An’Ichi Miyagi Shihan | 1931 - 2009

An’Ichi Miyagi was born in Okinawa on February 9, 1931. When he was fourteen, both of his parents died. He was then left with the task of bringing up his two younger brothers. He began his karate training with Chojun Miyagi Sensei in 1948. Such was his devotion to karate and respect for his teacher that he was taken as an Uchi Deshi (special student) by Chojun Sensei.

During this time, An´ichi Sensei practised all the kata of Goju-ryu along with the basic bunkai, and many of the hidden bunkai were also taught to him. He diligently practised Hojo-Undo, Junbi-Undo, and Sanchin to increase his power.

This strict regime went on until the untimely death of Chojun Sensei on October 8, 1953. After a respectful period of mourning for Chojun Sensei, it was decided to continue with the dojo in Chojun Sensei´s garden. Many of Chojun Sensei´s seniors from before the war helped. Miyazato Eichi assumed the role of dojo head, and Koshin Iha was in charge of administration, but An´ichi Sensei did most of the teaching.

The garden dojo moved to new permanent premises, and An´ichi Sensei continued to teach up until the time when he had to move away with his job on an American oil tanker.

An´ichi Sensei served the IOGKF as Honorary Chairman and was the personal adviser to Morio Higaonna Sensei for many years up until his passing away in 2009. We have been very fortunate to have benefited from this direct link back to the founder of Goju-Ryu, Chojun Sensei. The mantle of the future development of Goju-Ryu now, of course, passes to Morio Higaonna Sensei.