# IOGKF International

> International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karatedo Federation


## Posts

- [IOGKF returns to Fuzhou, China for World Chief Instructors Gasshuku](https://iogkf.com/2025/10/iogkf-returns-to-fuzhou-china-for-world-chief-instructors-gasshuku/): Over 150 years since Sensei Kanryo Higaonna journied to Fuzhou in search of the martial arts, IOGKF country heads and seniors returned to China and to the roots of the Goju-ryu style. Hosting the IOGKF World Chief Instructors Gasshuku in Fuzhou had been the long time goal of Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura, the chief instructor of IOGKF worldwide. His dream to reunite with his many friends, the masters of the Fuzhou Wushu Association, was both a personal goal and something that was critical to the history of Okinawan Goju-ryu. Sensei Nakamura has made six trips to Fuzhou since 1994 to research
- [Budosai Early Bird Registration Now Open!](https://iogkf.com/2024/03/budosai-early-bird-registration-now-open/): Early bird registration for the IOGKF 9th World Budosai is now open! Deadline for early bird registration: April 30, 2024 24:00 (JST = UTC+09:00) You can register for the event by clicking here!
- [IOGKF ONLINE BUDOSAI MEETING](https://iogkf.com/2024/02/iogkf-online-budosai-meeting/): The Journey to the Budosai continues…. At 9am (Toronto Time) on February 11, 2024, IOGKF members will the opportunity to connect with Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura and other IOGKF senior instructors in a special, FREE, online meeting. The meeting will include more announcements about the IOGKF 9th World Budosai, which is happening in Okinawa from July 23-27 this year. Along with the announcements will be a series of interviews with some of the senior IOGKF instructors who will be teaching at the World Budosai. They will be talking about their many experiences in Okinawa and Japan, as well as what will
- [IOGKF 9th World Budosai Dates Confirmed](https://iogkf.com/2023/12/iogkf-9th-world-budosai-dates-confirmed/): BUDOSAI DATES ARE LOCKED IN! JULY 23 – 27, 2024 – OKINAWA, JAPAN IOGKF International is very pleased to announce that the IOGKF 9th World Budosai will take place in Naha, Okinawa, Japan from July 23-27, 2024. This is the largest event that IOGKF International hosts and the Budosai only comes around every 4-5 years. Due to the Pandemic, this is the first World Budosai in 5 years and is set to be a massive event for IOGKF. Below is basic information about the event to help you and your family plan your trip to the Karate island of Okinawa.
- [The journey to Okinawa - IOGKF officially announces 9th World Budosai](https://iogkf.com/2023/09/the-journey-to-okinawa-iogkf-officially-announces-9th-world-budosai/): In 1981, IOGKF International hosted its first World Budosai event in Okinawa, Japan – the birthplace of Karate. Since this time, the event has been held again in 1991, 1998, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and finally in 2019. Now the IOGKF Executive Committee is pleased to announce that the event will officially return in the middle of 2024 for the 9th time. The World Budosai is the largest event to appear on the IOGKF calendar and now traditional held ever fourth year in Okinawa. In 2024, all IOGKF International events (such as the European Gasshuku, MCF, etc) will not be
- [THE WORLD UNITES FOR IOGKF KATA CHALLENGE](https://iogkf.com/2023/08/the-world-unites-for-iogkf-kata-challenge/): During the month of August 2023, IOGKF International has been running a world wide Kata challenge. In the interests of protecting traditonal Karate and bring IOGKF members closer together, the challenge sees IOGKF members set a goal for the number of Kata they wish to try and perform in a single month. Members record their training daily and have been uploading and sharing their progress with fellow IOGKF members via social media. To help participants maintain their motivation through this challenge, IOGKF World Chief Instructor: Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura, hosted a free online session which any IOGKF member could access. On
- [IOGKF 2023 KATA CHALLENGE](https://iogkf.com/2023/07/iogkf-2023-kata-challenge/): JOIN IOGKF MEMBERS AROUND THE WORLD FOR THE 2023 KATA CHALLENGE Throughout the month of August 2023, IOGKF members from around the world have the option to join Nakamura Sensei for the 2023 IOGKF Kata Challenge. This event first came to be during the covid pandemic, when Nakamura Sensei came up with a way to help IOGKF members maintain their training and motivation during lockdowns. Now much of the world is back to normality, the Kata challenge returns and now you can share in the experience with your Dojo. Here is how the Kata challenge works! 1 – Download a
- [Kihon - why and what good does it do for you? ](https://iogkf.com/2023/05/kihon-why-and-what-good-does-it-do-for-you/): By Sensei Torben Svendsen – IOGKF Denmark 7th Dan    Did you ever sit in the nature for a while, letting your thoughts drift?  In the begining you might think that you see everything in front of you. You might start getting bored by looking at the same thing… but if you get passed your boredom and sit a little longer, details starts to appear. You might see a different tree, a bush or even an animal might appear for you for the first time, even though it was there all the time…  Kihon (Basic training) in Karate is not
- [IOGKF Magazine | April 2023](https://iogkf.com/2023/05/iogkf-magazine-april-2023/)
- [My response letter to Higaonna Sensei's letter dated Feb 20, 2023](https://iogkf.com/2023/03/my-response-letter-to-higaonna-senseis-letter-dated-feb-20-2023/): Dear IOGKF members,  It is with a very heavy heart that I feel I must write this message in response to a recent letter by Higaonna Sensei, someone I have respected, admired, and followed for almost my entire adult life.  I also understand that when incidents like this happen, there are always different views depending on which side you stand.  However, whichever side you stand, facts are facts – they don’t change.  So, when it comes to false accusations and personal attacks, I will not accept it. I am writing this to clarify the facts of the past not to
- [IOGKF Magazine | February 2023](https://iogkf.com/2023/02/iogkf-magazine-february-2023-issue/): New year, new issue. Click here to access the latest edition of the IOGKF International Magazine: IOGKFMagazine_2302
- [IOGKF Magazine | December 2022](https://iogkf.com/2022/12/iogkf-magazine-december-2022-issue/): As the year wraps up, we have a new issue of IOGKF Magazine to share with our members. Please click the link below to download it for free. IOGKFMagazine_2212
- [IOGKF Magazine | October 2022](https://iogkf.com/2022/10/iogkf-magazine-october-2022-issue/):   We’re back after a brief hiatus. Click the link below to download your FREE copy of the latest issue of the IOGKF Magazine! IOGKFMagazine_2210
- [IOGKF Magazine | June 2022](https://iogkf.com/2022/07/iogkf-magazine-june-2022-issue/): Better late than never! The June issue of your IOGKF International Magazine is on your virtual newstands now. Click the link below for your FREE copy. IOGKFMagazine_2206
- [IOGKF Magazine | April 2022](https://iogkf.com/2022/05/iogkf-magazine-april-issue/): The latest issue of the IOGKF International Magazine is out now! This month’s issue features the first half of an exclusive interview with Higaonna Sensei. Click here to download your FREE copy  
- [IOGKF Magazine | February 2022](https://iogkf.com/2022/02/iogkf-magazine-february-issue/): On your digital newsstands now! Learn the real deal about the IOGKF logo and hear Higaonna Sensei speak about his karate journey. Click below to download your FREE copy today! IOGKFMagazine_202202
- [IOGKF Magazine | December 2021](https://iogkf.com/2021/12/iogkf-magazine-december-issue/): Just in time for Christmas – the latest issue of the IOGKF International Magazine is out now! Curl up over the holidays and dive into articles and interviews curated and written by instructors from across the world. Click the link below to download your FREE copy! IOGKF Magazine – December 2021
- [Re-launch of the IOGKF International Magazine | October 2021](https://iogkf.com/2021/10/magazine-issue-1/): We at iogkf.com are very excited to announce the re-launch of the IOGKF International Magazine! Issue #1 features a tribute to Shuichi Aragaki Sensei, an exclusive interview with Sensei Bakkies Laubscher, and more. Click the link below to download your free copy! IOGKFMagazine_202110
- [In Memory of Aragaki Shuichi Sensei](https://iogkf.com/2021/09/in-memory-of-aragaki-shuichi-sensei/): Like most masters, off the floor Aragaki Sensei looked like just another person. Unassuming, gentle, and with an infectious smile. On the dojo floor was a different story. Once there, to those observing it would suddenly become apparent that they were watching a student of Miyagi Chojun Sensei.   *****   Shuichi Aragaki Sensei was born in Taiwan in 1929. His family returned to Okinawa in 1947. As a youth, Aragaki Sensei was not strong – he was small. His grandfather was Ryuko Aragaki Sensei, the first instructor of Chojun Miyagi Sensei and the one who introduced Chojun Sensei to
- [Espanol Gasshuku May 2021](https://iogkf.com/2021/05/espanol-gasshuku-may-2021/): Español Gasshuku 2021 Muchos gracias/thank you! El Domingo pasado sostuvimos nuestro segundo Gasshuku para Hispanos parlante de la IOGKF Internacional. Estas seciones fueron dirigidas por el Jefe Instructor Mundial Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura (Canada), Sensei Luis Nunes (España), Sensei Juichi Kokubo (Peru), y Sensei Gustavo Tata (Argentina). Tuvimos unos 108 miembros de12 paises. Estamos muy agradecidos de tener tantos miembros de diferentes paises de alrededor del mundo que participaron. En estos tiempos de pandemia nos sentimos muy afortunado de que aun podamos vernos y entrenar juntos. Muchas gracias a todos por su participacion, fue un gran evento! On Sunday, we held
- [2020 World Black Belt Gasshuku Report](https://iogkf.com/2020/10/2020-world-black-belt-gasshuku-report-by-sensei-david-lambert/): IOGKF INTERNATIONAL UNITES THE WORLD In a year where pandemics, natural disasters and political unrest has driven the world further apart than any other time in living memory, technological platforms such as Zoom and FaceTime have managed to help keep us somewhat connected, despite the current challenges we all face. Karate and the IOGKF are no exception to having its everyday operation thrown into mayhem around the world. Many dojos are struggling to operate classes within restriction guidelines, some are forced to train outside with limited numbers and weather issues, while others have unfortunately not been able to survive the
- [End of year message from Nakamura Sensei](https://iogkf.com/2018/12/end-of-year-message-from-nakamura-sensei-2/): 2018 has been a wonderful year for IOGKF International. We have seen our organisation grow and achieve many milestones throughout this year. I would like to thank all the country chief instructors for their continued efforts to promote and protect traditional karate all around the world. With the support of these chief instructors, IOGKF International was able to host many successful major events. The Miyagi Chojun Festival in Canada, the European Gasshuku in England, Chief Instructors Gasshuku in Okinawa and the South American Gasshuku in Peru were all fantastic events supported by many IOGKF member countries. I want to thank
- [Hojo Undo Suspension training videos](https://iogkf.com/2018/02/hojo-undo-suspension-training-videos/): In a follow up to his extremely popular article on Hojo Undo training using the TRX suspension system, Sensei Pervez Mistry (IOGKF 8th Dan, chief instructor of India), along with Sensei Zeenat Mistry, have produced some video clips of the specific techniques mentioned in his original article. If you haven’t been fortunate enough to read the article yet, you can check it by clicking here.
- [IOGKF members receive bravery award](https://iogkf.com/2017/09/iogkf-members-receive-bravery-award/): To often in today’s news reports and daily paper headlines we only hear about the bad news stories. Rarely do you turn on the TV to see good news events sweeping across the evening bulletin. However two IOGKF Australian (AOGKF) members recently put their lives on the line to help prevent what would have been a tragic event that would have upset countless people all over the world. This is their good news story. Earlier this year, during the Australian summer and the Canberra day long weekend, a 39 year old man decided to take his wife and 4 children
- [2017 IOGKF European Gasshuku Report](https://iogkf.com/2017/08/2017-iogkf-european-gasshuku-report/): By: Sita Ganesan – IOGKF Canada   I preface this report with this: I am not European. I am from Canada. And although I would have expected to feel like an outsider because of this elsewhere, that was not the case here. This year, the European Gasshuku was held in Prague, Czech Republic from July 24th – 28th and was hosted by Sensei Jaroslav Kulik and the CAOGK. However, my brother and I left Canada a few days beforehand and headed to Trenčín, Slovakia. We had met some of the members of SAOGK last year when they came to train
- [TRX - A new way of working out](https://iogkf.com/2017/08/trx-a-new-way-of-working-out/): Written by: Sensei Pervez B Mistry – IOGKF 8th Dan – India When I first laid my hands on the TRX Suspension System, two years ago, I soon realized that it was sheer genius in its apparent simplicity. The second thought that struck me was why the heck didn’t I think of it. And before any one asks what does TRX stand for let me inform one and all that I still haven’t figured it out. But what I have figured out is that this uncomplicated arrangement of a strap, handles and loops is undoubtedly the best thing that was
- [2017 Miyagi Chojun Festival Event Report](https://iogkf.com/2017/07/2017-miyagi-chojun-festival-event-report/): Written by: Sensei Julie Dersch – IOGKF Denmark I have attended many Gasshuku in Europe and Budosai in Okinawa, and this year from the 15th – 18th June I participated in the Miyagi Chojun Festival (MCF), a Gasshuku which has been held annually in North America since 1989. This year’s MCF took place in Spokane in the state Washington and was hosted by Sensei Gene Villa and IOGKF USA.   I had decided to go to the MCF this year, because typically there are several instructors teaching at this event, whom I have never had the chance to train with
- [IOGKF 'Under Siege' - Steven Seagal visits Higaonna Dojo](https://iogkf.com/2017/04/iogkf-under-siege-steven-seagal-visits-higaonna-dojo/): Information provided by: Mr. Miguel Da Luz – www.okinawakaratenews.com Photographs provided by: Mr. Okihiro Medoruma – Higaonna Dojo Article by: David Lambert Being extremely successful in multiple fields is a feat achieved by few. However for martial artists hoping to make it big on the world stage a few have been able to use their talents to forge careers in Hollywood, both in front and behind the camera. Bruce Lee exploded onto movie screens in the 1970’s and he introduced us to Chuck Norris. Jackie Chan continued on in the same tradition the decade after, before American born Aikido practitioner
- [Sensei Carlos Martinez](https://iogkf.com/2017/03/sensei-carlos-martinez/):   IOGKF International is very sad to announce that Sensei Carlos Martinez, Representative of IOGKF in Panama, has passed away after a battle with cancer. On the behalf of our International organisation, we extend our deepest sympathies to Sensei Carlos’ family, friends and members of IOGKF Panama at this difficult time. Please send your message of condolences to: senseicarlosmartinez@hotmail.com.
- [Faces of IOGKF - Ciara McGrath](https://iogkf.com/2017/01/faces-of-iogkf-ciara-mcgrath/): When something grows as big as IOGKF International (the largest Okinawan Karate organisation in the world), you can be sure you’re always going to be in great company. Thousands of people the world over are involved in the federation and even though it is home to some of the world’s best Goju-ryu instructors, it is the little people that help make IOGKF so big. Hard working, motivated and dedicated Karate-ka from over 60 different nations working towards a common goal. Faces of IOGKF is a continuing series that gives us the chance to highlight those special people within our organisation
- [End of year message from Nakamura Sensei](https://iogkf.com/2016/12/end-of-year-message-from-nakamura-sensei/):   Dear IOGKF Family, I would like to thank you for all your hard work to preserve and promote traditional karate. Looking back this year, we had great success at the World Budosai, breaking the attendance record with over 1,100 karate-ka. I am sure that everybody was so happy to see Higaonna Sensei back in action. Higaonna Sensei is very satisfied with the outcome of the event, and now his focus is to work with all Okinawan karate masters and the Okinawan government to bring Okinawa Karate to UNESCO as an intangible cultural treasure. Higaonna Sensei told me to tell
- [Message from Mrs. Kerri Larken](https://iogkf.com/2016/11/message-from-mrs-kerri-larken/): The passing of Chris has left a huge hole in my heart and my life, yet we were given 9 months longer to prepare for this time, than first expected. We spoke about everything and anything and left no words unspoken. We made plans for the future and prepared for his passing. We laughed and cried and laughed some more! It was wonderful to have 9 perfect months where we didn’t leave each other’s side. Even when Chris was in hospital, I slept there, sometimes even snuggling up next to him in the same bed. The nursing staff knew better
- [A Piece of History](https://iogkf.com/2016/11/a-piece-of-history/): CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ONLINE GALLERIES FROM THE WORLD BUDOSAI The history of Okinawan Goju-ryu is indeed a rich and incredible story. The martial arts journey’s of Kanyro Higaonna Sensei, Chojun Miyagi Sensei and those who came before and after them, has helped shaped to culture of traditional Karate worldwide today. Master Morio Higaonna’s life long pursuit of bringing the most detailed and accurate depiction of the lives of our Karate forefathers has resulted in the publishing of several books, videos and documentaries on the subject. We read and listen to the tales of the trials and triumphs faced
- [Sensei Chris Larken 1953 - 2016](https://iogkf.com/2016/10/sensei-chris-larken-1953-2016/): IOGKF International is very sad to report the passing of Sensei Chris Larken, 7th Dan &  chief instructor of Australia. To send a message of condolence, please email: admin@iogkf.com Click Here to see messages of condolence from IOGKF members across the globe Click Here to see a message of response from Mrs. Kerri Larken Sensei Chris began his Karate training in Newcastle, Australia as a young man in 1970. He was graded to Shodan in 1977, by Sensei John Jarvis. Sensei Jarvis had built a Kyokushinkai Karate empire in Australia and New Zealand at that time and when Sensei Higaonna
- [Messages of condolence for Sensei Chris Larken](https://iogkf.com/2016/10/messages-of-condolence-for-sensei-chris-larken/): Sensei Chris Larken was a great karate-ka.  The development of IOGKF Australia today owes a lot to him.  I have known him over 40 years and have a lot of fond memories with him.  Thank you for all your hard work to protect and promote traditional karate.  Please rest in peace.  My condolences to Kerri and family. Morio Higaonna (IOGKF Supreme Master) ________________________________________________________________________________ I am very sorry to hear that Sensei Chris Larken passed away. He was such a great person as well as a great martial artist. Today’s development of IOGKF Australia owes a lot to him. He left
- [2016 IOGKF WORLD BUDOSAI EVENT REPORT](https://iogkf.com/2016/08/2016-iogkf-world-budosai-event-report/): For photographs from the Budosai by event photographer Roman Boldyrev click here Today is one month to the day since the arena doors of the Okinawan prefectural Budokan burst open and the IOGKF world Budosai began! The event quickly caught the attention of all local martial artists in Okinawa as historians were quick to inform the IOGKF that the Budosai’s 1,100 participants had broken the record for the largest traditional Karate gather of all time on the island. With this and so many accomplishments taking place the one massive week that celebrated all things Karate, it’s important to reflect and
- [The most dangerous man in Japan in a real fight](https://iogkf.com/2016/07/the-most-dangerous-man-in-japan-in-a-real-fight/): Sensei Morio Higaonna is the world famous Okinawan Karate master and living cultural treasure who has had an impact on millions of people across the globe. The founder of the International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF), Higaonna Sensei has dedicated his entire life to the development and protection of his art. The world now knows even more of the incredible life story of this supreme master, with new details now be released in lectures across the world by his successor, Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura. Higaonna Sensei has been described in numerous ways over his nearly 60 years of Karate training, but
- [Remastering Mastery](https://iogkf.com/2016/07/remastering-mastery/): Remastering mastery – the mission to restore Higaonna Sensei’s famous books.      1985 seems like a long time ago. It was the year we went back to the future with Marty McFly, Ronald Regan was sworn in as president for his second term and the first edition of the now world famous traditional Karate books of Master Morio Higaonna were released. The four book series became the first definitive text on the entire Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate style. Master Morio Higaonna was able share his mastery of his art at to the world fully with the careful use of a high
- [15 places you must see when you visit Okinawa](https://iogkf.com/2016/06/15-places-you-must-see-when-you-visit-okinawa/): With less than a month to go until the start of the world Budosai, IOGKF members around the world are ramping up their training as they prepare to come before supreme master, Sensei Morio Higaonna. But the Budosai is not all work, there is plenty of time to play and explore the wonder that is Okinawa during this special week of traditional Karate celebrations. Taking the time to plan your trip in Okinawa will help you to make the most of your stay in the birthplace of Karate. Whether you have been to Okinawa before or you are journeying there
- [Book Review: Sanchin - Three Battles](https://iogkf.com/2016/06/book-review-sanchin-three-battles/): Sanchin is a Kata practiced by millions of Karate practitioners all over the world and the global popularization of Okinawan martial arts over the past 60 years has seen the Kata take many forms. Sensei Pervez Mistry, referred to as the father of Karate in India, is an 8th Dan in Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate and has a career which has spanned over half a century. He has witnessed first-hand the spread of Karate and Sanchin Kata worldwide due to the fact that he has been studying the art and the Kata longer than most people will ever hope to. His
- [The essential IOGKF guide to traveling in Okinawa](https://iogkf.com/2016/06/the-essential-iogkf-guide-to-traveling-in-okinawa/): Budosai excitement fever is still spreading worldwide! More and more people are still registering to train each day as the event is almost upon us! The chance for you to train in the birthplace of Karate, along with experience the wonder that is Okinawa. This is a rare opportunity and one you definitely want to make the most of. If you have never been to Okinawa before, or if you have and it has been a while, then take a read of our helpful guide for getting around Okinawa, specifically for Budosai attendees.   Arriving in Okinawa Assuming you are
- [Your Budosai Instructors](https://iogkf.com/2016/05/your-budosai-instructors/): The IOGKF World Budosai countdown is well and truly on, with people from every corner of the globe registering in their hundreds to participate in this traditional martial arts event like no other. The International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF) is the largest Okinawan traditional martial arts organization in the world. It’s over 35 year history has brought about the development of some of the world’s best Goju-ryu instructors, some of which have been training for over half a century. Having such a wealth of experience and talent from across the globe, gather and come together in one place is
- [10 Reasons to go the IOGKF World Budosai](https://iogkf.com/2016/04/10-reasons-to-go-the-iogkf-world-budosai/): 10 Reasons why you should register to attend the IOGKF world Budosai Every once in a while life throws rare opportunities your way. Whether we take them up or not is our decision to make. The 2016 IOGKF world Budosai is one of those such opportunities. This event truly is a once in a life time opportunity, whether you have been to Okinawa before of not. The question is will you seize the chance to forge lifelong memories and take the trip martial artists all around the world will be talking about in decades to come? Early bird discounts for
- [Interview with Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura](https://iogkf.com/2016/03/interview-with-sensei-tetsuji-nakamura/): Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura is world chief instructor of the International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF), the largest Okinawan traditional Karate organisation in the world. Sensei Nakamura is successor of this role from Master Higaonna, the original founder of the federation, and now acts as the head of over 75,000 members in 60 plus countries… Firstly, how is Higaonna Sensei doing now? Higaonna Sensei is doing very good. He is recovering very well now. Every day now he is walking outside to help in his rehabilitation and is getting stronger little by little. When he is feeling very good he comes
- [Anatomy of a Punch](https://iogkf.com/2016/03/anatomy-of-a-punch/): Anatomy of a Punch By: Sensei Pervez Mistry – IOGKF India (From December 2012 IOGKF International Newsletter) INTRODUCTION On returning from The Okinawa Budosai in 2004 one of my students, a Go-Kyu from our Honbu dojo, wrote a very interesting article, entitled “THE  SCIENCE OF STANDING PROPERLY”, and which was published in our old International Newsletter. There is always something to learn from everyone and everything around you, be it your Sensei, or student. Kersi’s article sparked off a dormant interest on this topic, that went off like a delayed time bomb and had me hunting for my old notes,
- [IOGKF Jewelry for Sale](https://iogkf.com/2016/03/iogkf-jewelry-for-sale/): IOGKF Jewelry for Sale – Pick up at the World Budosai CLICK HERE TO VIEW & ORDER The incredible products of Whispering Elms Studio’s are the brain child of IOGKF Canada Dojo instructor, Sensei Lynne Holloway. For years Sensei Lynne has being producing highly sought after jewelry that is both appealing to you and your loved ones. Utilizing a variety of materials to create these wonders, Sensei Lynne has expanded her range to include products for all IOGKF members. With careful and precise skill, Sensei Lynne has created a beautiful range that includes the IOGKF Kenkon (logo) and now IOGKF
- [Interview with Sensei Bakkies Laubscher](https://iogkf.com/2016/03/interview-with-sensei-bakkies-laubscher/): Interview with Sensei Bakkies Laubscher Interview by: Sensei David Lambert   Please tell us about what growing up in South Africa was like for you and how you came across fighting arts? Growing up in South Africa, I mean we only had television test programs in 1974, we only really had TV from 1975-76. So we amused ourselves. With the climate in South Africa, as kids we really played a lot outside, doing the typical things like climbing trees and shooting catapults at each other, or playing rugby or playing in the street. It was very physical and obviously with
- [Passing of Teruo Chinen Sensei](https://iogkf.com/2015/09/passing-of-teruo-chinen-sensei/): The passing of Teruo Chinen Sensei Message from Sensei Morio Higaonna – IOGKF Supreme Master I would like to express my sincere condolences on the death of Sensei Teruo Chinen.   His contribution to spreading Traditional Okinawan Karate was tremendous.  May God bless his soul. Morio Higaonna Message from Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura – IOGKF World Chief Instructor I would like to express my sincere condolences on the death of Sensei Teruo Chinen. I never had chance to meet with Sensei Chinen personally, but I have heard many good stories about him from Higaonna Sensei and senior members of IOGKF. His contribution
- [Interview with Sensei Ernie Molyneux](https://iogkf.com/2015/04/interview-with-sensei-ernie-molyneux/): Interview with Sensei Ernie Molyneux Interview by: Sensei David Lambert as featured in three parts in IOGKF Magazine For those who don’t really know or understand Higaonna Sensei’s achievements, what can you tell us. Well for starters Higaonna Sensei has been recognised as a living cultural treasure for his contributions towards martial arts or Karate basically. If you are talking rank wise, Sensei has graded from white belt to 3rd Dan when he was 19 after many of training. As for when the IOGKF started, I believe Sensei was a 7th Dan. He was this rank when he first came
- [Sanchin: The Jewel of Goju-ryu](https://iogkf.com/2015/03/sanchin-the-jewel-of-goju-ryu/): Sanchin: The Jewel of Goju-ryu By: Sensei Linda Marchant – IOGKF England (EGKA) There have been many articles on Sanchin by instructors who are far more versed in the science of the subject than me. Therefore, I would like to share my views on training for Sanchin and just summarise the various disciplines that you will no doubt be aware of, to help organise your Sanchin journey and begin to appreciate the importance of its existence. The meaning of Sanchin can be explained as three minds or three conflicts of the mental, physical and spiritual coming together as one, for
- [Concerning the Path - By: Higaonna Sensei](https://iogkf.com/2015/03/concerning-the-path/): Concerning the Path By: Sensei Morio Higaonna Through investigations into the history of martial arts, I would like to consider my own path. From the wisdom and teachings of our predecessors in Japan and Okinawa to the modern era, martials arts like Judo have come from Jujutsu, Kendo from old style Japanese fencing, and the Karate Jutsu of the past to the Karate Do of the present, and these martial arts were originally created for self defence but can now be practiced today to complete one’s character. The Chinese Taoist philosopher Laozi, believed that the concept of the path represents
- [Women of Karate & the story of Sensei Linda Marchant](https://iogkf.com/2014/05/women-of-karate/): A brief, but interesting look back at the history of women entering the Karate Dojo. Check out the IOGKF International magazine for rare pictures and a profile on IOGKF’s foremost female authority, Sensei Linda Marchant. The last few months has seen IOGKF International achieve many milestones. Higaonna Sensei is turning 75 years old, Sensei Bakkies has reached 50 years of training and IOGKF England (EGKA) is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. However in October 2013, another ground breaking milestone was achieved, when Sensei Linda Marchant became the first female in the entire history of the IOGKF to obtain the rank of
- [75 years young -  Master Morio Higaonna](https://iogkf.com/2014/05/75-years-young-master-morio-higaonna/): A tribute article to our Master on the occasion of his 75th Birthday! Including video clips throughout Master Higaonna’s incredible life. For rare photographs and full colour layout read the latest edition of IOGKF magazine. When you look back at 1938 it seems so distant to the younger generation. It was a year that saw much history created in all four corners of the world; in Europe a man by the name of Hitler was beginning to gather a following in Germany, while in Australia the first telephone link to the white house was established. And across the Pacific ocean

## Pages

- [IOGKF Magazine](https://iogkf.com/iogkf-magazine/)
- [My account](https://iogkf.com/my-account/)
- [Checkout](https://iogkf.com/checkout/)
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- [IOGKF Logo](https://iogkf.com/about-iogkf/iogkf-logo/): The IOGKF Logo | Our Family Symbol The IOGKF logo is not a symbol representing Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate as a style.   KEY POINTS IOGKF International administrative office is the global legal owner of the IOGKF logo, which is trademarked property. The logo represents IOGKF only. No other Goju-Ryu, Karate or martial art group is represented by the IOGKF logo. IOGKF Full Membership countries in good standing are granted the privilege to have sole control of the use of the IOGKF logo and name in that organization including the use thereof on any merchandise, literature or product within its organization.
- [Event Archive](https://iogkf.com/event-archive/)
- [Upcoming Events](https://iogkf.com/upcoming-events/): IOGKF International and its member countries host numerous events every year. There are annual and biannual International events such as European Gasshuku, Miyagi Chojun Festival, South American Gasshuku, Oceania Gasshuku, International Gasshuku, Black Belt Gasshuku and chief instructors Gasshuku. All of these events are taught by world chief instructor Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura, with attendance from supreme master Sensei Morio Higaonna where possible. IOGKF member countries also host their own events throughout the year utilising the skills of their own chief instructors or representatives and IOGKF senior instructors from across the globe.
- [Home Page](https://iogkf.com/)
- [Event Calendar](https://iogkf.com/event-calendar/)
- [News and Media](https://iogkf.com/news-and-media/)
- [Member Countries](https://iogkf.com/member-countries/)
- [Middle East](https://iogkf.com/middle-east/)
- [Oceania](https://iogkf.com/oceania/)
- [Africa](https://iogkf.com/africa/)
- [South America](https://iogkf.com/south-america/)
- [North America](https://iogkf.com/north-america/)
- [Europe](https://iogkf.com/europe/)
- [Asia](https://iogkf.com/1455-2/)
- [Sensei Nakamura, Tetsuji](https://iogkf.com/sensei-nakamura-tetsuji/):     Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura, the man entrusted by Master Higaonna to fulfil a life time’s duty of protecting traditional Goju-ryu and passing it on the next generation. In July 2012, Sensei Higaonna announced to his senior students around the world that he would be passing the flame of Goju-ryu onto Sensei Nakamura – a man who has been one of his closest and loyal students. At the age of only 47 years old, Sensei Nakamura claims that as he is young and that he still has a lot to learn as a Karate-ka; demonstrating the kind of humility we
- [Sensei Higaonna, Morio](https://iogkf.com/sensei-higaonna-morio/):     Morio Higaonna was born 25th December 1938, and he began his karate training when he was fourteen. He studied Shorin-Ryu with his father. He was also training with a friend, Tsunetaka Shimabukuro, another Shorin-Ryu stylist. At the age of sixteen he began to train in the Goju-Ryu style on the recommendation of Shimabukuro Sensei. The year was 1955 and the young Higaonna was training in the garden dojo of the late Chojun Miyagi Shihan, his instructor was An´ichi Miyagi Sensei. At that time the training regime was very tough and Higaonna Sensei tells us of the countless times
- [Sensei Miyagi, An'ichi](https://iogkf.com/sensei-miyagi-anichi/):     An´ichi Miyagi was born in Okinawa on 9th February 1931. When he was fourteen both of his parents died. He was then left with the task of raising his two younger brothers. He began his karate training with Chojun Miyagi Sensei in 1948. Such was his devotion to karate and respect for his teacher that he was taken as Uchi Deshi (special student) by Chojun Sensei. During this time An´ichi Sensei practiced all the kata of Goju-ryu along with the basic bunkai and many of the hidden bunkai were also taught to him, he diligently practiced Hojo-Undo, Junbi-Undo
- [Sensei Miyagi, Chojun](https://iogkf.com/sensei-miyagi-chojun/):     Chojun Miyagi was born on 25th April 1888 in Okinawa. At the age of five he became the heir to the Miyagi family. His training in karate began at the age of eleven under Ryuko Aragaki Sensei who practiced and taught Tomari-Te. When he was fourteen his teacher introduced him to Higaonna Kanryo Sensei. Chojun Sensei trained with Kanryo Sensei from 1902 until October 1916, when Kanryo Sensei passed away. During this time he was one of the few people who could withstand the severe training given by Kanryo Sensei. After the death of his teacher, Chojun Sensei
- [Sensei Higaonna, Kanryo](https://iogkf.com/senei-higaonna-kanryo/)
- [IOGKF Historical Timeline](https://iogkf.com/iogkf-historical-timeline/)
- [IOGKF History](https://iogkf.com/iogkf-history/): The International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF) was established in July 1979 by Morio Higaonna Sensei. The IOGKF was established for the purpose of protecting and preserving traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do as an intangible cultural treasure in its original form as passed on by Goju-Ryu founder Chojun Miyagi, and to spread this art throughout the nations of the world. Most importantly, the IOGKF was formed with the support and backing of Ken Miyagi (fourth son of Goju-Ryu founder Chojun Miyagi), An’ichi Miyagi (successor to Chojun Miyagi) and senior students of the late Chojun Miyagi: Seiko Kina, Seijin Nakamoto, Kiei Tomoyose,
- [Goju Ryu History](https://iogkf.com/goju-ryu-history/): Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who lived in the 6th century and is said to be the patriarch of all martial arts. However few fighting arts have a deep and fascinating history as that of Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do. From Shaolin temple and Chinese boxing origins, to the style of Naha-te, its further development into Okinawan Goju-ryu and the formation of the International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation, the history of our art spans hundreds of years. Passed from Master to student, the art was trained and the history was transmitted orally. In the late 20th century Sensei Morio Higaonna documented this
- [About IOGKF](https://iogkf.com/about-iogkf/):   Goals of the IOGKF Preserve Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu karate and pass it to the next generation. Through karate training, add positive impact to our lives and improve our physical and mental abilities. By teaching traditional karate, we educate our members to be better persons. By doing so, we help our society to be a better place to live.   The IOGKF Logo Click here for more information on the IOGKF logo IOGKF Executive Structure ORGANIZATIONAL POSITION IOGKF WORLD CHIEF INSTRUCTOR & CHAIRMAN (Shuseki Shihan) TETSUJI NAKAMURA IOGKF WORLD VICE-CHIEF INSTRUCTOR (Fuku Shuseki Shihan) ERNIE MOLYNEUX HENRIK LARSEN JORGE
- [Sample Page](https://iogkf.com/sample-page/): This is an example page. It’s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I’m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my website. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin’ caught in the rain.) …or something like this: The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971,


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