About Us

Eiichi Miyazato, HANSHI, 1OTH DAN : True Successor to Master Chojun Miyagi

Hanshi, Tenth Dan, Eiichi Miyazato, was born in Naha, Okinawa, on July 5, 1922. He began his training in Goju-Ryu Karate-Do in 1935 under the founder, Master Chojun Miyagi. At just 13 years old, Miyazato was accepted into Miyagi’s Garden Dojo for formal training. With exceptional physical talent and determination, he quickly became one of Miyagi’s favorite students. While excelling in Goju-Ryu Karate-Do and dedicating his life to it, Miyazato was also passionate about Judo, becoming Okinawa's and All-Japan Police Judo Champion for many years.

Through years of training, hard work, and dedication, Miyazato earned the respect and recognition of Seventh Dan by the Kodokan, the headquarters for Judo. In addition to Karate and Judo, he trained in Kenjutsu during his military service in World War II. His martial arts training equipped him with exceptional physical abilities, further honed during demanding military missions. After his military service, Miyazato returned to continue training and assisting Miyagi with teaching responsibilities at the dojo and the police department. He also dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving as a police officer in Naha, Okinawa.

Master Miyagi's sudden death on October 8, 1953, left the Goju-Ryu community without clear leadership. Since Miyagi left no written document designating a successor, various Goju-Ryu groups made false claims about rightful succession. However, in 1953, a group of Miyagi’s senior students, including Nakaima, Madanbashi, Meitoku Yagi, Iha Koshin, and Eiichi Miyazato, convened to elect a successor. All agreed that Miyazato was the most qualified to succeed Chojun Miyagi due to his continuous time spent with Miyagi in the dojo and police department, despite Meitoku Yagi's initial objections.

Kei Miyagi, Master Chojun Miyagi's second son, testified on behalf of the family, confirming that his father always trusted Miyazato with everything in the dojo. With this endorsement, Nakaima, the meeting's speaker, declared Miyazato the successor. Miyazato accepted the responsibility, dedicating his life to preserving and spreading Goju-Ryu from the Jundo-Kan.

Even at the mature age of seventy, Miyazato Sensei continued to train daily. In 1999, during a visit to the Jundo-Kan, it was observed that at 3:00 PM, he would review all twelve Goju-Ryu katas, unchanged from how they were passed on by Chojun Miyagi. He also took time to teach and correct the katas of visiting students. Miyazato's leadership was highly respected by his senior students as he directed the Jundo-Kan in Naha, Okinawa, with branches worldwide.

Sensei Miyazato was a member of the technical examination committee of the Japan Karate Federation, which is under the Ministry of Education. Under this Federation are Style Federations such as J.K.A., Goju-Kai, Shito-Kai, and Wado-Kai. In addition, Hanshi Miyazato served as the most senior technical advisor of the J.K.F. Goju-Kai, Chairman of the Okinawa Karate Federation, and the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation, holding these positions until his death in December 1999.

The Traditional Karate Center is honored to continue the legacy of Eiichi Miyazato, ensuring the true essence of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do lives on. Join us at the Traditional Karate Center to experience authentic training and instruction inspired by Hanshi, Tenth Dan, Eiichi Miyazato.

"Traditional Karate Center AND THE POGKK" and emphasizes the connection and continuity of the legacy at the Traditional Karate Center. Continue this lagacy by becoming a member of the Pan American Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate Do Kyo Kai.