Master Kanryō Higaonna (1853–1915) was a pioneering martial artist from Naha, Okinawa, and is widely recognized as the founder of the Naha-te school of Okinawan Karate. Born into a merchant family, Higaonna displayed an early interest in martial arts and Chinese culture. In his early twenties, driven by a desire to deepen his knowledge of martial arts, he embarked on a dangerous and determined journey to Fuzhou, China. There, he studied under various Chinese masters, most notably Ryu Ryu Ko, who had a profound influence on his martial philosophy, especially in the integration of internal and external strength.
During his time in China, Higaonna trained intensively in both hard and soft martial arts, blending powerful strikes with deep breathing techniques, tension training, and fluid movements. When he returned to Okinawa in the 1880s, he introduced a refined and powerful system of martial arts that fused Chinese techniques with Okinawan traditions. This became known as Naha-te, a forerunner of modern Gōjū-ryū Karate, which would later be developed further by his most prominent student, Chōjun Miyagi.
Higaonna’s influence extended beyond Miyagi. Among the many students who sought his instruction was Kenwa Mabuni, the future founder of Shitō-ryū Karate. Mabuni, already a disciple of Ankō Itosu in Shuri-te, was deeply inspired by Higaonna’s Naha-te and trained under him to gain insight into the softer, more internal aspects of the art. By learning from both Itosu and Higaonna, Mabuni became a unique bridge between the Shuri-te and Naha-te traditions, synthesizing them into what became one of the most comprehensive karate systems in existence.
Kanryō Higaonna was not only a master of technique but also a person of deep humility, discipline, and quiet strength. His teachings emphasized the balance of “Go” (hard) and “Ju” (soft), the cultivation of breath and energy, and a commitment to character development. He taught in both private and public settings, and his legacy grew across Okinawa, setting the foundation for generations of karateka who would spread his teachings across the world.
Today, Master Higaonna is remembered as one of the greatest figures in the history of Okinawan karate—a man who preserved ancient Chinese martial wisdom while forging a uniquely Okinawan path. Through his students, especially Chōjun Miyagi and Kenwa Mabuni, his influence became global, helping to shape the future of traditional karate in both practice and spirit.
