Welcome to IOGKF USA

The International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF) is one of the finest, traditional karate organizations in the world today.  Under the leadership of our master, Sensei Morio Higaonna, 10th dan, the IOGKF is committed to preserving the intangible cultural treasure of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do, which has been passed down to us in its original form from one generation to the next.  Since its establishment in 1979, the IOGKF has attracted culturally diverse martial arts practitioners from around the world, who have joined the organization after recognizing the authenticity and excellence of the IOGKF and its direct karate lineage tracing back to Bushi Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do.  Our members actively support our mission, objectives, and activities.  The IOGKF sponsors interactive website forums, weekend seminars, and international martial arts events for its members to stay informed with news updates, improve their ongoing knowledge and skills, and develop life-long friendships.  The IOGKF now has members in over 50 affiliated countries worldwide and is the largest Okinawan karate organization in the world.  This website represents the membership of IOGKF-USA.

We believe that Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do training benefits all practitioners, regardless of their nationality, race, age, or gender.  We have members as young as three years old up to those over 80 years of age.  The IOGKF has a worldwide network of leadership groups and karate schools in different countries with highly-qualified chief instructors and dojo instructors to meet the needs of students and families.  Training at their own pace, each IOGKF member will improve their mind (mental health, education, and language); body (self defense skills, physical fitness, flexibility, and endurance); and spirit (character, positive attitude, and contributions to society).  It is our goal to improve the “quality of life” for all of our IOGKF members to help make a positive impact on the world.  The IOGKF welcomes all potential new members to join our international karate family!


An'ichi Miyagi Sensei passed away

An'ichi Miyagi Sensei (The successor of Chojun Miyagi Sensei, Supreme Master of IOGKF) passed away April 28th, 2009.  Please send your condolence message to admin@iogkf.com

Condolence Messages

An'ichi Miyagi Sensei Biography

I would like to express my deepest condolence to the family of An’ichi Miyagi Sensei.

An’ichi Miyagi Sensei was the chosen student of Chojun Miyagi Sensei.  The essence of Goju-Ryu survived because of him. 

He lived a very simple life following the teaching of his teacher.  In 2007, Anichi Sensei announced officially that Morio Higaonna Sensei is
 a successor of Goju-Ryu after him

Last year during the World Budosai when I visited Anichi Sensei at his home, Anichi Sensei told me that he often woke up in the middle of the night with visions of Miyagi Chojun Sensei. 
I believe he has now joined with Chojun Sensei and is watching us from heaven. 

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to An’ichi Sensei for everything he has done for us all and Goju-Ryu, and I promise my firm commitment to carry his legacy to our next generation. 

Please rest in peace.

Tetsuji Nakamura
IOGKF Vice Chief Instructor
IOGKF Administrative Director
IOGKF North America Chief Instructor


MCF 2009 Feedback

MCF 2009 You Tube video

Please e-mal the feedback of your experience of MCF 2009 to admin@iogkf.com

MCF 2009 Event Report by Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura

MCF 2009 was a tremendous success.  We had over 200 participants from Canada, USA, Mexico, Venezuela, England, Sweden, Israel, Japan, Germany and Saudi Arabia. 

A few days before the event, I received very sad news from Higaonna Sensei that An'ichi Miyagi Sensei had passed away.  It was a great loss for all Goju-Ryu practitioners.  I, and my family, had a close relationship with An'ichi Sensei and his family.  I really appreciate that Higaonna Sensei came to Canada for MCF at such a difficult time.  The first class of the event was dedicated to An'ichi Miyagi Sensei.  We performed 78 Gekisai Dai Ichi kata to show our appreciation to An'ichi Miyagi Sensei who passed away at the age of 78.  During the first two days of training, we spread the participants into groups by rank, and guest instructors taught each class.  Participants had opportunities to learn from some of the finest sensei in IOGKF, such as Sudo Sensei, Sensei Gene Villa, Sensei Michael Han, Sensei Linda Marchant and Sensei Herbert Allen. 

The talent contest on Friday night was great fun.  Many members came up on the stage to demonstrate their talent in singing, dancing and more.  It was great to see big smiles and laughs; a different side of our members outside of the dojo floor.   This event created a closer feeling between our members. IOGKF is one big family. 

Higaonna Sensei arrived late Friday night as he had to attend An'ichi Sensei's funeral.  Saturday morning, Higaonna Sensei spent a lot of time with the whole group going through details of junbi undo (warm up exercises) and kihon (basic techniques).  It was a great session, and we all appreciated his commitment and spirit to share his knowledge with all of us at such a difficult time. 

On Saturday night, we had the IOGKF 30th anniversary and Higaonna Sensei's 70th birthday party.  We also celebrated An'ichi Miyagi Sensei's life and showed our appreciation for what he did for all of us.  We had a presentation video on the big screen about the life and history of Higaonna Sensei, An'ichi Miyagi Sensei and IOGKF.  Several senior instructors made speeches for Higaonna Sensei.  It was a wonderful night.  I received many comments from participants that they feel so lucky and honoured to be a part of such a great organization.   

On Sunday after intense training with Higaonna Sensei, we had a masters’ demonstration.  It was great to see many skilful performances of Goju-Ryu sensei, as well as masters from other styles.


Higaonna Sensei's 70th Birthday Gift

For Higaonna Sensei's 70th birthday gift, IOGKF North American Dojo and participants of MCF 2009 raised funds and gave him a three-night trip to Lake Louise in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, one of the most beautiful places on the planet.  Higaonna Sensei really enjoyed being in such magnificent natural surroundings.  He mentioned many times that it is hard to describe how beautiful it was.  He was very relaxed and refreshed.  Higaonna Sensei want to thank all dojo and individuals that contributed to this special birthday gift.  Please check photo gallery at www.iogkf.ca for pictures of the trip. 


 USA Northeast Regional Gasshuku Report February 2008

         "
USA North east Regional Gasshuku Feedbacks"


USA Black Belt Gasshuku (Oct 10-13, 2008) - Feedback
2008 IOGKF USA BLACK BELT GASSHUKU was a great success.  45 Black Belt instructors gathered at The Family Karate Centre, Spokane, WA and trained under Sensei Bakkies Laubscher (8th dan, IOGKF South Africa).  Please see the feedback from participants. 


USA Newsletter "MO ICHI DO" February 2009


Upcoming Event

July 3-5                    B.C. Gasshuku with Nakamura Sensei
                               Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada

Oct 17                      IOGKF North America Friendship Tournament
(Tentative)                Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Nov 20 – 22              North America Black Belt Gasshuku
(Tentative)                Burlington, Ontario, Canada

 

 




 

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