Chojun Miyagi sensei was born April 25th 1888 in Higashi-Machi (Naha-shi) okinawa of a wealthy family. Originally Chojun Miyagi sensei was born as Miyagi Matsu however his name was changed to Chojun at the age of 5 by his uncle whom adopted him after the death of his father in 1893. His family owned two ships which made regular trips to mainland China, placing them among the wealthiest families in the area and enabled a young Chojun Miyagi Sensei to travel to China to study the style of his instructor and develop the style of Karate-do we call Goju-ryu today. His original Martial Arts training started with his neighbor Ryu Ko Aragaki Sensei, before moving his family to Taiwan, later introduced him to Kanryo Higaonna, and he began training at the age of 15.

Miyagi Chojun Sensei chose the name “Goju Ryu” from the Eight recepts
1. The mind is one with heaven and earth.
2. The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of the sun and the moon.
3. The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness.
4. Act in accordance with time and change.
5. Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought.
6. The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.
7. The eyes do not miss even the slightest change.
8. The ears listen well in all directions.