Kanryō Higashionna, born March 10, 1853 and died October 23, 1915, was a prolific martial arts master from Okinawa, Japan. He is best known as the founder of Naha-te karate, which later became the basis of the Goju-ryu style.
Higashionna was born into a poor family in Naha, the capital of Okinawa. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in martial arts and began learning the rudiments of tegumi, a traditional Okinawan form of wrestling, as well as tode, an ancient form of karate.
At the age of 16, driven by his desire to deepen his knowledge of martial arts, Higashionna traveled to Fuzhou, China, where he spent over 10 years studying various styles of Chinese martial arts, including Fujian White Crane kung fu, a form of combat that emphasizes fluidity of movement and breathing techniques.
When he returned to Okinawa in the 1880s, Higashionna incorporated what he had learned in China with his previous tode experience to create a new style of karate, which he called “Naha-te”. This style was characterized by a unique combination of fast, fluid movements, deep breathing techniques and a particular emphasis on hardness and suppleness, hence the name Goju-ryu (“hard and soft”).
As well as being a skilled martial arts master, Higashionna was also a dedicated teacher. He opened a dojo in Naha, where he taught many students, including his son, Juhatsu Kyoda, and his most famous pupil, Chojun Miyagi, who would later become the founder of Goju-ryu karate.
Higashionna stressed the importance of discipline, respect and humility in the practice of martial arts. He firmly believed that karate was more than just a method of combat, but also a means of personal and spiritual development. His teaching emphasized self-improvement through rigorous practice and self-control.
Higashionna died in 1915, leaving behind an important legacy in the history of karate. His Naha-te style had a significant influence on the development of modern karate, and his teaching inspired a generation of karate masters, including Chojun Miyagi, who perpetuated his legacy through the Goju-ryu style.
In short, Kanryō Higashionna was a martial arts master of great skill and a dedicated teacher. His passion for the martial arts and his dedication to teaching have
left an indelible mark on the history of karate. His style, Naha-te, and philosophy continue to influence modern karate, testifying to Higashionna’s lasting impact on the martial art.