Okinawa Den Goju Ryu Karate-do
Eiichi MiyazatoThere are a number of problems that arise with the spread of karate. The sudden increase in student numbers inevitably results in a lack of trained instructors. With this, the quality of the instruction decreases, and the art is transformed into a sport. Such a transformation entails the loss of the very essence of karate as both the mental and physical aspects of the art are distorted.
If karate continues to spread as it has. there will almost certainly come a time in the future when such distortions will be cause for concern, Goju Ryu Karate has it roots in the Nanpa Shorinji style of China's Fujian Province and therefore, the techniques of the style are very difficult. This is sometimes an obstacle that stands in the way of the instruction and learning of less advanced practitioners. It has been 25 years since Chojun Miyagi Sensei passed away and 25 years since I opened this dojo. I feel pressure to produce a student to whom I can entrust Goju Ryu to. Being able to pass on what Miyagi Sensei created would be, in part, a way of repaying him.
June 1978, Eiichi Miyazato