History of Kyudokan

Master Yuchoku Higa

Kyudokan Shorin-ryu Karatedo was founded by Sensei Yuchoku Higa. Born in 1910, Higa sensei was one of the most important Shorin-ryu instructor in Okinawa and was the first person to receive the rank of 9th dan from Choshin Chibana in 1965. In 1947, he set up the Kyudokan Karate dojo in Naha city and continued to practice with Choshin Chibana. When the first Shorin-ryu Karate-do association was created in 1961, Sensei Higa was named vice president. He also held a number of position in the karate and kobudo spheres in Okinawa and was, amongst others, president of the Okinawa Federation of Karate and Kobudo and chief adviser for the Okinawa Association of Masters of Karate-do. His punch technique was so famous on Okinawa, that iit was known in the local dialect as “Yuchoku no tijikun”, i.e. Yuchoku’s punch. He dedicated several hours of his practice every day to makiwara exercises. Apart from karate, he was a bonsai trees enthusiasts, and kept numerous examples at the entrance to his dojo in Naha. He believed that hobbies like these were fundamental for the growth of his spiritual sensitivity. He also believed in preserving the essence of Bujutsu Karate as an essential part of the Okinawan heritage. He viewed karaté-do as a way of improving character and believed that this could only be done through regular practice. He famously stated the following in relation to karate-do; “up to a certain time I thought being strong was the most important thing. In time I realized that the most important thing is to be ready to give assistance to others. Moreover it is important not to set oneself limits, therefore I now preach Kyudo Mugen – the study-trail is never-ending. The karate pathway is as immensely vast, profound and boundless as the heavens that go on for ever beyond all limits.” Master Yuchoku died on November 6, 1994, in Naha, at the age of 84. He was succeeded as head of Kyudokan by Minoru Higa (10th Dan), current President and Soke of Okinawa Shorin-ryu Kyudokan Karate-Do Association.

Master Minoru Higa

Master Minoru Higa was the nephew of Yuchoku Higa and was born in Naha, Okinawa on September 18, 1941. His first experience of martial arts was at the age of 11 when he started Judo under the guidance of Yogen Tamashiro. From 1960 onwards Minoru Higa attended the famous temple of judo, the “Kodokan”, attaining the grade of 4th Dan. In 1960 he also began practicing karate with his uncle Yuchoku Higa and enrolled in the Japan Bodybuilding Center. His weight-training and intense practice of judo and karate, helped Higa sensei to become the university boxing champion. As well as being a prominent entrepreneur and world representative of the Kyudokan school, Minoru Higa is a committee-member for the Okinawan Karatedo and Kobudo Federation, vice-president of the Ryukyu Kobudo Ryu Kon Kai Association, chief committee-member of the Okinawa Bodybuilding Association, a member and referee for the Japanese Bodybuilding Federation, and a member and referee for the Japanese Powerlifting Association. Sensei Koyu Higa (s/o Sensei Minoru Higa) has visited India more than twice to assist in the growth of Kyudokan India.

As he was Vice-President of the Okinawa Kyudokan karate-do Federation, Minoru Higa decided to devote himself more fully to the growth of the school, and following the death of Yuchoku Higa, he himself became president of the World Okinawan Shōrin-ryū Kyudokan karate-do Federation, an office he holds to this day. As well as being a prominent entrepreneur and world representative of the Kyudokan school, Minoru Higa is a committee-member for the Okinawan Karatedo and Kobudo Federation, vice-president of the Ryukyu Kobudo Ryu Kon Kai Association, chief committee-member of the Okinawa Bodybuilding Association, a member and referee for the Japanese Bodybuilding Federation, and a member and referee for the Japanese Powerlifting Association.

Sensei Dr. Nazeer V A

The indian branch of Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate-do Kyudokan Federation was introduced in India by Sensei Dr. V. A. Nazeer, in the name “Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate-do Kyudokan Federation of India”. This Indian branch is the representative body of World Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Kyudokan Federation, whose HQ is located in Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate-do Kyudokan Federation of India is a nonprofit organization, which depends upon the talent and efforts of its volunteer corps who are mutually vested in the welfare and future of Indian Karate participants. The Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate-do Kyudokan Federation of India is affiliated to All India Karatedo federation. We are recognized by govt of India, Indian Olympic Association, world karate Federation and asian Karate Federation. Our group incorporated okinawa shorin ryu in 1977, which was bought from Malaysia. In 1981 under the interest of late Sensei Ranganathan a new and independent group was formed which was headed by late Sensei Ranganathan and Sensei V.A. Nazeer.

In 2004 we totally merged with World Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Kyudokan Federation under Hanshi Minoru Higa, this was when Sensei V.A. Nazeer went to Okinawa, Japan and trained under Hanshi Minoru Higa and directly acquired Black Belt and Diploma from the grand master and became the first Indian to receive black belt directly from the grand master Hanshi Minoru Higa. Sensei Dr. Nazeer.V.A is now the Indian National Chief Instructor of World Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Do Federation and has been practicing the art of karate since 1975. With over 30 years as instructor, he is heading various branches in India and have a team of over 50 Sensei’s to spread the art of karate. He is recipient of various awards and badges, which include Honorary Doctorate in Martial Arts too. He has participated in World Karate Tournament, Seminars, Guinness world record events etc.