Based on mans instinct of self-defense, different fighting arts were developed in most cultures, especially in central Asia, Egypt and Turkey. The principles of the Asian martial arts are believed to have spread from Turkey to India, where they were further developed to sophisticated arts ("kalaripayt").

The history of Karate as we know it today can be taken back to India, perhaps two thousand years before the Christian Era. India was the birthplace of a bare-handed martial art called, in Sanskrit, Vajramushtthi. Evidence seems to indicate that it was commonly practiced by the Kshatriya, which was the Warrior Class of that time, and which can be compared to the Japanese Samurai and the medieval Knights of Europe.

It is said that the third child of King Sugandha of southern India was a member of the Kshatriya (Warrior) caste. However, after a few years he was led to a small but dynamic Buddhist province South of Madres. He received his religious training from the Dhyna of Master Prajnatara. Under the master's guidance, the boy grew into a very wise man and advanced in the way of the Dhyana or Buddhist practice, and was given the name Buddhadharma.

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After his master's death, Buddhadharma traveled to China, where he taught. His life was centered around the Shaolin Temple and monastery located in the Hunan Province. Tradition states that upon seeing the emaciated condition of the monks, Buddhadharma started instructing them in physical exercise to condition their bodies as well as their minds. The exercise was called, "Eighteen hands of Lo-Han" (罗汉十八手; Luohan Shi Ba Shou), which is the oldest documented, systematized style of Shaolin Kung Fu. This exercise also included breathing techniques; he knew that this physical activity was a means of cleansing the body internally. Eventually the monks began to study the animals and form exercises that resembled their ways of fighting, and later it was known as Chuan-Fa, "The Art of the Fist". It is important to note that the motives of the practice was art, physical conditioning, and finally, self-defense.

During the Sui Period (589-618), bandits began to raid the monastery for the purpose of food and anything of value.

At this time the monks, in order to protect their lives and their beloved monastery, utilized their Chuan-Fa (Kung-Fu) art and defeated the bandits. The reputation of the Shaolin Fighting monks spread, and many came to study the art along with Buddhism.

Today there are hundreds of styles, and of course the philosophy has changed somewhat, depending on the personality of the headmaster of the styles. In the 14^th Century art was brought to Okinawa where it underwent many changes and became later known as Karatedo.

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By 1340, Okinawa was divided into three kingdoms (Chūzan, Nanzan, Hokuzan) entered into a tributary relationship with China and the Chinese Emperor Chu Yuen Cheang of the Ming Dynasty agreed to receive a personal envoy from King Satto of the Ryūkyū Dynasty. According to historical records, this invitation was requested by King Satto himself to impress others with his status. King Satto sent his brother, Taiki, to China with tributes for the Chinese Emperor as a tributary state of China.

The Ming Emperor was pleased to promote a good relationship with Okinawa. He sent envoys to Okinawa with gifts every second year. In Okinawa the delegations were received with much excitement at the King’s residence in Shuri Castle. These Chinese delegations were sent regularly to Okinawa until 1866, even after the invasion of Okinawa by the Satsuma Clan of Japan in 1609.

Among the delegates were many masters of Chinese Kempo along with other skilled people. During their stay in Shuri and Naha, masters of Chinese Kempo taught their art to the Okinawan nobility and a few members of their own classes as well.

The Ryūkyū Dynasty also sent ships with delegations of noblemen to the Chinese mainland every second year until 1874. These ships contained precious tributes for the Chinese Emperor. To safeguard these gifts against pirates and marauders, both the crew and delegates were well armed as well as trained in the skills of martial arts. Consequently, it is believed that one of the reasons why the martial arts developed into such a sophisticated art on such a small island like Okinawa was the need to be able to protect these tributary missions.

In 1392, during the reign of King Satto, a community of skilled Chinese artisans and monks were sent to live in the Okinawa village of Kume. Consequently, the people of this village were made responsible for matters of trade and communication between China and Okinawa, such as the issuing of diplomatic documents and providing messengers, interpreters and sailing guides. These Chinese who settled in Kume also taught Chinese Kempo to the villagers. It won popularity as an art of self-defense, under the name of "tode" (Chinese hand).

A few nobles from among the Okinawan delegates sent to China remained there for a while and even enrolled in schools to study Chinese Kempo. In Fukien province at that time, a Ryūkyū settlement was established by the Okinawan King to house his people who went there to study. As a result, during the era of King Satto, Chinese Kempo was introduced rapidly into Okinawa by the Chinese themselves and also by the Okinawans who studied the art in China.

Today Okinawa is a prefecture of Japan. Until 1870, Okinawa was called “Ryūkyū Dynasty”.
In 1871 Ryūkyū became the Ryūkyū Clan.

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In order to understand why bare handed combat developed into such a highly sophisticated art in Okinawa, we must look back at the history of that island kingdom.

Around 1470, the collapse of the First Shō Dynasty gave rise to a period of political turmoil. Subsequently, a new Shō dynasty was established in 1470. The very first pronouncement of the second king, Shō Shin, was to ban the carrying of swords by everyone, noble or peasant. He then ordered the confiscation of all weapons which were to be locked up at his castle in Shuri. King Shō Shin's most significant act was to require that all members of the nobility, who were then disarmed, and their families, come and live in the royal capital. This enabled him to keep an eye on potentially rebellious warlords.

After King Shō Shin disarmed his people in 1477, two schools of combat were born as a consequence. One known as art of "te" (no weapons, empty hand) was developed and practiced by members of the nobility. The other was known as Ryūkyū Kobudo. This latter school which was developed and practiced by the farmers and fishermen incorporated the use of simple fishing and agricultural tools as effective weapons of hand to hand combat. Training in both armed and unarmed fighting techniques was done it utmost secrecy in remote places after dark.

Many masters of karate in Okinawa today believe that the first banning of weapons by King Shō Shin was a wise decision.

Okinawa's golden age, which continued until 1609, was nourished by trade with China and other Asian countries. In 1609, the Satsuma Clan of southern Japan invaded Okinawa and stormed Shuri. Okinawa was forced to become a puppet state of Japan. But, even after the Japanese invasion of Okinawa, Shogun Ieyasu forced the Okinawans to maintain a facade of loyalty to the Chinese Emperor. The Japanese occupation force in Okinawa maintained the ban on the carrying of weapons by Okinawans. One of the reasons why the Japanese maintained the ban was to pretend that there was no change in the political situation in Okinawa. The banning of weapons thus continued throughout Okinawa’s subsequent history.

After the Meiji restoration in Japan, the Ryūkyū Dynasty was officially declared a territory of Japan. In 1879, under the new Meiji government, the Ryūkyū Dynasty was made into a Japanese Prefecture. This historic decision evoked dispute among the Okinawans. Some supported the movement to become a part of Japan while others advocated for a move to become a part of China.

Through a long history of foreign oppression, Okinawans have learned the importance of developing one’s inner strength as a means of coping with physical hardship. This principal is an integral part of the training involved in karate. Thus, Okinawans see karate as a means of disciplining oneself both spiritually and physically.

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Historical records provide us with some of the names of those who left their mark on the development of martial arts in Okinawa. In 1683, during the reign of King Sho Tei, a Chinese delegate named Wang, who was sent by the Chinese Emperor to Okinawa, stayed in an Okinawan village called Tomari. During his stay there he taught the villagers a certain kata of Chinese Kempo. After master Wang left Okinawa, the villagers of Tomari continued to practice the kata and named it after him. Wanshū (ワンシュー, also 腕秀 and 汪輯) is the name of several katas in many systems of karate, including Isshin-Ryu, Shotokan (under the name empi), Wadō-ryū, and others.

Kūsankū is another Chinese Kempo master mentioned in historical records. Kūsankū and some of his pupils travelled to Okinawa in 1756, and taught Chinese Kempo to the Okinawans. He resided in the village of Kumemura, near Naha. This is mentioned in a Japanese book known as "Oshima Hikki". This book was written by a Japanese author, Tobe Ryoen, who was shipwrecked on the Ryukyu islands. This is the first mention of Okinawan karate in a Japanese record of any sort. Like Wanshu, the name Kusanku still remains the name of a Shuri-te kata.

There are several others who devoted their lives to the martial arts in Okinawa. Sakuwaga Shungo of Shuri-te went to China in 1755 to study Chinese Kempo. He had many followers, namely Makabi Cho-kei, Ukuta Satounushi, Matsumoto Chiku’undon Pechin (a rank), Morishima Oyakata (a rank) and Ginowa Cho’ho. Later in the nineteenth century, there lived many masters of the Shuri-te school. Among them, Marsumua Sokon Sensei is very well known for his skill. Also important was Itosu Anko Sensei who helped to spread Shuri-te among Okinawans, and Matsumura Konsaku Sensei as master of Tomari-te.

The founder of Naha-te, the grand master Higaonna Kanryo Sensei, went to Fukien province in China to study Chinese martial arts in 1875. Higaonna Kanryo Sensei spent about 15 years in China in mastering the martial arts.

It is clear that three different styles of "te" existed in Okinawa, namely, TOMARI TE, SHURI TE and NAHA TE. These are simply named after the villages where the styles were practiced. As a general term, they were called “TODEI” or “KARATE” in Japanese characters, meaning Chinese hand. However, it is important to note that these three villages are in very close proximity. The difference is one of emphasis, not of kind.


During the next three centuries the martial art developed its own character and is called 'Okinawa te'. It is split into three main styles:


Beneath the superficial differences, all of the Okinawan martial arts are one and the same in methods and aims. This reflects the fact that all of the Okinawan martial arts share the same purpose that is SELF DEFENCE. Among the students of various Okinawan martial arts, there exists respect and friendship for each other, but no antagonism.

During the first half of the twentieth century the names of the various karate styles changed. The styles known as SHURI TE and TOMARI TE were subsumed under one name known as SHORIN RYU. NAHA TE later became known as GOJU RYU (the Hard and Soft School). This name "GOJU" was applied by the founder of GOJU RYU, Miyagi Chojun Sensei in 1931.

In 1933 the Okinawan art of karate was recognised as a Japanese martial art by the Japanese Martial Arts Committee known as the BUTOKU KAI. Until 1935, karate was written as “Chinese Hand”. But in 1935 the masters of the various styles of Okinawan karate conferred to decide for a new name for their art. They decided to call their art karate written in Japanese characters as "EMPTY HAND" or "WEAPONLESS DEFENCE ART". Some masters call their art "KARATE DO" which means “THE WAY OF KARATE”.

Later, Shorin-Ryu diverged into several slightly different styles. Goju-Ryu remained basically stylistically the same.

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Timeline:

1853	10 March - Kanryō Higaonna Sensei is born in Nishi-machi [Nishimura], Naha-Shi, Okinawa, Japan
1867	Kanryō Higaonna Sensei begins his formal training with Seisho Arakaki Sensei, studying Chinese Kempo.
1869	Based on Miyagi's account he arrived in Fuzhou in 1870, he was 16.
1873	March - Records showing that Kanryō Higaonna Sensei sailed to Fuzhou in the Fukien province of China.
1874	Higaonna Kanryō Sensei finally obtained an introduction to Ryū Ryū Ko.
1876	Kanryō Higaonna Sensei begins his studies with Ryū Ryū Ko at the age of 23. (After performing chores Ryū Ryū Ko accepted Higaonna Kanryō Sensei as his student.)
1879	Six years after Higaonna's departure, Okinawa was officially ordered by the Japanese government to become its prefecture with presence of the Japan Imperial Army, Japanese police and officials.
1888	Kanryō Higaonna Sensei returned to his old job as a merchant, but his reputation was growing. He returned to Okinawa during the middle of the Meiji era and introduced a new effective school of Karatedo at the request of his students.
1890	Kanryō Higaonna Sensei introduces Kata Sanchin to his Naha-Te system.
1901	Higaonna Kanryō Sensei began teaching at his house in Nishi-Machi, free of charge and in secrecy.
1902	Chojun Miyagi Sensei is introduced to Kanryō Higaonna Sensei by Aragaki RyuKo Sensei who is Miyagi's first teacher. Both Kenwa Mabuni and Chojun Miyagi begin study with Kanryō Higaonna Sensei.
1905	September - Kanryō Higaonna Sensei began teaching formally at the Naha Commercial High School in Okinawa and was considered along with Anko Itosu to be the foremost Karatedo practitioner in Okinawa.
1915	23 October - Kanryō Higoanna Sensei dies in Nishishi-Machi, 2-chome, Naha, Okinawa. Miyagi Sensei paid for his funeral. Miyagi Chojun Sensei returned to Okinawa at this time, due to the death of Higaonna Sensei.

Kanryō Higoanna was born on March 10^th, 1853 in Nishi-machi (Nishimura), Naha-shi (Capital of Okinawa) - the 10^th generation of Higaonna family in Haru Lineage and the fourth child of Higaonna Kanryo and his wife Makado. At the time he was born Okinawa was occupied by the Satsuma Clan. This was a very significant year in japanese history as it as the year that the American, Commodore Perry, landed in Okinawa and visited Shuri Castle. Higaonna Kanryo belonged to the ranks of the lower gentry. While Higaonna Sensei was a small boy he was called “Manchu”.

Reputed to have earned a living transporting firewood from the Kerama Island with his father. Kanryō - being the fourth son, worked as a merchant sailing between the small islands of Okinawa trading everyday goods. From a young age (it is believed he started working at age 10 which was acceptable during that time). Manchu helped his father in this work and through the hard physical labor, developed his strong body. He stood very small in size however had unparalleled speed and agility. His last name is also pronounced as Higashionna in some references. Kanryō Higaonna is known as the founder and highest authority of Naha-Te.

Although Manchu was always small for his age, his movements were very quick, his body was extremely limber and his legs and hips possessed extraordinary spring. Already from childhood Manchu showed great interest in the fighting arts and was eager to learn all he could about them. We have no positive evidence, it is said that his father was killed in 1867 (when he was 14). That same year he began his formal training in Chinese Kempo with Arakaki Seishō (新垣 世璋, 1840–1918), who had studied the Fukien style (also a fluent Chinese speaker and interpreter for the Ryūkyūan court).

Having heard about China from his teacher as well as from merchants and other students, young Higaonna Sensei became fascinated by Chinese civilisation, martial arts, scholarship and culture. Kanryō Higaonna decided he wanted to further his studies abroad in martial arts and he set his heart on traveling to Fuzhou, China for this purpose. There are records which show that in March 1873 he sailed to Fuzhou in the Fukien province of China. Although this may have been a later trip to Fuzhou because accounts passed on by Chojun Miyagi refer to an earlier year of departure in 1869. It is said that he visited the port city in 1873 and remained for fifteen years. Some Martial Arts historians explain his motives of visiting the city was to study the Chinese Martial Arts. Other historians explain that his initial reason for visiting China was the result of his political involvements. Higaonna did, in fact, study a Southern Shaolin Chaun style with Sifu (instructor) Liu Liu Gung initially. Based on Miyagi's account he arrived in Fuzhou in 1870, he was 16. It is believed that Higaonna Sensei also studied the styles of Hung Gar-Shaolin Chuan, hard style Chinese martial arts of Chi-Chi and/or I-Chi as well with another master named "Woo". He began his studies with Ryū Ryū Ko in 1876 at the age of 23 in Fujian Province, China and he remained in there under the severe instruction of his teacher for approximately (his remaining) 13 years.

The Chinese system that Higaonna Kanryō studied from Wei Shinzan and Ryū Ryū Ko was also known as Pan Gainoon 一半硬半軟 which literally means "one half is hard and other half is soft". Those kata practiced in the current Goju-Ryu school like Sanchin 三戦, Sanseiru 三十六, Superinpei (Pechurin) 百零八 all originated from Pan Gainoon. In addition to studying empty handed martial arts he also became accomplished in weapons techniques and Chinese herbal medicine. He assisted his teacher Ryū Ryū Ko at his trade as a bamboo craftsman by day and trained in the evenings. Training in that time period is much different than it is today. Training included hojo undo, ude tanren, uke harai, kakie and ne waza.

Master Ryū Ryū Ko held his pupil in high esteem and sanctioned Kanryō's mastery of these arts - an honor which is accorded rarely. Such was Kanryō's skill in the martial arts that his fame became widespread throughout Fuzhou and the surrounding area. Higaonna Sensei's reputation among the locals was that he is one of Ryū Ryū Ko's most skilled students.

Lord Udon Yoshimura (1830-1898) 義村御殿, whose Chinese name was Sho Shirei, and Japanese name Chomei, often travelled to China as an envoy (he had an enterprising trade of tea between the city Fuzhou and Okinawa). Higaonna Sensei was introduced to this statesman by a martial arts teacher from the village of Kume. He was a prominent pro-China activist. According to historians, Higaonna carried a letter of referral from Lord Yoshimura for his trip. Higaonna never explained to anyone about the letter but rather stowed away with a few companions for China. In the city of Fuzhou, there was a consulate of Okinawa called Ryūkyū-kan (琉球館). Apparently, the Ryūkyū-kan presented an Okinawan petition to the Chinese Government requesting its international pressure against the Japanese occupation of Okinawa. One possibility was that Higaonna was a chosen messenger by the pro-China Okinawans for updating others of the situation on the island.

In 1879, six years after Higaonna's departure, Okinawa was officially ordered by the Japanese government to become its prefecture with presence of an army of Japanese police and officials. It was an extremely intense period of time for Okinawans so that earlier assumptions that Higaonna left for China for the purpose of inquiring study of Karatedo was unlikely.

Upon returning to Okinawa, Higaonna Sensei began private lessons to the sons of the man who had granted him passage to China. He went back to his old job as a merchant, but his reputation was growing. He returned to Okinawa during the middle of the Meiji era (1888) and introduced a new effective school of Karatedo at the request of his students, distinguished from other styles by its integration of Go-no (hard) and Ju-no (soft) Kempo into one system notwithstanding his small stature. At this time, martial arts became known as Naha-te (these arts were also referred to as "Tode" meaning martial arts from China).

Kanryō Higaonna taught these martial arts to the people of Okinawa and at the same time continued his own research and practice. In order to teach the youth of Okinawa he developed a teaching method which was specifically designed to develop the mind and body; to improve both physical and spiritual well-being. On occasion Higaonna-Sensei was noted for his powerful Sanchin Kata. Sometimes he would permit four men to attempt to push him out of his stance, but they were always unable to move him. It is said that after finishing his Sanchin Kata, the wooden floor would be hot from the mere gripping of his toes. His most prominent and best student was Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju-Ryu. The Monument to the left was dedicated to Higaonna Kanryō and Miyagi Chojun Senseis and is located in Naha, Okinawa.

The previously secretive art of Naha-te was "opened" to society in general, in October 1905, when Kanryō Higaonna began teaching at the Naha Commercial High School and was considered along with Anko Itosu to be the foremost Karatedo practitioner in Okinawa. Chojun Miyagi was brought to him for formal instruction at age 14. Among his top students were Chojun Miyagi (founder of Goju-Ryu) and Kenwa Mabuni (founder of Shito Ryu).

When teaching, Higaonna Kanryō Sensei was an extremely hard task master. However in his everyday life he was a quiet and humble man and one who was renowned for his virtuous character. He was a man who had no need or desire for worldly things. He lead a simple life which was completely devoted to the study and practice of the martial arts.

There are many stories which relate tales of Kanryō Higaonna's life and training. The power of his legs was legendary, so much so that he was often referred to as "Ashi no Higaonna" ("Legs Higaonna") in Okinawa. His virtuous character was widely known and respected, and because of his popularity the people of Naha bestowed him with the name, "Obushi Higaonna Tanrei", a name which reflected the affection and respect they had for this great man and supreme martial artist. Kanryō Higaonna's unparalleled skill in the martial arts aside, his great and distinguished work was in bringing the Chinese martial art forms from China to Okinawa, and there spreading these arts among the people of Okinawa.

Chojun Miyagi (founder of Goju-Ryu and successor to Kanryō Higaonna) said of Kanryō Higaonna, "My Sensei possessed incredible strength; the severity of the training he underwent in China is beyond comprehension... Kanryō Sensei's speed and power were truly superhuman; his hands and feet moved faster than lightening." Words are not enough to express his real ability. We can only say that his skill was incredible but even this fails to do him justice.

Higaonna Sensei is considered one of the earliest and foremost masters of Okinawan Karatedo and regarded as one of the most influential Karatedo instructors in Okinawan history. Kanryō Higaonna is now bestowed with the title, "Kensei (sacred fists) Higaonna Kanryō", a title which is eminently fitting. His name is synonymous with Okinawan martial arts and Naha-te, and his spirit is destined to live on forever as a great and valued treasure within Okinawan culture. Kanryō Higaonna Sensei passed away of illness at the age of 64 in early 1915 (however also rumored December 23rd, late that same year). His most notable students were Chojun Miyagi (Goju-Ryu founder ), Kenwa Mabuni (Shito Ryu founder) and Juhatsu Kyoda (Toon-Ryu founder).

Kanryō Higaonna's unparalleled skill in the martial arts aside, his greatest and most distinguished work was in bringing the Chinese martial art forms from China to Okinawa, and spreading these arts among the people of Okinawa.

Kanryō Higaonna's whole life was devoted to karate. He passed away on 26 October 1915 at the age of 64.

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Grandmaster Chojun Miyagi was born on April 25, 1888 in an aristocratic family. His family was in the import/export business, and owned two ships which made regular trips to mainland China, placing them among the wealthiest families in the area.

He began training in karate under Kanryō Higaonna at the age of 14, in 1902. Like his teacher before him, because of his great natural talent and fierce determination, he progressed very rapidly. The training was severe beyond belief at times but he practiced ever harder with an enthusiasm unmatched by any of the other students. Chojun Miyagi became "uchi deshi" (private disciple) of Kanryō Higaonna. He studied with his teacher for 15 years before his teacher's death in 1915.

Chojun Miyagi, as successor to Naha-te pushed himself to the limits of endurance in his desire to emulate the extraordinary skill of his teacher. To this end, that same year (1915) he journeyed to Fuzhou, China, the city where his teacher had studied the martial arts, to further his research. This was one of three trips he made to China during his lifetime.

On his return to Okinawa he began to teach the martial arts at his home in Naha. Later, he also taught at the Okinawan Prefecture Police Training Center, at the Okinawan Master's Training College, and at the Naha Commercial High School (where his teacher had once taught).

Chojun Miyagi worked hard to spread karate throughout Okinawa and mainland Japan, and to earn Naha-te a status equal to that of the highly respected Japanese martial arts of Judo and Kendo. To achieve this he traveled frequently to mainland Japan where he was invited to teach karate at Kyoto University and Ritsumei Kan University. In 1933 karate was registered at the Butokukai, the center for all martial arts in Japan. This was a milestone for karate as it meant that it was recognized on a level with the highly respected martial arts of Japan.

Chojun Miyagi dedicated his whole life to karate. He was responsible for structuring Naha-te (which he later named "Goju-Ryu") into a systematized discipline which could be taught to society in general. This teaching system that he formulated enabled karate to be taught in schools for the benefit of the youth, and to reach vast numbers of people throughout the world. However, his private teaching at his home remained strictly in adherence to the principles of his teacher, Kanryō Higaonna, and his teacher before him, Ryu Ryu Ko.

Sensei Chojun Miyagi's research led to the introduction of new kata (training forms), warm up exercises (Junbi Undo) and supplementary exercises (Hojo Undo) and the realization that karate was a means of developing the human spirit through moral, intellectual and physical training. One of Sensei Miyagi's wishes was that both the art and the teachings of karate be passed on to the world at large in order to better enhance society.

Chojun Miyagi died on October 8th, 1953, of either a heart attack (the most popular explanation) or a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 65.

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Chojun Miyagi was born April 25^th, 1888 in Higashi-Machi (Naha-shi) Okinawa of a wealthy family who's business was import/export. Originally Miyagi Chojun was born as Miyagi Matsu however his name was changed to Chojun at the age of 5 by his uncle, who adopted him after the death of his father in 1893. His family owned two ships which made regular trips to mainland China, placing them among the wealthiest families in the area and enabled a young Miyagi Chojun Sensei to travel to China to study the style of his instructor and develop the style of Karatedo we call Goju-Ryu today. However his original Martial Arts training started with his neighbor Ryu Ko Aragaki (one of the very few fighters ever to beat the legendary Choki Motobu) at 11 years old. Ryu Ko Aragaki Sensei, before moving his family to Taiwan, later introduced him to Kanryō Higaonna, and he began training at the age of 15 in the fall of 1902 after fulfilling a host of chores (the traditional way of being accepted by an instructor).

1888	25 April - Chojun Miyagi is born in Higashi-Machi (Naha-shi) Okinawa. His original birth name was Miyagi Matsu.
1893	Chojun Miyagi Sensei's father dies, he is 5 years old and is adopted by his uncle and his name changed to Chojun.
1899	Chojun Miyagi Sensei begins his studies with Ryu Ko Aragaki Sensei.
1902	Chojun Miyagi Sensei is introduced to Kanryō Higaonna Sensei by Aragaki RyuKo Sensei who is Miyagi's first teacher. Both Kenwa Mabuni and Chojun Miyagi begin study with Kanryō Higaonna Sensei.
1915	Chojun Miyagi Sensei, Eisho Nakamoto and Go Kenki (a Chinese tea merchant from Naha. Go Kenki was a Sifu (instructor) of White Crane and a very close friend of Miyagi, all traveled with Miyagi to China where Go Kenki also serves as their interpreter. This would be their first trip for research.
1915	Higaonna Kanryō Sensei died in October at Nishiishin-Machi, 2-Chome, Naha, Okinawa. Miyagi Sensei paid for his funeral. Miyagi Chojun Sensei returned to Okinawa at this time, due to the death of Higaonna Sensei.
1918	Chojun Miyagi Sensei formed the Ryūkyū Toudi Kenkyu-Kai (Toudi-which means China Hand) to ensure the preservation of Karatedo as an Okinawan treasure. The Club was established in Asahigoaka, Wakasa-cho, and Naha-Shi. The co-founders were Miyagi Chojun Sensei, Hanashiro Chomo, Motobu Choyo and Kenwa Mabuni.
1921	6 March - The Okinawan Department of Education, requests Chojun Miyagi Sensei and Funakoshi Sensei to demonstrate Toudi to oncoming Prince Hirohito. 10 March - Miyagi Sensei (Naha Te) and Funakoshi Sensei (Shuri Te) demonstrate Toudi to Prince Hirohito (who would later become Emperor of Japan - WWII).
1926	Hanashiro Chomo Sensei reorganizes the Ryūkyū Toudi Kenkyu-Kai (Toudi-which means China Hand) to ensure the preservation of Karatedo as an Okinawan treasure. The Club was established in Asahigoaka, Wakasa-cho, and Naha-Shi. The co-founders were Miyagi Chojun Sensei, Hanashiro Chomo, Motobu Choyo and Kenwa Mabuni.
1927	Jin'an Shinzato shares with Chojun Miyagi Sensei what had happened. After much thought, Miyagi Sensei named his system Goju-Ryu after a line from a poem in the book Bubishi, which reads "Ho Go Ju Donto"; the way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness.
1929	Meitoku Yagi Sensei begins training with Chojun Miyagi Sensei. April - Karatedo is adopted into the Okinawa Police Training school and Naha Municipal Commercial High School as taught by Miyagi Chojun Sensei. Gogen Yamaguchi Hanshi and friend Jitsuei Yogi wrote to Miyagi Chojun inviting him to Japan. Yamaguchi Gogen Hanshi later received introduction to Chojun Miyagi by Yogi Jitsuei (September 27, 1912 - November 1997) for direct study. Chojun Miyagi Sensei became a Karatedo instructor at Training Center of Okinawa Police Department and Naha Municipal Commercial High School.
1930	Chojun Miyagi Sensei named Karatedo Division Chairman of the Okinawan Prefecture Athletic Association. Chojun Miyagi Sensei received an invitation to demonstrate at the All Japan Martial Arts Demonstration (pre Gogen Yamaguchi) to be held on May 5, 1930. (Official Recorded Date) Miyagi Chojun Sensei becomes the first to give his style of Karatedo a formal name, calling it Goju-Ryu (See also 1927!).
1931	According to Gogen Yamaguchi in his autobiography, this is the year that Jitsuei Sensei introduced Yamaguchi Sensei to Miyagi (although he was first invited in 1929).
1933	Chojun Miyagi Sensei officially registers Goju-Ryu with the Dai Nippon Butokukai as a Ryuha Chojun Miyagi Sensei was appointed Chief of Karatedo for the Okinawan branch of the Butokukai. The Butokukai awarded him the title of Kyoshigo [Shihan-Kyoshi], 2nd highest title.
1934	23 March - Miyagi Chojun Sensei writes his "Karatedo Gaisetsu" (Outline on Karatedo ). He would later present it in Japan in 1936. Chojun Miyagi Sensei becomes a permanent officer of the Dai Nippon Butokukai (Great Japan Martial Virtues Association). Chojun Miyagi lectures and teaches Karatedo in Hawaii on the Invitation of Yokoku Jihosha. The trip is also supported by businessmen Chinyei Kinjo, Seichu Yamashiro and Seisho Tokunaga.
1935	February - Chojun Miyagi Sensei returns to Okinawa from Hawaii. Miyagi Sensei gives his second demonstration in Japan (by invitation Gogen Yamaguchi), with Yogi Jitsuei Sensei as his assistant. While in Japan, Miyagi Sensei stayed in Jitsuei Sensei's apartment. Miyagi Sensei visits Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. Current members included Jitsuei Yogi, Gogen Yamaguchi and Soh Nei Choo (who would later teach Masutatsu Oyama)
1936	28 January - Chojun Miyagi Sensei gives a demonstration in Osaka, Japan. It is here that Miyagi Sensei presented his 'Outline on Karatedo ' (Karatedo Gaisetsu) speech regarding Karatedo and its benefits. Miyagi Sensei was awarded the Meiyo Shihan (Honorary Master Teacher) and Yogi Jitsuei and Yamaguchi Gogen were awarded Shihan-Dai (Assistant Master Instructors) by the Dai Nippon Butokukai. 28 November - Miyagi Chojun presented to club members his essay "Ryūkyū Kenpo Karatedo Enkaku Gaiyo", part of his 'about Karatedo ' Lecture and demonstration at Meiji Shoten Chojun Miyagi receives a medal for "Excellence in the Martial Arts" from the Japanese Ministry of Education. Chojun Miyagi Sensei, Eisho Nakamoto and Go Kenki (a Chinese tea merchant from Naha. Go Kenki was a Sifu (instructor) of White Crane and a very close friend of Miyagi, all traveled with Miyagi to Shanghai China where Go Kenki also serves as their interpreter. This would be their 2nd trip for research and they would visit the Seibu Dai Iku Kai (Great Gymnastic Association, Pure Martial Arts Spirit) for research purposes.
1937	5 May - Japanese Publishing company Takenori Kai sponsors the Takenori Festival where Miyagi Chojun Sensei performes Kata at Butoku Sai under the auspices of Dai Nippon Butokukai and was given the title Karatedo Jutsu Kyoshi first time in this nation. Miyagi Chojun Sensei receives a Kyoshi degree from the Dai Nippon Butokukai. Miyagi Chojun, along with other stylists, forms the Dai Nippon Butokukai Karatedo Jukkyoshi (Great Japan Martial Arts Karatedo Teachers Association).
1938	April - Miyagi Chojun Sensei was appointed as a Karatedo instructor at Okinawa Teacher Training School.
1939	Shozo Ujita Sensei visits Okinawa and trains with Chojun Miyagi Sensei.
1940	Chojun Miyagi and Shoshin Nagamine (Founder of Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu) created the Gekisai Kata to standardize Karate, making it easier to learn the basics of Karate. Miyagi Chojun Sensei later adds a 2nd Kata, Gekisai Dai Ni.
1942	Miyagi Sensei was invited to teach at Ritsumeikan University (not by Yamaguchi Sensei as he was still in China at this time however by Jitsuei Yogi Sensei and Shozo Ujita Sensei). Chojun Miyagi Sensei visits Kyoto Japan for teaching Karatedo. This would be the last time Miyagi was ever to return to Kyoto
1945	Miyagi Chojun Sensei is reappointed (With establishment of Okinawa Public Government) to an instructor at Police Academy. Chojun Miyagi was made an official of the Okinawa Minsei Taiiku Kan (Okinawa Democratic Athletic Association)
1947	Miyagi Sensei returned to Naha and began teaching at the Naha Police Academy.
1951	Miyagi Sensei began accepting a few students again at his garden Dojo. Prior to this, the only two students who trained regularly at his Dojo were Miyagi An’ichi and Aragaki Suichi.
1952	Some of Miyagi Sensei's former students began to return from the war and resume training.
1953	8 October - Miyagi Sensei dies, never having named a successor or given anyone an official Black Belt.

After years of training with Higaonna Sensei, Miyagi sailed to China in May of 1915 in search of his Higaonna’s teacher. This was one of three trips he made to China during his lifetime. Upon his quest he studied Chuguko Kempo (Chinese Fist) in Fuzhow, Fukien Province, from 1915 to 1915. He returned to Okinawa due to the death of Higaonna Sensei. In early 1915, Higaonna Kanryō Sensei died (at Nishiishin-Machi, 2-Chome, Naha Okinawa). Miyagi Chojun Sensei paid for his funeral.

When he returned to Okinawa, he began to teach his Karatedo at a number of places in and around Naha, and to lecture and demonstrate throughout Japan Miyagi-Sensei subjected the art of Naha-te, as received from Kanryō Higashionna, to scientific examination. He studied the basic Go (Sanchin) and the six rules and created the Ju (Tensho) form, combining soft and hard movements. He also organized the auxiliary movements to strengthen the body through calisthenics. He organized these exercises in preparation for practicing the classical Kata.

It can be said, he formulated the theory for the practice of Karatedo and organized it as an educational subject, an art of self-defense, and as a spiritual exercise. From the old Chinese book Wu Pei Chih (Army account of Military Arts and Science) published in 1636, Miyagi took the expression Goju-Ryu for the name of his school as it appears in the sentence: The successful methods required both give and take (Go and Ju). Miyagi Sensei was the first instructor to officially give his style a name in 1927 apart from the city in which it was practiced (See Historical review of Goju-Ryu), and organize a school of Karate. Miyagi often used the slogan Nanji Kyokuden, meaning to "apply all strength, be determined in everything that one does; defeat is not the end; losing is not the end of everything."

He was called the last great samurai warrior of Okinawa because of his legendary strength and skill as well as his intense dedication to the martial arts. Although a somewhat quiet man he was noted for his very large and muscular hands (the Goju-Ryu Fist as sketched by Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei was a depiction of Chojun Miyagi Sensei's fist) as well as being the senior most student of Kanryō Higaonna. On his pilgrimage to the Chinese mainland he studied not only the building blocks of his teachers art Hung Gar-Shaolin Chuan Chi-Chi, but also I-Chuan, Pa Kua Chang and Tai Chi Chuan. All softer however highly skilled and effective styles. It was at this time he learned the Kata or Quan Rokkishu which later became the building block on Kata Tensho. With this additional martial art training Okinawa-te, Naha-te and the Chinese arts Sensei Miyagi developed a refined form of empty hand, and even today its Whooping Crane Chinese Gung Fu roots can still be seen in its forms or Kata.

A story is told that while visiting a temple in China, Chojun Miyagi noticed a crane sitting on a roof, which was made of tile. As he approached the huge bird, the crane became alarmed and flew away. As it was flying away, the frightened crane flapped its wings against the tile roof, breaking some of the tiles in the process. Miyagi was amazed that the soft feathers of the crane were able to break something as hard as tiles. With that as the beginning, he devised a whole new approach to Karate, mixing in with the hard techniques many soft ones to be used in countering hard blows and kicks.

In 1929 Gogen Yamaguchi invited Chojun Miyagi to visit Japan and he later named Gogen Yamaguchi the leader of the Goju-Ryu schools in mainland Japan. That same year (1929) he was named as Shihan of the Okinawan Police and of the Naha School of Commerce (The Municipal Commercial High School - the general education program of Okinawa). Chojun Miyagi was named Karatedo Division Chairman (Chief) of the Okinawan Prefecture Athletic Association in 1930 and became a permanent officer of the Dai Nippon Butokukai (Japan Martial Virtues Association).

Although, Jigoro Kano (founder of Judo and the Kokokan) began visiting Okinawa in 1927, he was so impressed with Miyagi Sensei, he invited him to Japan in 1930 and 1932 to demonstrate at several meetings. It was at one of these meetings that one of his senior students, Jin'an Shinzato was asked which school of karate he belonged to. Unable to answer (styles were only known by their geographical reference at that time), he approached Sensei Miyagi, who agreed that a name should be chosen for their unique style.

Chojun Miyagi Sensei worked hard to spread Karatedo throughout Okinawa and mainland Japan, and to earn Naha-te a status equal to that of the highly respected Japanese martial arts of Judo and Kendo. To achieve this he traveled frequently to mainland Japan where he was invited to teach Karatedo at Kyoto University and Ritsumei Kan University.

In 1933 Karatedo was registered at the Butokukai, the center for all martial arts in Japan. This was a milestone for Karatedo as it meant that it was recognized on a level with the highly respected martial arts of Japan.

On March 23, 1934, Chojun Miyagi wrote the document Toudijutsu Gaisetsu ("An Outline of Karatedo") very rare to find and very technical on the almost spiritual training associated with Karatedo.

One month later in April, 1934 - Yokoku Jihosha invited Miyagi Chojun Sensei to Hawaii to lecture and teach until February, 1935. Chojun Miyagi on Thursday, May 3, 1934 boarded the NYK steamship. The trip is also supported by business-men Chinyei Kinjo of the Yoen Jiho Sha on Kauai, Seichu Yamashiro and Seisho Tokunaga. Chinyei Kinjo was the son of Chinzen Kinjo, one of the first immigrants to arrive in 1900 on board the "SS City of China" and a previous student of Miyagi Chojun.

During this time he also becomes a permanent officer of the Dai Nippon Butokukai (Great Japan Martial Virtues Association). By 1936 Chojun Miyagi is truly recognized by the Government of Japan with being awarded the medal for "Excellence in the Martial Arts" from the Japanese Ministry of Education. That same year he went to train at the Chinese martial arts in Shanghai at the Seibu Dai Iku Kai or Great Gymnastic Association - Pure Martial Spirit. On May 5th, 1937 - Miyagi Chojun Sensei performed Kata at the Butoku Sai for the Dai Nippon Butoku-kai. Following what is now known as the Meeting of the Masters, Chojun Miyagi along with others who attended formed the "Great Japan Martial Arts Karatedo Teachers Association" or "Dai Nippon Butokukai Karatedo Jutsu-Kyoshi"(1937). The first ever awarded in Japan.

After returning to Okinawa Miyagi Sensei, now teaching in his Dojo again as well as teaching Okinawa school children, creates the Kata Gekisai Dai Ichi (1) and Ni (2). Chojun Miyagi’s students primarily studied four Kata: Sanchin, Seisan, Seiyunchin and Tensho. These Kata are called the Kaishu forms but the Kata Seisan and Seiyunchin were actually considered the training Kata of Goju-Ryu.

These are very important Kata and must be thoroughly studied to understand Goju-Ryu. As of April, 1938 - Miyagi Chojun Sensei was appointed as a Karatedo instructor at the Okinawa Teacher Training School. In 1940 Chojun Miyagi and Shoshin Nagamine (Founder of Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu) created the Gekisai Kata to standardize Karate which made it easier to learn and to prepare young Okinawans for National service. There is a theory that for this latter reason (military service) Gekisai Dai Ichi ends with a forward step instead of a backward one as well as punches Jodan instead of Chudan.

Before the Second World War, Chojun Miyagi traveled widely and was involved in many projects to spread Karatedo throughout mainland Japan and the rest of the world. However, from 1948 until 1953 he remained in Okinawa. Before the war he had been dedicated to his own training and research, to further develop the art of Goju-Ryu Karate, but his purpose in life had now changed. He was intent on passing on Goju-Ryu, and the "gokui" (secret principles) of Goju-Ryu to the next generation. For reasons mostly pointing to WWII, many students of Tsuboya-cho (a district of Naha) garden dojo returned for training in in 1951. As well, new students once more began to enroll.

Miyagi Chojun Sensei had four boys and five girls. Miyagi Tsuru was the oldest daughter and first born. Master Miyagi taught at his home, outside in his Garden Dojo. But he didn't teach regularly outside his own personal students other than his municipal duties (Police and education). He would occasionally go to the Butoku-den in Naha (The Butoku-den was one of the few buildings that survived the World War II battles on Okinawa).

Naha's Central Police buildings were rebuilt near the Butoku-den, which was torn down in the late l980's. A bronze bust of Chojun Miyagi was put up in the Butoku-den and was moved to the Naha Police Headquarters in 1987.

Miyagi Chojun Sensei's instruction was not limited to physical training. Miyagi Sensei also lectured his students on history, culture, society, human relations as many senior Senseis of today do. During these "sessions" Chojun Miyagi Sensei would teach the kata (forms) in great detail and explain the "bunkai" (kata applications) thoroughly.

Chojun Miyagi dedicated his whole life to karate. He was responsible for structuring Naha-te (which he later named "Goju-Ryu") into a systematized discipline which could be taught to society in general. This teaching system which he formulated enabled Karatedo to be taught in schools for the benefit of the young, and to reach vast numbers of people throughout the world. However, his private teaching at his home remained strictly in adherence to the principles of his teacher, Kanryō Higaonna, and his teacher before him, Ryū Ryū Ko.

Miyagi never awarded anyone a Black Belt. He was in the process of formulating requirements for the Black Belt however he died before he completed this. He had not conceded a sucessor at the time of his death. Leaving an unprecedented mark in the world of Karatedo and from his famous Garden Dojo and enough legendary students to carry his name into the history books of Martial Arts as the "Master".

Jin'an Shinzato Sensei (aka 'Jiru'), an exceptional talent, was the probable successor to the Goju school in Okinawa, unfortunately he was tragically killed during the Second World War. It is generally an accepted theory that Shinzato Jin'an Sensei would have been the obvious successor to Miyagi Chojun Sensei had it not been for his death. Later, after the war, Meitoku Yagi Sensei was awarded the training uniform (Do Gi) and Belt (Obi) of Miyagi Chojun Sensei by his wife and daughter.

Chojun Miyagi passed away October 8th, 1953, leaving his family of 10 children, wife and a great legacy behind. He dedicated his entire life and fortune to Karate. He predicted that during the twentieth century Karatedo would spread throughout the world. Today we can see that this prediction has been realized; Karatedo is not only practiced in Japan, but it can be found throughout the countries of the world. Karatedo can no longer be referred to as a solely Okinawan or Japanese martial art, but it has become an art with no boundaries, an art for all nations and all peoples of the world. Four of his students, Seiko Higa, Meitoku Yagi (Meibu-Kan Goju-Ryu Karatedo), Seikichi Toguchi (Shoreikan Goju-Ryu Karatedo) and Ei'ichi Miyazato (Jundo-Kan Goju-Ryu Karatedo) carried on with Miyagi Sensei's original teachings. The four students formed an organization named the ALL Okinawa Goju-Kai, which was a reorganization of the old Goju Rui Shinko-Kai. They established a promotional ranking system for the art of Karatedo.

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The naming of Goju-Ryu came about more by accident than design. In 1930, one of Chojun Miyagi's top students, Jin'an Shinzato was attending a Martial Arts convention in Tokyo. He was asked by numerous martial arts masters as to what school of martial arts he practiced. As Naha-te had no formal name he could not answer this question. Feeling his art would be looked down upon and given amateur status, he quickly picked Hankry-ryu, which means the Way of Half Hard. On his return to Okinawa he reported this incident to Chojun Miyagi. He liked Shinzato's idea and took it one step further. After much consideration, Chojun Miyagi decided on the name 'Goju-Ryu' (hard and soft school) as a name for his style. He took this name from a line in the Bubishi (a classical Chinese text on martial arts and other subjects). This line, which appears in a poem describing the eight precepts of the martial arts, reads "Ho Goju Donto" (the way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness)

The whole poem reads as follows:

1. The mind is one with heaven and earth.
2. The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of the sun and the moon.
3. The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness.
4. Act in accordance with time and change.
5. Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought.
6. The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.
7. The eyes do not miss even the slightest change.
8. The ears listen well in all directions.

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Jin'an Shinzato was exceptionally talented. Chojun Miyagi had chosen him as his successor to the Goju school in Okinawa. Shinzato was tragically killed during the Second World War.

Chojun Miyagi passed away on October 8th , 1953, leaving a great legacy behind. He predicted that during the twentieth century karate would spread throughout the world. Today we can see that this prediction has been realized, karate is not only practiced in Japan, but it can be found throughout the world. Karate can no longer be referred to as a solely Okinawan or Japanese martial art, but it has become an art with no boundaries, an art for all nations and all people of the world.

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Ei'ichi Miyazato was born on July 5th, 1922 in I-Chome, 13 Banchi. Higashi-machi, Naha-shi, Okinawa and passed away in December 10th, 1999 due to ill health. Miyazato Ei'ichi Hanshi began his Karatedo training at age 13 with his father training with Makiwara and Chishi (Hojo Undo-stone lever weights) and became a student of Chojun Miyagi after introduction by his father in early 1938 at the age of 15. As a beginning student in the Dojo he practiced Kigu hojo undo (supplementary exercises) and kakie (sticking hands) diligently and developed tremendous strength. During this same time frame he also began studying Judo. Famous for his Ashi Barai (foot sweep), he eventually became All Okinawa Judo Champion.

Except for a short time during WWII, Miyazato Eiichi remained with Chojun Miyagi until his death in 1953. Miyazato often assisted Chojun Miyagi teaching at the Garden Dojo and under his guidance Miyazato Ei'ichi also taught at local high schools. He succeeded Sensei Miyagi as instructor at the Ryūkyū Police Academy where he also taught Judo. Following Miyagi's death in 1953, Miyazato inherited all of Miyagi's Hojo Undo [training devices, The Miyagi family also gave Meitoku Yagi Chojun Miyagi Sensei's Gi and Obi - However, this Gi was purchased for Miyagi Sensei by Ei'Ichi Miyazato when Miyazato went to Japan to compete in Judo. Today, it hangs in his Meibu-Kan Dojo] and at the request of his fellow students and Miyagi's family, he continued teaching at the Garden Dojo (Miyagi's Dojo). He also assumed the responsibility of preserving the Katas, principles and the future of his teacher's Karatedo system, Goju-Ryu. Miyazato Hanshi opened his own Dojo in 1954 and also built the Jundo-Kan (House for the Following in the Footsteps of the Father) in the Asato district of Naha in 1957, a 3 story structure, which comprised of both the Jundo-Kan dojo and his home on the top floor. He is noted for carrying on the traditional way he had learned from Miyagi Sensei.

In addition to Goju-Ryu, Miyazato Ei'Ichi Hanshi also studied Judo (7th Dan) with Itokazu Shoko Sensei and hence forth was the All Okinawa Judo Championship and the Championship of the All Japan Police Judo. Before his death, Miyazato Ei'Ichi Hanshi was Chairman of the All-Okinawa Karatedo Federation, the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Association and The World Jundo-Kan Association.

An'Ichi Miyagi, Higaonna Morio, and Teruo Chinen all trained at Miyazato's Jundo-Kan Dojo. The above three also obtained their Dan grading's from Miyazato Sensei. Iha Koshin Hanshi was nominated and chosen as the successor to the Jundo-Kan and Chairman of the OGKK at that time. Since the passing of Miyazato Hanshi the Jundo-Kan has restructured under the following guidance.

• • Chairman: Koshin Iha Sensei
• • Vice Chairman: Yoshio Hichiya Sensei, Tetsunosuke Yasuda Sensei, Nanko Minei Sensei
• • Director: Koei Teruya Sensei

Karate training:

1936	Introduced the rudiments of Karate by his father
1938	Became Chojun Miyagi Sensei's student
1946	Entered in the Ryūkyū Police Department by Chojun Miyagi Sensei’s recommendation. Proceed to instruct at the Ryūkyū Police Accademy Dojo as assistant instructor (to Miyagi Sensei)
1953	Upon the death of his Teacher (Miyagi Sensei), was appointed to instruct Karate, Judo and arrest techniques at the academy as well as an instructor at Miyagi Sensei's dojo (at his house garden).
1957	Karate dojo, Jundokan, was established in Asato, Naha.
1969	With other Goju-Ryu teacher Iha Koshin he established the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai (Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Association - OGKK)
1970	Re-built the dojo on property next door (present location).
1972	Retired from the Ryūkyū Police Department
1993	Gave seminars in Europe (Italy, Sweden, Spain)

Rank Grading: Karatedo

1979	8 September - Hanshi — All Japan Karatedo Federation
1988	20 March - Hanshi, 10 Dan — Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai

Rank Grading: JUDO

1981	1 May - 7th Dan — Nippon Kodokan
1999	10 December - 8th Dan — Nippon Kodokan

Major Offices:

1955-1962	Okinawa Prefecture Judo Federation, Director
1962-1989	Okinawa Prefecture Judo Federation, Vice-Chairman
1969-1999	Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai, Chairman
1981-1990	Okinawa Prefecture Karatedo Federation, Director
1991-1999	Okinawa Prefecture Karatedo Federation (all styles), Chairman
1989-1999	All Japan Karatedo Federation (all styles), Advisor
1989-1999	All Japan Karatedo Federation (Goju style), Advisor
1989-1999	Naha Karatedo Federation, Advisor

Awards:

1984	Kodokan - Official Commendation
1994	Nihon Budo Kyogikai - Commendation for Distinguished Service Okinawa Judo Federattion - Offlcial Commendation
1995	Okinawa Athletic Organization — Letter of Commendation
1996	Naha City — Letter of Recognition for Services to Naha City
1998	Japan Ministry of Education - Official Commendation
1999	Conferment of a rank Ju seven

Date of death: December 11, 1999, Naha Hospital

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Date of birth: November 24, 1925 Naha

Karate training:

1938	Became Chojun Miyagi Sensei’s student
1942	Chojun Miyagi and Koshin Iha Sensei perform an individual enbu demonstration at Butoku-den for the visit to Okinawa of Imperial messenger Ogura.
1953	Upon the death of his Teacher (Miyagi Sensei), became assistant of Eiichi Miyazato Sensei at Miyagi Sensei’s dojo (at his house garden). November - Senior students of Miyagi Sensei meet at the house of Genkai Nakaima. Those present include Seiko Kina, Meitoku Yagi, Jitsue Yogi, Ei'ichi Miyazato and Koshin Iha.
1954	At the request and consent of the wife of Chojun Miyagi Sensei, training resumes at the garden dojo being led by Ei'ichi Miyazato, Koshin Iha and Mr. Inami.
1957	Assistant of Miyazato Sensei at Jundokan, this year established in Asato, Naha.
1963	Koshin Iha performed an Enbu demonstration to commemorate the unveiling ceremony of a bust of Chojun Miyagi at the Naha Polica Academy.
1969	With other Goju-Ryu teacher Ei'ichi Miyazato he establishes the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai (OGKK). He was elected Vice-Chairman. Opened his own dojo, Seidokan, in Tomari district of Naha city.
1971	With other Goju-Ryu teacher Ei'ichi Miyazato he establishes the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai (OGKK). He was elected Vice-Chairman.
1978	In Miyazato’s book, "Okinawaden Gojuryu Karatedo", he shows the kata Suparinpei.
1983	31 August - the JKF hosts a tournament [Shiai] for paying homage to 30th anniversary of Chojun Miyagi's death - held in Okinawa. Present is Senior advisor, Koshin Iha Sensei, of the Jundokan who performs Enbu demonstration.
1995	Gave seminars in Europe.
2000	13 February - Koshin Iha Sensei accepts the responsibility of leading the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai being named Chairman. Koshin Iha Sensei and Meitoku Yagi Senseis are recognized as "Intangible Cultural Asset of Okinawa" and receive the Service of Merit Award from the City of Naha, Okinawa.

Rank Grading:

1993	Hanshi, 10th Dan – Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai

Major Offices:

1969-1999	Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai, Vice-Chairman
1993-2012	All Japan Karatedo Federation (Goju style), Advisor
2000-2012	Okinawa Prefecture Karatedo Federation, Director
2000-2004	Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai, Chairman (OGKK)
2004-2012	Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai, Honorary Chairman (Myo Kaichô)

Awards:

2000	Okinawa Prefecture's Teacher for the Budo preservation.

Date of Death: January 28, 2012

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