Goju Ryu
Goju Ryu karate has the distinction of being the first of the Okinawan karate styles to be officially named. The style was created by Chojun Miyagi and was formally registered as “Goju Ryu” with the Japanese government in 1933. The late Meitoku Yagi was the most senior student of Goju Ryu karate creator, Chojun Miyagi. After Miyagi’s death the Miyagi family chose Meitoku Yagi to carry on the traditions of the style. Yagi taught the system to his two sons. The oldest son, Meitatsu, carries on the technical finesses of the style and its philosophy.
Meitatsu Yagi is arguably the most knowledgeable Goju stylist in the world. The lineage of Meitatsu Yagi is very clear. His father was his only karate teacher. Meitatsu Yagi, was born in Kume, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan on July 7, 1944. At the age of five Meitatsu started karate training with his father. They trained in their back yard six days a week for two hours a day. All of his knowledge about Goju-ryu karate comes from his father and master. Meitoku Yagi chose his eldest son to be the first to learn all facets of Meibukan Goju-ryu. Meibukan means “House of the Pure Minded Warrior” and was the name Meitoku Yagi chose for his school. Meitoku Yagi gave Meitatsu, his son and heir, the title of Hanshi Judan. This is the only time this title was given during his lifetime. Meitatsu Yagi continues his obligation to his father by spreading the knowledge he has been given about Goju Ryu karate around the world.
We are honoured to be members of the Meibukan and to have the opportunity to learn from Sensei Meitatsu Yagi. The International Meibukan Gojyu ryu Karate Association website can be found at www.IMGKA.com.
