of Ryukyu, an ancient name for Okinawa. From this art two styles were born: one in Shuri and the other in Naha.
The former was called "Shurite", the latter "Nahate". While the Shurite style was only marginally influenced by Chinese Kempo, the Nahate has been regarded as genuine Chinese Martial Art. The most important representative of Nahate style was Higaonna Kanryo, born at Naha in 1853. In 1877, when he was 24 years old, he was sent to China, in Fukkenshu Fukushu province (according to Japanese pronunciation) where he trained for many years with Ryuryoko Rosh famous Kenpo Master. As far as we know, this is the opening of Goju-Ryu history. One of the first students of Higaonna Kanryo Sensei was Miyagi Chojun.
He was born at Naha on April 25th, 1881, studied with Higaonna Sensei from September 1902 to October 1915 and then, following his Master's example, he left for China on November 1915. It was one year of intensive study, during which he got in touch with all the great leading families in Chinese Kenpo. Miyagi Sensei devoted himself entirely to the study of Karate, in a never-ending research, giving up all his possessions and developing Nahate to higher and higher levels till he founded "Goju-Ryu Karatedo". He will forever be remembered as one of the leading figures of Karate all over the world.
After his death, Miyazato Eiichi became his successor, teaching at the beginning in the very Miyagi Sensei's house. Goju-Ryu is now becoming increasingly known and it is spreading all over the world. Miyazato Sensei was the Director of "Jundokan", President of "Okinawa Gojuryu Karatedo Kyokai" and of the "International Traditional Okinawa Gojuryu Karate Federation". Eiichi Miyazato Hanshi ran the organization until his death on December 10, 1999. Upon the death of Miyazato Sensei, Iha Koshin took the position of chairman of the World Jundokan Association.
Kai Kuniyuki has been one of the most active among Miyazato Sensei's students. His trend, and that of Nippon Budoin Seibukan, is the keeping of all the traditional values of this Art, as opposed to the modern tendencies of reducing Goju-Ryu to a mere training of strength, neglecting the gracefulness and the smoothness peculiar to this Style. He continues to train actively today under Iha Koshin Sensei. In April 2004, Iha Sensei retired from active teaching, however he still continues to be the honorary president of Nippon Budoin Seibukan.
Check our schedule to see when you can attend our classes.
Go back to our Classes section if you are interested in another art.
If you have any questions, about our classes, schedule, or fees please feel free to contact us.
Karate is a balanced system of self-defense that employs practical techniques including strikes, joint locks, breaks, throws, and sweeps. Our particular style, Goju Ryu, means “hard-soft “ style. Instead of only using hard, muscular energy, Goju Ryu Karate incorporates an element of soft, relaxed energy in order to use the body as effectively as possible. Goju Ryu takes a very holistic approach to training, which includes both empty-hand and armed elements. Goju Ryu will physically condition the body, internally and externally. Students start off each class with warm-ups that include stretching, strength training, and cardio. Kata (pre-arranged forms) are used to teach the basics of the techniques, which allow students to discover the intricacies of the art. Through sparring students are given the chance to apply these techniques in a more dynamic and strenuous environment, requiring control, focus, and a calm mind. By keeping a calm mind practitioners will observe friendship and compassion, while learning to unlock their limitless potential. Due to its holistic approach to training, Karate is ideally suited for practitioners of all ages. Our popular youth program is structured to develop confidence, discipline, physical fitness and leadership.
GOJU RYU KARATE
History of Goju Ryu
Kanryo Higaonna Sensei
Chojun Miyagi Sensei
Eiichi Miyazato Sensei
Iha Koshin Sensei
Eiichi Miyazato Sensei & Kai Sensei