(11) Chojun Miyagi had a match of applying joint locks with Kentsu Yabu and
Choki Motobu.

(12) Chojun Miyagi visited Hawaii to teach karate. There were a lot of
professional wrestlers and tough men in Hawaii. Using skillful technique, he
dealt with their strong grip.

(13) In Tokyo, Chojun Miyagi attended the meeting held by Gichin Funakoshi
to exchange opinions.

(14) When Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, came to Okinawa, Chojun Miyagi
demonstrated not only Kata but also Yobi Undo (= Preparatory Exercise) in
Horai Ryokan Hotel. Jigoro Kano was especially impressed with Yobi Undo. It
inspired him to create Judo Kobo Taiso (= Offense and Defense Exercise of
Judo) later.

(15) The origin of the name "Goju-ryu" is as follows. Jin-an Shinzato
participated in a martial arts festival held in Kyoto Butokuden to
demonstrate karate. There he was asked what the name of his Ryu or style
was. As a makeshift reply, he answered that it was Hango-ryu (= half
hardness style). After this happened, Chojun Miyagi and Jin-an Shinzato were
aware of the need to name the style of their karate. Then the name of their
karate style became "Goju-ryu" (= hardness and softness style), which was
derived from "Ho Donto Goju", a phrase from "Okinawa Den Bubishi".

(16) Chojun Miyagi never demonstrated karate in public, except when members
of Japanese imperial family visited Okinawa or when he was asked to
demonstrate karate at a very important event held by Okinawa Prefecture
Government. Except such cases, he never held Enbukai (= a martial arts
assembly for demonstrating martial arts techniques). He was only invited to
Enbukai held by his students. Master Seiko Higa said, "My teacher, Master
Chojun Miyagi, was like a Buddha."

The above-mentioned are just a part of many stories told by Master Seiko
Higa.

I have seen Master Chojun Miyagi was teaching karate at the Police Academy
in Naha. At that time, I felt as if a beam of searchlight was shining from
his eyes.

Whizzing through the air, Master Seiko Higa performed Kata. His performance
was very excellent and energetic. Everybody knew that his performance of
Kata was beautiful.

Master Seiko Higa was the closest disciple of Master Chojun Miyagi. He
attained the Truth of Goju-ryu karate, and he tried to keep it.

At a party, Master Seiko Higa also danced "Manzai Tichiuchi", an Okinawan
traditional dance. He was mild-mannered and gentle like a spring breeze. He
was free and flexible. He was a genius of karate-do.

(May 30, 1997)


END


Sanzinsoo
http://uk.geocities.com/sanzinsoo