As regular readers of this blog will know, I have a keen interest in the historical origins of Goju Ryu. Often quite frustratingly, finding definate answers to the many questions about the roots of this art prove a difficult, if not near impossible task in most respects.
The problems begin right at the very beginning with Higaonna Kanryo sensei. Born into a poor family and being unable to finish his education, Higaonna Kanyo sensei was one of many from that particular era of Ryukyu history who had the misfortune of being unable to read or write. As a result of this we find no written documentation about his training or thoughts. Whether such documentation might have survived the bombing of WW2 is another matter entirely.
So oral history provides most of what little we know of Higaonna sensei, and the passage of time, personal opinion, misinformation, and an underlying need to please the listener all have a significant effect upon how the story gets told.
It is commonly suggested that Higaonna sensei initially began his training in the Kumemura district of Naha under Maya Aragaki, and Kojo Taite. What he actually learnt under these teachers is not known. Later, Higaonna sensei travelled to Fuzhou where he learnt under either Kojo, Wai Shin Zan or the elusive Ru Ru Ko, staying from anywhere between 3 to 15 years. Again, what he actually learnt in Fuzhou is unknown.
Upon his return to Okinawa, he reportedly suffered from depression and ill health, succumbing to the popular passtimes of that era of gambling, getting drunk and visiting the numerous brothels of the Tsuji district.
According to Nagamine Shoshin sensei, Higaonna sensei became known as the secret bushi of Naha due to the fact that he refused to teach his art for some time. Despite this, his reputation as a practitioner was well known in the area.
Once the (commonly accepted) veil of secrecy was lifted upon the practise of martial arts in Okinawa, Higaonna sensei slowly began teaching interested practitioners. Again, very frustratingly, what he actually taught is the subject of debate. Schools of thought exist that Kanryo sensei taught only Sanchin, Sanseiru, Seisan and Suparinpei. Others maintain that he also taught the remaining kata of the Goju system including Saifa, seiunchin, shisochin, seipai, and kururunfa. Where is the content of the Chinese systems he might have studied in China?
All that is known for definate is that Kanryo sensei emphasised Sanchin practise and hojo undo, with the majority of lesson time being spent on these practises.
Miyagi Chojun sensei was a favourite student of Higaonna sensei and was in the very fortunate position of living close by to his teacher. In addition to this, he came from a very wealthy background and so could afford to help his sensei by paying for his rent, food expenses and medical bills. Remember that Higaonna sensei suffered from poor health upon his return to Okinawa, which was no doubt further harmed through his lifestyle. Because of the devotion that Miyagi sensei showed toward his teacher, he was trusted greatly by Kanryo sensei, who would quite likely have been more forthcoming with information than he might have been with other students.
These are a few of the accepted stories about Kanyro sensei’s life. The subject of his martial art is however quite mysterious, so we will in future look a little at some of the possible origins of the fighting traditions of Naha.
the history of okinawan karate is such a difficult thing to study!