The Roots of Gojuryu

Karate is thought to have developed from fighting systems originating in China. But how did it get to Okinawa?  In 1392, over 500 Chinese emigrated from Fujian Province to Naha in Okinawa, introducing Chinese culture to the people of the Ryukyu Islands.  In 1756, the Qing Dynasty military envoy, Kusanku, said to have been an expert in the Chinese martial art Ch’uan Fa, was dispatched to Okinawa.

After Shimazu Iehisa of the Satsuma clan in Kagoshima invaded the islands in 1609, all weapons were confiscated from the local people. This prohibition on weapons lasted 250 years. The study and training of unarmed combat was therefore conducted in secret as the Satsuma authorities intensified their clampdown.

Higaonna Kanryo

Though the full history is unclear, over time karate (literally "Chinese hand") evolved in Okinawa from its esoteric and secret beginnings to become a widespread practice.  By 1904 public demonstrations were commonplace and two main “styles” had emerged, named after the areas in which they were dominant: Naha-te and Shuri-te (including Tomari-te). Higaonna Kanryo was prominent in Naha-te, while his student, Miyagi Chojun, founded the Gojuryu style. 

Miyagi Chojun

The lineage of Gojuryu is, therefore, from Chinese Kung Fu. This can be seen, for example, in its emphasis on developing Ki (or Qi) power through breathing techniques, as well as the traces of the White Crane style found in Tensho and other kata.

Test your knowledge of (or find out more about) Gojuryu karatedo with this video