Choshin Ishimine's Suparinpei

 Choshin Ishimine was a senior student of Seiko Higa sensei. While not quite as well known as some of Higa's other students it seems he was very well regarded. In Akio Kinjo's karate denshin roku there was an interesting entry on Ishimine: "Sensei Choshin Ishimine was the best among disciples of Sensei Seiko Higa. When he was young, he was devoting all his time and energy to karate training with Sensei Higa. His performance of Suparinpe is so excellent that no one could do better than him. I think that in 1953 there were only five or six karateka who could perform Suparinpe well." 

Below we can see Suparinpei performed by one of his senior students: 

There are a few interesting things going on here. In particular, the crane stepping in the middle of the kata instead of the usual sanchin step. Even within Seiko Higa's lineage there is a fair bit of variety in terms of how the kata are done. 

Notable Books On Goju-Ryu

Taking a little break from translations and history I thought today I would share my thoughts on some of the major books that have been written on Goju-Ryu Karate. For this list I considered books of historical importance, as well as books that made really good technical manuals. I only included books by Okinawan/Japanese authors. The list is not presented in any particular order. 

1.) Okinawa Den Goju Ryu Karate Do - Eiichi Miyazato

The original Japanese edition

It should be no surprise the first book on the list would be by a direct senior student of the founder. This book also represented the first of it's kind written by a student of Chojun Miyagi. Here you will find much of the Goju-Ryu curriculum including: junbi undo, hojo undo, kihon, all the kata and basic applications for the forms. According to Miyazato himself (from the Okinawa Karate Kobudo Jitten) the book was written at a time when the sports karate was beginning to take more of a hold and it represented an attempt to create a clear guide on the traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu. It's also worth mentioning the book was translated to English by the members of the Jundokan honbu. The pictures however were all replaced by new photos taken at the time of the publication. It's a bit unfortunate, as the original photos certainly had great historical value. The Japanese version is of course long out of print and an extremely rare item. 

2.) Goju Kensha Kyohan - Tadahiko Ohtsuka

2008 Reprint Edition

The Goju Kensha Kyohan was written by Tadahiko Ohtsuka, a notable teacher of Goju-Ryu on mainland Japan. Ohtsuka was a senior student of Sosui Ichikawa, who was himself a senior student of Kanki Izumikawa. The book was originally published in 1977 as a set of 13 individual booklets.  It was reprinted again in 2008 as a single large book. To date, it might be the most comprehensive and detailed book ever written on Goju-Ryu Karate. The book contains essentially everything, from the stretches, warmups, detailed explanations of all kihon waza, applications of the kihon, all the kata, kata applications and a detailed section on vital points and vital point striking. Also included are descriptions on numerous more advanced teachings in Goju-Ryu. The book was intended to act as a teaching manual for the senior instructors, which is one reason it contains more advanced materials.  Sadly the book was never translated to English in it's entirety and even the reprint is hard to come by now. 

3.) Traditional Karate Do 4 Volumes - Morio Higaonna 

Vol 1

These four books are likely not new to anyone and neither is the author. The books were the first of their kind in the English language and revolutionary at the time of release. Today they are still highly sought after. Across the four volumes Morio Higaonna covers essentially the whole Goju-Ryu curriculum. You will find detailed explanations of all aspects of the style including the junbi undo, hojo undo, all kihon (stances, uke, strikes etc..) all the kata (with in between motions) and applications for all the techniques. Included are also detailed descriptions of Sanchin kata, history and numerous other topics.  These four books contain a solid base of knowledge for any practitioner. 

4.) Okinawan Goju-Ryu 1 & 2 - Seikichi Toguchi 

The second book

Rather than writing about the books separately I will include them both together.  These represent another publication by a direct senior student of Chojun Miyagi and as such are highly valuable.  The first one includes history, kihon and a detailed overview of Gekisai Dai Ichi and Sanchin. Both kata are performed by Toguchi himself. Included as well are some of the kumite and bunkai sets Toguchi  devised himself. The second book includes much more history and personal stories about Chojun Miyagi, Seiko Higa and other individuals which are highly interesting. Technically, it continues from where the first book left off with Gekiha kata (created by Toguchi) and Saifa kata. Both books are full of very valuable information, but like the others mentioned above they are also out of print. 

5.) Karate Do Kyohan (I) & (II) - Seikichi Toguchi

Karate Do Kyohan I & II

Unlike the two previous books by Toguchi, these are far less known. In fact, I don't know if these were ever a public release. Rather I think they were largely disturbed among Shoreikan members. They continue to be extremely rare. These books do contain all of the Goju-Ryu kata, as well as the kata created by Seikichi Toguchi such as Gekiha and Kakuha. Included are also demonstrations of the Kiso Kumite sets and Bunkai Kumite for select kata. The 10 main Goju-Ryu kata are all demonstrated step by step by Toguchi himself. As such it presents an invaluable record of kata by a direct student of the founder. The rest of the kata and techniques in the book are demonstrated by his senior students at the Shoreikan

6.) Seito Karate Do Nyumon - Kei Miyagi

 

Seito Karate Do Nyumon

Kei Miyagi was not only the oldest son of Chojun Miyagi, but also one of his senior students. Overall he wrote three books on Goju-Ryu Karate, with this one being the last. It's interesting that a lot of  people don't know that he opened a dojo and taught Goju-Ryu, which is now run by his son Toru (Chojun Miyagi's grandson).  The book covers much of the fundamental areas of the style. You'll find the junbi undo, hojo undo, kihon and the kata Gekisai 1-2, Sanchin, Tensho, Saifa and Seiunchin. Included are also some kumite drills from Goju-Ryu.  This book (and his other two) represent a very valuable addition to any Goju-Ryu library. 

7.) Karate Do no Shinzui - Gogen Yamaguchi

Karate Do no Shinzui

Whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying Yamaguchi was hugely influential in popularising Goju-Ryu karate around the world. For much of the 60s, 70s and even into the 80s he was perhaps the most well known teacher of Goju-Ryu. This book is certainly an interesting one, and packed full of photographs. It contains an autobiography of Yamaguchi, demonstrations of various techniques, certain kata, and select applications for each of the kata. The book has been translated into English, but both versions are very rare. This was one of the very first books to be written on Goju-Ryu. 

8.) The History of Karate Goju-Ryu - Morio Higaonna 

The History of Karate

This represents the most detailed book on Goju Ryu history written by any Okinawan or Japanese master. It is full of information on the history of Goju-Ryu as well as numerous direct students of Chojun Miyagi. Included are also interviews the author has conducted with different students of the founder. While the book has been highly successful and sought after, it hasn't been without controversy. The history is undoubtedly slanted to instructors that were relevant to the IOGKF and as such certain people received very little attention. For example Seikichi Toguchi seemed to receive no mention at all and Meitoku Yagi was spoken about very little. Additionally the book had disparaging remarks about several notable individuals including Chojun Miyagi's son and Seiko Higa. Despite some shortcomings it is still a rich source of information, but it is important to read it critically. 

9.) Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Do no Kata - Tetsuhiro Hokama

The cover of the book

While the text itself was written by one of Hokama's senior students (Sakugawa) the work was supervised by Hokama himself. It includes step by step photos of all 12 Goju Ryu kata from Gekisai to Suparinpei.  The book is notable for detailed descriptions and explanations of each part of the kata. Additionally you will also find the applications of the kata techniques explained, with pictures showing the applications in certain sections. Tetsuhiro Hokama was originally a student of Seiko Higa at the Shodokan dojo and then continued his training with Seiko Fukuchi after his death in 1966. This book contains a lot of useful information on the kata, but again there is no translation in English available. 

10.) Koden Goju-Ryu Kenpo vol 1,2,3 - Yoshio Kuba 

The first vol

The final set of books on this list comes from Yoshio Kuba. Kuba is currently one of the most senior and renowned students of Seikichi Toguchi. He is well known for his mastery of the kata applications and showing advanced teachings openly. Across the three volumes you will find all the kata (including the Toguchi created ones), junbi undo, kihon, and of course the applications he is so known for. As a bonus the books also come with a DVD showing the contents of the book. Currently this is another hard to come by set, but very informative and valuable. 

So, those are ten of the most notable books on Goju-Ryu that have been released over time. Certainly there are many other books but I wanted to limit this list to only ten. Did you know about them already? Are there any on the list you just found out about? Did I maybe miss something important? Let me know your thoughts. 

Interview With Sadayuki Taira, Senior Student of Meitoku Yagi

There was an interesting article that just came out in the Okinawa Times. It featured an interview with Sadayuki Taira, a senior student of Meitoku Yagi. I decided to post and English translation I was able to do. Enjoy: 

Sadayuki Taira sensei

Those who practice karate must learn life through karate. Sadayuki Taira (67), Chairman of the Okinawa Karatedo Gojukai, learned from his teacher, Meitoku Yagi (prefectural designated intangible cultural asset holder, 1912-2003). However, he inherits the spirit and practices every day.

Karate has been familiar to me since I was little. When I was 16 years old, I visited the Yagi Dojo in my neighborhood, four or five adults in their thirties who seemed to be strong were practicing karate. With a longing for "I want to be as strong as these people," I entered the Yagi Dojo of Meitoku Yagi sensei.

Yagi sensei’s judgment of kata cannot even be imitated and is described as "an existence like above the clouds." (* Note: It is an expression that means someone’s level is far higher than yours). I learned from Yagi sensei by watching the basics of kata. I repeated the basic movements many times and thought about the application myself. Since everyone has a different body shape, they cannot move in the same way. I repeated the same movements over and over again so that it would soak into my body, and by repeating training, I found a movement that suits me.

Currently he instructs about 15 students three times a week. Through "Sanchin", the practice teaches the basics such as how to stand, how to tighten muscles, and how to breathe correctly. Along with teaching, he is energetically active, such as serving as a referee for the Okinawa Karatedo Gojukai Boys and Girls Championship, in which about 150 people participate every year.

There is no goal in karate. Even if I remember the kata, I forget it, so I keep in mind that it is important to continue my daily training. The goal is "to continue karate until the age of 100". Pursue dreams with the aim of practicing lifelong quests.

Performing a technique
from Seipai kata

Seipai (18 hands) is a kata made by Chojun Miyagi sensei (1888-1953), the founder of Goju-ryu. There is a lesson from Miyagi sensei that says "do not hit people, do not get hit by people". As this lesson implies, Seipai also starts with "kamae" and "ukete" and does not attack first. It is a kata that values peace.  There are many effective self defense techniques for when the opponent approaches such as kogeki waza, hazushi waza, kansetsu waza, and techniques to deal with the opponent’s attacks.  There are many changes in movement, such as changing from fast powerful movements to those with muchimi.

It is also important to do kata with the rhythm of breathing.  Practice A-un breathing (A-un no Kokyu) while imagining that there is a partner. When a person is inhaling, the body is soft. At that moment, he exhales for a short time, "hatsu", and performs a powerful technique. I am always conscious of practicing Seipai according to the flow of breathing.

I learned Seipai when I was 16 years old when I started karate. Even after practicing, he says, "I haven't mastered it yet. It's difficult to apply kata for many years." I will repeat the training every day so as not to destroy the kata that I learned from my teacher, "he said, showing his determination to keep the tradition.

Originally published in Japanese, Okinawa Times Feb 14 2021

Translated by Filip Konjokrad

 

Choyu Kiyuna, the oldest living student of Seiko Higa

Here I wanted to take the opportunity to share a little bit about Choyu Kiyuna, who is currently the most senior living student of Seiko Higa (Today also happens to be his birthday). 

Choyu Kiyuna was born on Okinawa in 1931. He started learning karate in 1948. At first he was training in Shorin Ryu karate. In 1954 he joined the Shoreikan dojo of Seikichi Toguchi shortly after it opened and began to study Goju-Ryu. When the Shodokan dojo opened he was asked to come and train with Higa sensei and this would be his final dojo. In 1965 he received the title of Renshi from Seiko Higa. 

Choyu Kiyuna standing behind Seiko Higa,
while he teaches Seipai.

In 1966 Seiko Higa passed away. Afterwards the Shodokan dojo was inherited by his son Seikichi Higa. Choyu Kiyuna then continued to learn Goju Ryu from Seikichi Higa. Not a long time after he was awarded Kiyoshi in August of 1968. In 1992 he opened his own dojo the Seidokan. Previously he was still active as an instructor at the Shodokan dojo itself.  In the same year he was awarded the Hanshi title. 

Seikichi Higa performs 
Sanchin Shime on Kiyuna.

Today he is not only the most senior living student of Seiko Higa, but one of the most senior Goju Ryu masters in the world. He continues to teach and preserve the traditional Goju Ryu inherited from Seiko Higa and his son.  Kiyuna sensei credits his long life to his karate training. 

Sokan-Ryu: The Kobudo of Busen Arakawa

Sokan-Ryu is a little known style of kobudo founded by Busen Arakawa in mainland Japan. Arakawa sensei was a senior student of Kanki Izumikawa at the Senbukan dojo and later also learned Ryukyu  kobudo from Shinken Taira. In 1960 Arakawa was awarded with a shihan license in Ryukyu kobudo from Taira. In 1966 he received 7th dan from Kanki Izumikawa.  Since there is virtually nothing written on Arakawa or Sokan-Ryu in English I wanted to share some of what I have been able to learn. 

Sokan Ryu has both Japanese and Ryukyu elements. In the late 40s Busen Arakawa was told about the nunchaku on Okinawa by Kanki Izumikawa. This led Arakawa to devise his own version of it based on the descriptions he was given. The Japanese version of it came to be known as sosetsukon and had several differences from the Okinawan version. The sosetsukon was longer and also had a shorter cord. Arakawa had also developed several unique techniques with it not practiced on Okinawa. 

Busen Arakawa (right) practicing kobudo in
his younger years (early 50s)

In 1951 it was shown to the public in Japan for the first time. At the request of Kanki Izumikawa, Arakawa gave a demonstration of his sosetsukon techniques. Afterwards he was approached by numerous people who wanted to learn from him. It's thought Sokan Ryu was the first school outside Okinawa to popularise the techniques of the nunchaku. In 1955 Arakawa founded his own dojo in Suginami Tokyo as a branch of Izumikawa's Senbukan. In 1965 he renamed his dojo to Rinbukan. Arakawa taught both Sokan-Ryu and Izumikawa's Goju-Ryu together. 

While Arakawa sensei's kobudo started out only with nunchaku, Sokan Ryu encompasses a full kobudo curriculum including bo, sai and tonfa. Izumikawa was also a noted expert of kobudo and must have had a great influence on Arakawa. One of the kata preserved in Sokan Ryu is Izumikawa no Sai, which is presumed to have been taught by Kanki Izumikawa. In Taira's encyclopedia of Ryukyu Kobudo Izumikawa was listed as an advisor, and Busen Arakawa was listed as a member of the board of directors and Shihan. 

Kanki Izumikawa demonstrating Sai Jutsu

Over the years Arakawa earned the nicknames "first nunchaku master in Japan" as well as "god of nunchaku". He was so well known for his skills in Kobudo practitioners of other karate schools came to him for instruction. This includes some members from the Shudokan founded by Kanken Toyama and people from Gensei Ryu as well. 

During his lifetime Arakawa sensei continued to research and refine the techniques of  Kobudo. The only two students he authorised to open official branch dojo were Sosen Nanao (Hokushikan) and Soushun Kobayashi (Koshinkan). Today Kobayashi sensei is the head of Arakawa sensei's Rinbukai. 

Arakawa sensei demonstrating
Sokan Ryu in his Rinbukan dojo

Dojo From the Izumikawa Lineage

In my last article I went over some of the major dojo from the lineage of Seiko Higa sensei. Today I wanted to write a bit more about the Kanki Izumikawa lineage which I practice. Compared to Seiko Higa there is even less information on Kanki Izumikawa and his students. Here, I will go over some of the major groups that branched off from the Senbukan.

Rinbukan --> Busen Arakawa

The Rinbukan dojo was founded in 1955 as the Suginami branch dojo of the Senbukan. In 1965 it was officially renamed to "Rinbukan" by Busen Arakawa. Busen Arakawa was one of the most senior student of Kanki Izumikawa. He was awarded 7th dan by Kanki Izumikawa in 1966, the only student to receive the rank. He also held a shihan license in Ryukyu Kobudo from Shinken Taira. Arakawa sensei was a strict and disciplined man, who placed a high emphasis on ethics and morals. He earned the nicknames "god of nunchaku" and "first nunchaku master in Japan" for his legendary skills. Arakawa sensei's two most senior students were Sosen Nanao and Soushun Kobayashi. 

Busen Arakawa (center) with students in the 
Rinbukan honbu dojo

Sosuikan --> Sosui Ichikawa

The Sosuikan dojo was founded by Sosui Ichikawa. Originally it was the Taito branch dojo of the Senbukan. Sosui Ichikawa was one of the earliest senior students to join the Senbukan after the war. In 1950 he received his dojo license from Kanki Izumikawa and opened his dojo in 1952. Eventually he would receive 6th dan from Kanki Izumikawa. Ichikawa sensei also trained Judo and Daito Ryu Aiki Jutsu in addition to Goju-Ryu. He was well known for his skills in kumite and applying the kata techniques. He placed a great emphasis on the study of the bubishi and eventually wrote his own manual the koshudo. Overall Ichikawa sensei produced the largest number students from Izumikawa's line who went on to open dojo of their own such as the Gobukan, Tanshinkan, Kenshinkan, Goju Kensha, Seibukan, Shigakukan, Goshikan, Jinbukan and others. 

Sosui Ichikawa (center) with senior students
in the Sosuikan.

Hawaii Senbukan --> Kenneth Murakami 

The Hawaii Senbukan was the only branch dojo founded by a student of Kanki Izumikawa that did not go independent after his death. The dojo was founded by Kenneth Murakami who was from Hawaii. After the war he was stationed in Japan and was able to train at the Senbukan dojo with Kanki Izumikawa during the 50s. Before Murakami left for Hawaii Izumikawa asked him to open a dojo when he returned home and teach his karate. Kanki Izumikawa came to the Hawaii branch dojo both in 1961 and 1964 to teach the students there. During the 1964 trip, he took Busen Arakawa and Ryoichi Yanase with him. The dojo was later taken over by Tomu Arakawa after Murakami retired. Today it is run by Alan Lee and they still continue to teach the "old ways" of Kanki Izumikawa. 

Kenneth Murakami (right) with Kanki
Izumikawa in the Senbukan honbu dojo.

Seishin Juku --> Hyotaro Harada

Seishin Juku was founded in 1965 in Arakawa, Tokyo. Hyotaro Harada was a top senior student of Izumikawa who stepped in as Senbukan director after his death. Several of his students opened dojo in Tokyo such as Isamu Terada and Yuichi Yaguchi. Harada was later awarded 8th dan by the Zen Nihon Karate Do Renmei. In 1995 the dojo was relocated to it's present location in Adachi Tokyo. 3 years later Hyotaro Harada died of a stroke at the age of 63.  

Hyotaro Harada (2nd from left) in the honbu dojo
Satoru Suzuki is on the far right.

Suzuki Dojo --> Satoru Suzuki

Satoru Suzuki was born in 1933. He began training martial arts at a young age. He learned Goju-Ryu karate from Kanki Izumikawa at the Senbukan dojo. At the same time, he also studied the techniques of Ryukyu Kobudo. He would eventually open his own dojo, simply known as the "Suzuki Dojo". He appeared in the famous movie “budo the art of killing” where he demonstrated nunchaku techniques. He was also recognized as 8th dan Kiyoshi by the Zen Nihon Karate Do Renmei. Currently he is the last senior living student of Kanki Izumikawa.

Satoru Suzuki (far left) with several students.

Nihon Karate Do Kai --> Tsutomu Takato

Tsutomu Takato was one of the main senior students of Kanki Izumikawa.  He first opened his own dojo as the branch chief for the Senbukan in Ota. Later, when the Nihon Karate Do Rengokai was formed he played an important role as one of the directors. Eventually he founded his own organization the Nihon Karate Do Kai. 

Tsutomu Takato (far left) with Kinjo Hiroshi,
Kanki Izumkawa and Sosui Ichikawa. 

Seishinkai --> Kazunari Sekishiro 

Kazunari Sekishiro was a senior student of Kanki Izumikawa from the earliest days. He can be seen in a number of photos with Kanki Izumikawa and other Senbukan students. According to Katsuya Izumikawa he was one of few students to have trained with his father for over ten years. At the memorial for Kanki Izumikawa he performed Kururunfa kata in honor of his teacher. He formed the Seishinkai and began to pass on Izumikawa's Goju. The organization is run by his two sons today. 

Kazunari Sekishiro (middle, back row) with
Kanki Izumikawa in the Senbukan. 
 

Gobukan --> Kenjiro Chiba

Kenjiro Chiba began his training with Kanki Izumikawa at the Senbukan dojo. In 1962 he opened the Gobukan in Sendai City. He also went on to join the Sosuikan dojo of Sosui Ichikawa. Chiba would eventually receive Hanshi Judan from Sosui Ichikawa. As a result of his training with Izumikawa the Gobukan has retained some of the older methods of Kanki Izumikawa in addition to Ichikawa's teachings.  There are a number of branch dojo of the Gobukan in and around Sendai. The dojo is run by his son Kojiro Chiba today. 

Kenjiro Chiba (center, Red belt) with other senior students
in the Gobukan Honbu

Yuzenkai --> Yoshiaki Naganuma 

Yoshiaki Naganuma first began his training in the early 60s at the Senbukan with Kanki Izumikawa. After he passed away in 1967, Naganuma continued training with the successor to Kanki Izumikawa (his oldest son) Kanbun Izumikawa. Following the death of Kanbun in 1982, Naganuma established the Yuzenkai in Atsugi City. In 2013 the organization was passed on to Kazunori Omoto, his most senior student. Today it is one of the larger groups from Kanki Izumikawa's lineage. Omoto sensei is a high school vice principle in his professional life. 

Omoto sensei performing sanchin shime on 
a student

Dojo of the Seiko Higa lineage

Seiko Higa was a prominent teacher of Goju-Ryu on Okinawa. He initially began learning Naha-te from Kanryo Higashionna. After Kanryo passed away in 1915, Higa continued training with his senpai Chojun Miyagi. Higa opened his own dojo and began teaching in 1931. His final dojo which he opened in 1960 was known as the Shodokan. In the same year he also founded the Kokusai Karate Kobudo Renmei. Later, “Goju Ryu” was added to the organization name by Seikichi Higa. Many of the dojo on Okinawa founded by Higa’s students still belong to his organization. I wanted to go over some of the dojo from the Higa lineage and give a quick description.

Senbukan (Kanki Izumikawa)

Kanki Izumikawa was the first student of Seiko Higa to begin teaching Goju-Ryu. He opened the Senbukan in Kawasaki, Kanagawa prefecture in 1939. He was recognized as Renshi, and eventually Hanshi in 1957 by the Dai Nippon Butokukai. Izumikawa had many successful students who opened dojo of their own. Today it is one of the major Goju Ryu lineages in Japan with over a dozen different organizations, The Senbukan dojo itself is run by Kanki’s son Katsuya Izumikawa today. The Senbukan has had a close relationship with the Goju Ryu Kokusai Karate Kobudo Renmei. Kanki Izumikawa’s oldest son Kanbun also spent over 10 years training with Juei Tamaki.

Kanki Izumikawa in the Senbukan dojo with his students

Seigokan (Juei Tamaki)

Juei Tamaki was the oldest student of Seiko Higa, having been born in 1905. He was awarded Hanshi Judan, by Seiko Higa himself in 1960. With permission from Higa he opened the Seigokan in 1965. Besides Goju Ryu, Tamaki was also a master of Ryuei Ryu Kobudo. Some of his senior students included Seitoku Matayoshi, Zensei Gushiken and Akira Gushi. The Seigokan has played a major role in Seiko Higa’s organization. The current president of the Goju Ryu Kokusai Karate Kobudo Renmei is Akira Gushi. The previous president, Zensei Gushiken was also from the Seigokan.

The Seigokan dojo

Shoreikan (Seikichi Toguchi)

Seikichi Toguchi was one of Higa's most senior students. In addition, he was a student of Goju Ryu founder Chojun Miyagi as well. Toguchi opened the Shoreikan in 1954 in Koza city. Some of the earliest students were Ryugo Sakai, Masanobu Shinjo, Zenshu Toyama and Katsuyoshi Kanei. The Shoreikan was eventually relocated to the mainland by Toguchi, with the honbu being in Tokyo. Toguchi was well known for the extra kata he created like Gekiha and Kakuha to be able to teach the Goju system more progressively. Like the Senbukan, the Shoreikan was independent from Seiko Higa's organization but enjoyed a close relationship. 

Seiko Higa visiting the Shoreikan dojo

Senbukan (Seiko Fukuchi)

Though it has the same reading as Izumikawa’s Senbukan, it’s important to note the kanji are different. Seiko Fukuchi was a senior student of Higa going back to the 30s. When Seiko Higa opened the Shodokan, he acted as an assistant. He opened his own dojo in 1964 in Naha. Fukuchi unfortunately died at a young age in 1975. Following this Iken Tokashiki became the second president of Seiko Fukuchi’s organization. Later it was renamed to the Gohaku Kai. The group still continues to use the Senbukan name for the dojo. The other senior student of Fukuchi was Tetsuhiro Hokama who continues to teach his Goju Ryu without the addition of Tomari te.  

Seiko Fukuchi and his students. Tetsuhiro Hokama is to the right

Gojukan (Eikichi Fukumoto)

Eikichi Fukumoto was a senior student of Seiko Higa who trained with him at the Shodokan dojo. The Gojukan is one of the dojo that is a member of Seiko Higa’s organization. Besides Okinawa, he also had several students on the mainland Japan and there is a Gojukan dojo there still operated by one of his students. On Okinawa one of his senior students was Hideo Ishiki. Fukumoto sadly also died at a fairly young age. His dojo is carried on by his senior students.

Eikichi Fukumoto (far left) with students

Kobukan (Choshin Ishimine)

Chosin Ishimine was one of the more senior students of Seiko Higa and began training with him well before the Shodokan dojo was established. Most of the information on him comes from Akio Kinjo. Kinjo was a student of Higa at first and then later learned Goju Ryu from Ishimine. Kinjo stated that in 1953 he was one of few people to know Suparinpei and had the best kata out of Higa’s students at the time. The Kobukan continues to be a member dojo of the Goju Ryu Kokusai Karate Kobudo Renmei. Otherwise there is not much known about them.

The Kobukan dojo of Ishimine

Eikikan (Eiki Kurashita)

Eiki Kurashita was a student of Seiko Higa at the Shodokan dojo. He is currently one of the last living students of Seiko Higa. When Seiko Higa passed away, he continued his training with Seikichi Higa and the other seniors at the Shodokan dojo. He was president of Seiko Higa’s organization following the death of Seikichi Higa in 1999. His Eikikan dojo was another dojo in the Goju Ryu Kokusai Karate Kobudo Renmei.

 

Eiki Kurashita in the Eikikan dojo

There are several other dojo within Seiko Higa’s organization such as the Gowakan, Mushikan, Gyobukan, Raijinkan, Kobukan (different kanji from Ishimine’s). There is not enough information to write about any of them however.