Description
From this fifth volume of the Morio Higaonna’s Goju Ryu Technical Series, we understand more fully the connection between Goju Ryu karate, and the Southern Chinese boxing methods from which it developed.
In the advanced kata Suparinpei, we see elements of the White Crane and Tiger Fist boxing methods; in Tensho, we detect the characteristic movements of Rokkishu; in kakie we cannot fail to recognize the “push hands” exercise so intrinsic to Chinese martial arts that it is depicted on the walls of the Shaolin temple.
That Goju Ryu is based upon a style or styles that originated in Fuchow, there is no doubt. What changed it into a uniquely Okinawan form of self-defense was the ability of Kanryo Higaonna, and the genius and dedication of his student, Chojun Miyagi. Miyagi, the greatest of Kanryo’s disciples, was blessed with large measures of ability, strength, and intelligence. These he used to codify the ancient martial art and preserve its treasures, while helping it evolve into a method that would be embraced by twentieth century society.
History will remember him as a humble and moral man, who raised the art of Goju Ryu karate to the level of a cultural achievement of the Okinawan people. Asking nothing from his students but dedication, he is the epitome of the classical Okinawan karate master.
