Objectives

• 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

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 spreading this art throughout the nations of the world.  Most importantly, the IOGKF was being 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, Shunshin Furugen, Jitsuei Yogi, and Shuichi Aragaki.

Since its foundation, the teachings of Morio Higaonna Sensei has been spread around the world, and the IOGKF now has over 50 affiliated countries worldwide. Every year gasshuku (training seminars) are held in various countries to ensure the transmission of correct technique and to promote friendship and exchange between members.

IOGKF is one of few karate organizations that the Japanese Government recognizes as a true Japanese traditional martial arts organization.  IOGKF is a proud member of the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai (Japan Traditional Martial Arts Association).

In September 2007, Higaonna Sensei received 10th dan (the highest rank in karate) as well as a special certificate signed by Miyagi An’ichi Sensei (successor of Goju-Ryu) and Aragaki Shuichi Sensei (direct students of Chojun Miyagi Sensei) that recognizes him as a successor in the direct line descended from Miyagi Chojun Sensei.

The IOGKF today is as dedicated to its original purpose as it was in 1979.  The IOGKF represents the philosophy of Goju-Ryu founder "Bushi" Chojun Miyagi, and with this in mind Higaonna Sensei reminds us that it is important to dedicate ourselves to the further improvement and development of Goju-Ryu karate through diligent training so that we may come to understand the very essence of our art.

The Administrative Director for the IOGKF is Tetsuji Nakamura, who is also a chief instructor of IOGKF Canada. The IOGKF Administrative Headquarters (Administrative Honbu) is in Ontario, Canada, where Tetsuji Nakamura resides. The Technical Headquarters (Technical Honbu) for the IOGKF, however, remains in Okinawa, and Higaonna Sensei himself teaches classes, when he is not teaching gasshukus in other countries.

IOGKF-USA Executive Structure

IOGKF USA Honorary Chairman
IOGKF Int’l Founder & Chief Instructor
Morio Higaonna

IOGKF International Vice Chief Instructor
IOGKF International Administrator
Tetsuji Nakamura

IOGKF USA Chief Instructor
Gene Villa

IOGKF USA Regional Coordinators

North East Region     Herbert Allen
North West Region    Ernie Brennecke
South East Region     Michael Han
South West Region    Blenda Morris