The International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation
(IOGKF - 沖縄剛柔流)
was established in July 1979 at a meeting held in Poole,
England, at the first ever IOGKF International Gasshuku
(training camp). The IOGKF was established by Sensei
Morio Higaonna with the support and backing
of Mr. Ken Miyagi (fourth son of Grandmaster
Chojun Miyagi, founder of Goju-Ryu), senior
Senseis in Okinawa (many of them students of Chojun
Miyagi), and senior students of Master
Kanryo Higaonna.
The original purpose of the IOGKF, as set forth then, was
to preserve and protect the true teachings and philosophy
of Grandmaster Chojun
Miyagi, and to spread these teachings throughout
the world. This purpose still remains as the primary theme
of the IOGKF today. To this end, training seminars and training
camps are conducted around the world by Higaonna
Sensei each year, as well as by many of his
senior students. Because of the great dedication and determination
of Higaonna Sensei and other senior members, the IOGKF now
has approximately 50,000 affiliated members in
over 45 nations around the world.
IOGKF is one of few Karate organizations that the Japanese
Government recognizes as a true Japanese Traditional Martial
Arts Organization. IOGKF is a proud member of Nihon
Kobudo Kyokai (Japan Traditional Martial Arts
Association).
The Administrative Director for the IOGKF is Tetsuji
Nakamura Sensei, who is also a chief instructor
of IOGKF
Canada. The IOGKF Administrative Headquarters
(Administrative Honbu) is in Ontario, Canada, where Tetsuji
Nakamura resides.
The Technical Headquarters (Technical Honbu) for the IOGKF,
however, remains in Okinawa, and Higaonna
Sensei himself teaches classes, when he is
not teaching gasshukus in other countries.
