"The ultimate aim of karate-do was to build character, conquer human misery, and find spiritual freedom". (Chojun Miyagi, 1888–1953).
	"Be mindful of your courtesy with humbleness. Train yourself considering physical strength. Study and contrive seriously. Be calm in mind and swift in action. Take care of yourself. Live a plain and simple life. Do not be too proud of yourself. Continue training with patience and humbleness." (Eiichi Miyazato, 1922–1999).

Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-Do is a combination of Chinese “White Crane” (Gong Fu)with it's dynamic and circular movements (originally from Fukian district in China) and the Okinawa characteristic Kempo (“the way of the fist”) with its devastating and powerful techniques.

The literal meaning of Karate-Do Goju Ryu is “the way of the empty hand hard-soft school”. Goju Ryu was developed by Miyagi Chojun O’Sensei (1888-1953) who was a wealthy man from Naha in Okinawa . He dedicated his life to studying and developing the “Naha-Te” art which he learned from his teacher, Higaonna Kanaryo Sensei (1853-1916).

Higaonna Kanaryo Sensei studied Shaolin Kempo in Puchau - Fukian district, China , from Master Ryu Ru. When Higaonna Kanryo Sensei returned to the city of Naha in Okinawa , he opened a dojo at his house in Nishimachi district. Due to his great reputation many came seeking his instruction.However only few of them survived the severe training methods. Miyagi Chojun Sensei began his studies at the age of 14, persisting in his training to become the top student of Higaonna Sensei. When Higaonna Sensei passed away on October 1916 Miyagi become his natural successor. Miyagi continued to promote and develop the “Naha-Te” style and in 1921 at Nagosoko Bay in Okinawa he presented it to Japans’ Crown Prince, Hirohito. The presentation impressed Prince Hirohito.

In celebration of Hirohito’s crowning as Emperor a great martial arts tournament was held. Miyagi Sensei was represented by his most senior student, Shinzato Jinan. After presenting his kata he was asked to name his doctrine of Karatedo. Shinzato had no answer since there was no name yet for this type of “Naha-Te”. Upon his arrival back to Okinawa he raised this issue to Miyagi Sensei who decided to name the doctrine after words taken from a sentence in the “Bubishi” book. The sentence literally means “The way of inhaling and exhaling, is by hardness and softness”.

In 1934 Miyagi Sensei became one of the first teachers of Karate-Do to teach outside Japan when he traveled to Hawaii to spread the “Naha-Te” method -now known as `Okinawa Goju-Ryu’.

Miyagi Sensei’s training sessions, like those of his master, were tough and demanding. The training focused on Sanchin kata and strengthening exercises (Hojo Undo), using Nigiri-Game (heavy jars made of stone), Makiwara (striking post) and Oda Tanren (arm strengthening).

Miyagi Sensei’s most senior students were – Shinzato Jinan Sensei, Miyazato Eiichi Sensei, Iha Koshin Sensei, Yagi Sensei Toguchi Sensei and Higa Sensei.

The Goju-Ryu method is characterized by circular, deflecting, sliding blocks and constant movement (representing the softness), while its offences are direct, devastating and collapsing (representing the hardness). Specific emphasis is given to the exercise of the two `breathing` katas, “Sanchin” and “Tensho”. With concentration and persistence in practicing these two kata, one can develop, strengthen and balance internal organs, muscles and meridians.

The fighting techniques of Goju-Ryu are extremely effective for self-defense however they are not designed for the “glamour” of sport karate. The most efficient way to exercise, learn and fully understand the variety of different techniques is through dedicated and systematic practice of the kata syllabus of Goju Ryu.

The kata functions as a "concentrated capsule of principles" that contains the secret information of strategy, technique, and fighting approach of the Goju Ryu School .

Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do can be practices by children and adults, boys and girls, with no age limitation and no restriction on physical condition.

Eiichi Miyazato Sensei was born on July 5th 1922 in Naha , capital of Okinawa Island , Japan , to a family of seven children. He began practicing Karate-Do and Judo in 1936 at the age of 14 under the supervision of his father who had been a student of Kanaryo Higaonna Sensei. In 1938 Miyazato Sensei was introduced to Miyagi Sensei and has been studying Goju-Ryu ever since. Miyagi Sensei’s dojo was in the back yard of his house in Naha . When Miyazato Sensei was asked later about the dojo, he replied: “At the time, there were about 10 students. We didn’t have a dojo as you can expect to see nowadays in Okinawa . Instead of a wooden floor, we practiced on the ground. Along with that, the dojo was well equipped with all the necessary tools of a practical dojo, such as Makiwara, Chishi, Shasi, etc ”.

After the end of World War II and the bloody battles on Okinawa Island Miyagi Sensei returned to hold the job of Karate-Do Shihan (Master), at the Naha Police College . Under the encouragement of Miyagi Sensei, Miyazato Sensei also joined the police in 1946 and taught Judo in the police officers Academy . He assisted Miyagi Sensei instructing Karate-Do, although when Miyagi Sensei was absent the authority was transferred to him.

After finishing their training hours, Miyagi Sensei personally taught and trained young Miyazato individually. which undoubtedly strengthened their personal relationship. During this time Miyagi Sensei’s health began to deteriorate. Being aware of this he asked Miyazato Sensei and Iha Koshin Sensei to accept responsibility and teach in his place at the garden dojo at his house.

Chojun Miyagi Sensei passed away on October 8th 1953 , at the age of 65. According to his families request, and Miyagi Sensei’s will, the dojo in his garden was renovated, renewed, and practice continued there with Miyazato Sensei and the help of Iha Koshin Sensei. Regular practice began on 1954. After Miyagi Sensei passed away Miyazato Sensei became the senior instructor in the police Academy where he instructed Karate-Do, Judo, and suspect arrest techniques.

In 1955 the Okinawa Goju Kai gathered together. The convention participants were the senior students of Miyagi Sensei, who assembled in order to find a professional way to preserve their teacher’s philosophy. At this special meeting it was decided that Miyazato Eichi Sensei was to be appointed the successor of Miyagi Sensei.

In 1957 the dojo moved to a new location (were it still is) in Asato, Naha. The new dojo was named Jun Do Kan, meaning – following the footsteps of fathers.

Miyazato Sensei's aim was to continue to preserve and develop the tradition transferred to him from his Teacher. He always encouraged his students to work hard, but more than that he encouraged them to train, understand, inquire, and deepen their knowledge of Karate-Do, and while doing so, seek for the wisdom of the ancient Teachers. When asked about the “secret” of Karate-Do he replied, “The only secrets are the ones you find on your own”. Till today, there are no formal classes in Jun Do Kan. Miyazato Sensei explained it this way, “The dojo is open from morning to night, seven days a week. The students differ in age and ability. There are no formal classes, students can come and go as they will, and practice the way they like towards improvement. If they need help, they ask for it, and if a Sempai sees a student whose performance is incorrect, he will help him. In a formal class while you explain to one student, the rest are wasting their time. While certain students can practice kata at a high level, there are less advanced students whose needs are different. It doesn’t work. The instructor comes to the dojo for his own practice. Through our practicing in the dojo, friendship developed among students. This is the way Miyagi Sensei taught – and it is my way as well. I’ve been practicing for 64 years, and I still remember my seniors and I always thank them. There is a lot of help in the Jun Do Kan , if someone is facing difficulties, the others will help him, and it’s very good”. When asked about his teaching system, he said, “I teach each student the things I think he needs to improve. There also weren’t so many books of Karate-Do, as we have today. The only way to learn is to find a true Sensei, and stick with him. Each Sensei had his own way of teaching, and the students learned what they could. However, the Sensei always looked for the more serious students, and invested in them more. Every person has to know certain things – but he must also discover things on his own. That’s how Miyagi Sensei taught me. The secret is to learn to understand and internalize your kata,- its implications, and meaning; this alone will render you all the information and understanding of Karate-Do. The student’s occupation should also be taken under consideration, for it will influence the way of his practice”.

Miyazato Sensei was Japan police Champion and Okinawa State Champion in Judo. He was also the vice president of Okinawa Ken Judo Renmei association. Miyazato Sensei was very appreciated and won high recognition from the masters in Okinawa and all over Japan., He became the chairman of Okinawa Ken Karate-Do Renmei, and Chief Teacher and Advisor of Kata of the Japan Karate Federation (JKF), embracing all Karate-Do styles of Japan . As the Head of the Jun Do Kan, Miyazato Sensei highly contributed to the growth and evolution of Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. Throughout years of work he raised many seniors and students, some of whom have grown to become famous masters themselves.

Miyazato Sensei’s philosophy, the Dojo Kun of Jun Do Kan , which summarizes Miyazato Sensei’s doctrine/ method:
Be mindful of your courtesy with humbleness.
Train yourself considering physical strength.
Study and contrive seriously.
Be calm in mind and swift in action.
Take care of yourself.
Live a plain and simple life.
Do not be too proud of yourself.
Continue training with patience and humbleness.

Miyazato Eichi O'Sensei passed away on the 11 December 1999 .

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