Pioneers and Founders of Goju-Ryu Organizations:

Ryu Ryu Ko (unknown)

Ryu Ryu Ko: Ryu Ryu Ko is the link to modern Okinawan Goju-Ryu. He learned the fighting arts in the mountains of Fujian province (China). The precise dates of his birth and death are unknown; nevertheless, his martial arts prowess was known all over Fuzhou (Fujian province). During this time, he owned a small store that manufactured and sold products of cane and rattan. He was known for his tremendous grip strength and excelled in hand fighting. Eventually, he began teaching Kanryo Higashionna martial arts, kobudo, and herbal medicine. Very little is known about Ryu Ryu Ko after Higashionna returned to Okinawa in the early 1880's.

Kanryo Higashionna (1853-1915)

Grandmaster Kanryo Higaonna was born on March 10, 1853 in Naha, the capital city Okinawa. His father, Kanyo, worked as a merchant sailing between the small islands of Okinawa trading everyday goods. From a young age, Kanryo Higaonna helped his father in this work and through the hard physical labor that was involved, he developed a strong body.

Kanryo Higaonna was still in his teens when his father died suddenly. Kanryo decided he wanted to study the martial arts and he set his heart on traveling to Fuzhou, China for this purpose. In 1869, at the age of 16, he arrived in Fuzhou. Once in Fuzhou, he studied the Chinese martial arts under the great Master, Ryu Ryu Ko. He soon became "uchi deshi" (private disciple) and he remained in China under the severe instruction of his teacher for approximately 13 years. In addition to studying empty handed martial arts, he also became accomplished in weapons techniques and Chinese herbal medicine. Master Ryu Ryu Ko esteemed his pupil highly and sanctioned Kanryo's mastery of these arts - an honor which is accorded extremely rarely. Such was Kanryo's skill in the martial arts that his fame became widespread throughout Fuzhou and the surrounding area.

In 1881, after 13 years of diligent study with his teacher, he returned to Naha, Okinawa where his martial arts became known as Naha-te- (these arts were also referred to as "Tode" meaning martial arts from China). Kanryo Higaonna taught these martial arts to the people of Okinawa, and at the same time continued his own research and practice. In order to teach the youth of Okinawa, he developed a teaching method which was specifically designed to develop the mind and body; and to improve both physical and spiritual well-being.

In October 1905, when Kanryo Higaonna began teaching at the Naha Commercial High School, it marked the first occasion on which the previously secretive art of Naha-te was "opened" to society in general.

When teaching, Kanryo Higaonna was an extremely hard task master. However, in his everyday life, he was a quiet and humble man and one who was renowned for his virtuous character. He was a man who had no need or desire for worldly things. He lead a simple life which was completely devoted to the study and practice of the martial arts

Kanryo Higaonna's unparalleled skill in the martial arts aside, his great and distinguished work was in bringing the Chinese martial arts from China to Okinawa, and there spreading these arts among the people of Okinawa.

Kanryo Higaonna is now bestowed with the title, "Kensei (sacred fists) Higaonna Kanryo," a title which is eminently fitting. His name is synonymous with Okinawan martial arts and Naha-te, and his spirit is destined to live on forever as a great and valued treasure within Okinawan culture.

Kanryo Higaonna's whole life was devoted to karate. He passed away in December 1915 at the age of 63.

Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953)

Grandmaster Chojun Miyagi was born on April 25, 1888. In 1902, he began training in karate under Kanryo Higaonna at the age of 14. Like his teacher before him, because of his great natural talent and fierce determination, he progressed very rapidly. The training was severe beyond belief at times but he practiced ever harder with an enthusiasm unmatched by any of the other students. Chojun Miyagi became "uchi deshi" (private disciple) of Kanryo Higaonna. He studied with his teacher for 14 years before his teacher's death in 1915.

Chojun Miyagi, as successor to Naha-te pushed himself to the limits of endurance in his desire to emulate the extraordinary skills of his teacher. To this end, that same year (1915) he journeyed to Fuzhou, China the city where his teacher had studied the martial arts, to further his research. This was one of three trips he made to China during his lifetime.

On his return to Okinawa, he began to teach martial arts at his home in Naha. Later, he also taught at the Okinawan Prefecture Police Training Center, the Okinawan Master's Training College and at the Naha Commercial High School where his teacher once taught.

Chojun Miyagi worked hard to spread karate throughout Okinawa and mainland Japan, and to earn Naha-te a status equal to that of the highly respected Japanese martial arts of judo and kendo. To achieve this, he traveled frequently to mainland Japan where he was invited to teach karate at Kyoto University, Kansai University and Ritsumei Kan University, respectively. In 1933, karate was registered at the Butokukai, the center for all martial arts in Japan. This was a milestone for karate as it meant that it was recognized on a level with the highly respected martial arts of Japan.

Chojun Miyagi dedicated his whole life to karate. He was responsible for structuring Naha-te (which he later named "Goju-Ryu") into a systematic discipline which could be taught to society in general. This teaching system which he formulated, enabled karate to be taught in schools for the benefit of the young, and to reach vast numbers of people throughout the world. However, his private teaching at his home remained strictly in adherence to the principles and traditions of his teacher, Kanryo Higaonna, and his teacher before him, Ryu Ryu Ko.

The naming of Goju-Ryu came about more by accident than design. In 1930, Chojun Miyagi's top student, Jin'an Shinzato, while in Tokyo was asked by numerous martial arts masters as to what school of martial arts he practiced. As Naha-te te had no formal name he could not answer this question. On his return to Okinawa he reported this incident to Chojun Miyagi. After much consideration Chojun Miyagi decided on the name Goju-Ryu (hard & soft school) as a name for his style.

This name he took from a line in the Bubishi ( a classical Chinese text on martial arts and other subjects). This line which appears in a poem describing the eight precepts of the martial arts, reads, "Ho Goju Donto" (the way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness).

Jigoro Kano (1860-1938)

Kano Jigoro is the founder of the Japanese martial art of judo..

Kano Jigoro was born to a sake brewing family in Kobe, Japan. After entering the Tokyo Imperial University he learned both Kito-ryū and Tenjin Shin'yo-ryū jujutsu, two styles focused on different aspects of traditional (koryū) fighting techniques.

In 1882, Kano founded the Kodokan, meaning "the place for the study or promotion of the Way". Over time, Kano was able to introduce his art to the Japanese school system. His roles in Japan as an educator and the father of modern sports in Japan are almost as famous as his founding of judo.

Kano was a member of the the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for Japan and lobbied for having the 1940 Olympic Games held in Japan. He hoped that the games would bring countries together and avoid war. In 1938, returning from an IOC conference, Kano died of pneumonia aboard the SS Hikawa Maru. His dream was finally realized in 1964 when the Olympics were held in Tokyo and judo was introduced as an Olympic sport.

Founding Goju-Ryu Organizational Heads:

Seiko Higa (1889-1966)

Seiko Higa was one of Kanryo Higashionna Sensei’s finest students. A contemporary of Chojun Miyagi Sensei, he helped to preserve and spread the traditions of Naha-Te. Higa Sensei was steadfast in his dedication to the traditions, philosophy and the profound essence of Naha-Te. Higa Sensei had a lasting impact in the development of the modern Goju-Ryu system, and personally instructed many modern Goju-Ryu masters.

Miyagi Sensei always gave Higa Sensei the respect he was due.  Higa Sensei later became vice-president and president to some of the most prestigious societies to promote Karate-Do.

Gogen Yamaguchi (1909-1989)

Gogen Yamaguchi was born January 20, 1909. At age 13, he began his Goju studies under Takeo Maruyama. Academically, he studied law at Kansei University (1927) and Ritsumeikan University (1929-1937), eventually earning his law degree. While at the university, he laid the framework for modern jiyu-kumite (free sparring). Prior karate instruction was limited to kata, bunkai, and kihons. In 1937, Chojun Miyagi sensei gave him the name "Gogen" and allowed him to propagate Goju-Ryu throughout mainland Japan. In 1950, he founded the All Japan Karate-Do Goju-Kai in Tokyo, Japan. By 1964, he spearheaded the union of all existing Japanese ryuhas into the All Japan Karatedo Federation.

Yamaguchi Sensei passed away on February 07, 2003.

Meitoku Yagi (1912-2003)

Meitoku Yagi was born in Naha, Okinawa, on March 06, 1912.  At the age of 14, Yagi Sensei began training with Chojun Miyagi—the founder of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do.  Miyagi Sensei was always intrigued by his dedication to the art.  While other students learned a few katas directly from the founder, Miyagi Sensei taught the entire curriculum to Yagi Sensei.

In 1952, after many years of direct supervision under the founder, Yagi Sensei was given permission to open a dojo in Naha, Okinawa.  He called his dojo the Meibukan—House of the pure minded warrior.  After Miyagi Sensei’s death, Yagi Sensei was given the founder’s gi and belt by the founder’s family.  Although his technique was taught directly to him by the founder, Yagi Sensei saw a need to readdress the Chinese influence in Goju-Ryu kata.   The Meibukan has certain differences with mainstream Okinawan Goju-Ryu such as chambering in a vertical position rather than horizontal.

Yagi Sensei passed away on February 07, 2003.

Seikichi Toguchi (1917-1998)

Seikichi Toguchi was born on May 20, 1917, in Naha City, Okinawa.  At the age of 15, he began training directly under Seiko Higa Sensei, a student of Chojun Miyagi Sensei. Before the founder’s death, Toguchi Sensei was named executive director of the Goju-Ryu Association.  Toguchi Sensei was one of Miyagi Sensei's first senior students to establish a school after the founder’s death in 1953.  He moved to Tokyo, Japan in 1960 and, in 1962, he established the Shorei-Kai Meguro Dojo which later became the Shorei Kan—House of politeness and Respect.

Toguchi Sensei was small in stature, but amazingly strong with a compact and powerful body.  His methodology and training principles are still taught today in many parts of the world.  Toguchi Sensei died on August 31, 1998.

Modern Founders and Masters:

Morio Higaonna (1938 - )

Morio Higaonna Sensei was born on December 25, 1938.  At the age of 14, Higaonna Sensei came to train at Miyagi Sensei’s dojo.  As a youngster, Higaonna Sensei became extremely attached to A’nichi Miyagi Sensei whom he credits as his mentor and teacher.  When he arrived in Tokyo, Japan at the age of 22, he was already an accomplished martial artist.   At 22, he was invited to teach at the Yoyogi Dojo in central Tokyo. By all accounts his classes were severe, but extremely popular.

Higaonna Sensei possesses superb technique and incredible power.  His classes are extremely demanding, truly testing the limits of human endurance; yet he is characterized as fair and humble.   In 1979, Higaonna Sensei formally left the Jundokan and established the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF).  Under his direction, the IOGKF is now established in 50 countries with more than 30,000 members worldwide.

In September 1987, Higaonna Sensei moved to the United States, and two months later, opened the Institute of Traditional Karate (hombu for the IOGKF) in San Marcos, California

Teruo Chinen (1941 - )

Teruo Chinen Sensei was born on June 08, 1941 in Kobe, Japan.  By the late 1940’s, he arrived at the doorstep of Chojun Miyagi Sensei.  After the founder’s death in 1953, Chinen Sensei began training with Miyagi Sensei’s senior student Seiichi Miyazato. As Miyazato Sensei’s ueshi deshi—private student, he began to further develop his Goju-Ryu skills.

After teaching alongside Morio Higaonna Sensei at the Yoyogi Dojo in Tokyo, Japan, Chinen Sensei continued to research Goju-Ryu Karate-Do, and traveled regularly to China for additional research.  Chinen Sensei then left Japan for good in 1969, and settled in the United States.   In 1986, he formed the Jundokan International named in honor of his teacher Seiichi Miyazato Sensei.

Chinen Sensei continues to actively teach based out of his hombu in the State of Washington.

Founders in America:

Peter Urban (1934 - 2004)

Peter Urban was born on August 14, 1934 , in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1952, he enlisted in the Navy where he became a decoder. In 1953, while serving in Yokohama, Japan, he started his apprenticeship under the late Master Richard Kim. He became Master Kim's "Uchi-deshi" house student. In 1954, Master Kim introduced Urban to Master Gogen Yamaguchi of Tokyo Japan.

In 1955, he was introduced to Master Masatatsu Oyama, also in Tokyo, Japan, and becomes a full time student of Master Oyama. In 1956, Young Sensei Urban teaches the 212th "MP" Military Police Corps in Tokyo Japan. In 1957, Sensei Urban was chosen by the Late Master Yamaguchi to compete in the first all Japan Collegiate Championships in Tokyo. In 1958, Sensei Urban was again chosen to participate by Master Yamaguchi; this time at Chuo University where he fights the captain of the Chuo University Karate team. In 1959, he departs from Japan and establishes his first Goju-Ryu Dojo- school at 14th St. Union City, New Jersey. At the time, he also had a dojo at the Hoboken YMCA, where he would teach on week-ends. At the end of 1960, he taught Goju-Ryu at a dojo that belonged to the Judo twins. He then establishes his first Goju-Ryu Dojo in New York at 20 East 17th St. This is where Master Urban founded The American Goju-Ryu Karate Assoc.

Peter G. Urban, a Greek-American, was truly a pioneer of the martial arts. He is widely regarded as the father of American Karate. While training in Japan, he learned from three of karate’s greatest masters—Gogen Yamaguchi, Masutatsu Oyama, and Richard Kim, respectively. In 1959, he opened his first karate academy in Union City, New Jersey. Later, he opened his famous Chinatown Dojo in New York City, first at 213 Canal Street, and later at 1 Crosby Street.

He was responsible for the development of some of the great Goju-Ryu stylists of the era. These individuals include: Edward Verycken, Frank Ruiz, Harry Rosenstein, Ronald Taganashi, Joseph Hess, Johnny Kuhl, Ric Pascetta, Claudio Gonzalez, Gerald Orange, and many others. Furthermore, he had a hand in the development of many organizations including: The United States of America Goju Association (USAGA), Nisei Goju-Ryu, The World Sansei Goju-Ryu Karate Organization, Hispanic Goju, Kanzen Goju, and Neko-Do Goju-Ryu.

In addition, he allowed the formation of different entities within American Goju. Thus, it is my opinion, and the opinion of many others, that American Goju-Ryu is truly "America’s indigenous style." Although there are many such styles in the United States, "American Goju is America’s system." Along with his vision, he was instrumental in revolutionizing Karate. He is America’s first 10th Dan, in addition to introducing the black uniform—gi, the iron-wall defense, and the famous grab and punch attack. Moreover, he introduced the American Taikyoku, the American Empi-Ha--the most beautiful form ever created, and the Urban Kururunfa to the Goju-Ryu curriculum. We are all indebted to the vision of this great pioneer. He continues to be the Grand Patriarch of All American Goju-Ryu Karate Systems.

Chuck Merriman (1933 - )

Chuck Merriman Sensei began his martial arts training in 1960.  He first studied Judo and then began Karate in 1962.  Throughout his competitive career, Merriman Sensei excelled in all facets of Karate.  He was nationally rated in kata for much of his career.  Widely regarded for his extensive expertise on the Goju-Ryu system, he continues to amass an impressive resume.

Merriman Sensei has studied with Peter G. Urban Sensei, Seiichi Miyazato Sensei, and Iha Koshin Sensei, respectively.  He has personally coached in both traditional and open karate events producing numerous champions.

Most recently, Merriman Sensei is the highest ranking American in the Jundokan organization.  He has been graded a 9th dan by said organization.

Edward Verycken (1940 - )

Because of my distinct lineage, a discussion of Verycken Sensei must be included in this section. According to Maestro Peter Urban, Verycken Sensei was his first student in his Union City, New Jersey dojo, circa 1959, and was one of his first black belts. He was subsequently promoted to Judan-10th degree black belt by Maestro Urban, and is the founder of Neko Ashi Ryu. In addition, he personally taught, trained, or supervised some of the best Goju karatekas on the east coast.

A career law enforcement officer, he is responsible for many of the modern-day restraining and defense tactics taught at police academies nationwide.

After teaching and propagating this system in the 1960's and 1970's, Verycken Sensei retired from active teaching duties, and became a deacon in the Catholic Church. He continues his duties in the church, and teaches privately on occasion to certain black belts. Verycken Sensei lives in New Jersey, and it is my intent to recognize his place in American Goju-Ryu.

The following excerpt is from Grandmaster Claudio Gonzalez, and it is reprinted with his permission:
“Verycken Sensei, was the toughest and most disciplined sensei I ever had; a no nonsense sensei. He was a dedicated kata man, excellent coordination in kumite, and techniques executed with perfection. And most of all…absolutely the best “tamashewari”-breaking-man I have ever seen. Verycken Sensei could break anything with his fists or feet; truly, a necessary part of Karate that has been almost all lost. Honestly, he is DEFINITELY the best breaker I have ever seen. A real old-fashioned classical sensei. He was my second father. His Karate knowledge, discipline, and (pain) influence in my life was life changing and life-long.”

Frank Ruiz (1935 - 1995)

Frank Ruiz, the founder of Nisei Goju-Ryu was a legend. Not only was he considered a true tough-guy of karate, but was also instrumental in the development of many of the great east-coast fighters.

Hanshi Ruiz, a student of Peter Urban, was an avid tournament competitor in the early nineteen-sixties. One of the fierce fighters of his time, Hanshi Ruiz secured
titles at the Gheez Nation Championships-1963, U.S. International Championships-1964, and undefeated in 186 fights. He would later, in 1969, come out of retirement to take the Pan American Kata Championships in Puerto Rico.

He was small in stature, but epitomized the notion of tenacity, and fierce determination. As a fighter, he had few rivals, but his greatest legacy was his sincerity.

As a young man, I spent many hours conversing with this legend. I viewed him as a father figure, and a gentleman. We had in depth conversations about rank, loyalty, and the future of the art.

Although he is now deceased, he will never be forgotten by any of us. He is sorely missed.

Claudio Gonzalez (1952 - )

Because of my distinct lineage, a discussion of Gonzalez Sensei must be included in this section. Claudio Gonzalez Sensei is a native of Cuba born in 1952. Upon his arrival in New Jersey with his parents, they settled in Union City. Gonzalez Sensei began his martial arts studies in the mid-1960's in the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Shortly thereafter, he switched to USA Goju under the tutelage of Edward Verycken Sensei. In 1968, while still in his teens, he attained his black belt-Shodan. Moreover, he began teaching students the training and philosophical aspects of American Goju-Ryu in early 1969.

In the early 1970's, Gonzalez Sensei began training directly under the tutelage of Maestro Peter Urban. He studied with Maestro Urban attaining his Sandan-3rd degree black belt in 1973 at the Chinatown Dojo (New York City) at 1 Crosby Street. In July 1984, he was promoted to Judan-10th degree black belt by Maestro Urban.

Additionally, Gonzalez Sensei fulfilled his career vocation when he joined the Union City Police Department. He worked 12 years as an undercover officer. In his career, while rising through the ranks of the police department, he has personally supervised uniformed patrolmen and detective bureau personnel as well. Presently, Gonzalez Sensei is retired from the Union City Police Department with the rank of Inspector.

Yoshisada Yonezuka (1937 - )

Grandmaster Yoshisada Yonezuka is the head of the prestigious Cranford Judo and Karate Center of central New Jersey. “Yone,” as he is affectionately referred to, is a career martial artist. As a young man in 1955, Yonezuka Sensei won the Northern Japan High School Championships after only one year of formal practice.

Later that year, after defeating six Shodans—1st degree black belts at the Kodokan, he was promoted to Nidan—2nd degree black belt. In 1956, after entering Kihon University, he defeated nine Nidans—2nd degree black belts at the Kodokan, thus earning his Sandan—3rd degree black belt. In 1959, Yonezuka Sensei was the northern Japan Judo Champion.

In 1960, Yonezuka Sensei began teaching Judo in New York City. He remained in that capacity until 1962. In 1962, he also taught at West Point, and opened his famous Judo and Karate Center.

Throughout the better part of 4 decades, Yonezuka Sensei has won numerous championships in the Masters division, and has personally trained some of America’s greatest Judokas. He has trained national, pan-American, International, World, and Olympic champions. These champions include: Allan Coage, Mitch Santa-Maria, Nicholas Yonezuka, Clyde Worthen, and Michael Swain—America’s all-time greatest Judo competitor.

In addition, Yonezuka Sensei has coached two-Olympic teams, and multiple world teams in Judo and Sumo. He presently resides in central New Jersey, and still runs the Cranford Judo and Karate Center. In addition, he is an 9th degree black belt—Kudan in Judo, and an 8th degree black belt-Hachidan in Karate. He is truly a living legend of the art.

Dr. Gallego trained with this great master in the mid-1970’s, and considers him his only Judo teacher. Sekai Seito Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai recognizes the contributions of this great man to the development of Judo.

Philip Porter (1924 - )

O’Sensei Philip Porter began his martial career in boxing, circa 1943. While at West Point, he won a USAF light-heavyweight boxing title. In 1951, Porter Sensei began his formal martial arts training in Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Karate under Grandmaster Walter Todd.

After graduating from West Point in 1948, he served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Major.

After almost 7 decades of service, Porter Sensei is widely regarded as the “Father of American Judo.” From the Armed Forces Judo Association, he formed the United States Judo Association in 1954. He has served American Judo in many capacities, especially from a leadership perspective. In addition, he is one of the most respected martial artists in the world. He has a Judan—10th degree black belt in Judo, as well as high ranks in Jiu-Jitsu, and Karate.

After almost three decades as leader of the USJA, Porter Sensei retired from that capacity, and presently chairs the United States Martial Arts Association—USMA. He is revered as a leader, but also as a trainer, coaching over 1,000 national and international medalists.

Dr. Gallego is honored to call him “friend.” In addition, Sekai Seito Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai pays homage and respect to this great pioneer, and martial artist. Presently, Dr. Gallego holds a Shichidan—7th degree black belt in Judo and Ju-Jitsu under his supervision.

Bert Becerra (1948 - )

Instructor Bert Becerra is a seventh degree black belt in judo and a seventh degree black belt in jujitsu, spending years training and competing internationally. Becerra spent time teaching at the N.J.I. (National Judo Institute) in Colorado Springs, where he still teaches every summer.

After several years of teaching at the N.J.I., he was invited to train/teach at the Kodokan in Japan (the official school for Judo in Japan). Becerra spent 15 years in Japan in his earlier years. While there, he trained in various martial arts.

He earned a 5th Dan in Shotokan Karate. Mr. Becerra currently teaches Jujitsu at Richland Junior College in Dallas, TX., and has his own Judo Club. He's the head instructor of the Becerra Judo & Jujitsu Club in the Dallas suburb of Garland, TX. Becerra is a member of the International Black Belt Hall of Fame in Pittsburgh, PA, and recently received their Pinnacle Award for Success.

Becerra is a certified instructor in sexual harassment, assault and rape prevention for women by PPCI Management Systems, Inc. & The Institute for Control & Restraint Research, Inc.

He is a certified professional consultant and speaker on child safety and danger awareness from the National Security Alliance. He also frequently holds seminars and workshops on grappling.