Koshin Iha Sensei
Koshin Iha Sensei (1925–2012) began studying under Chojun Miyagi Sensei at the age of 14. Following Miyagi Sensei’s passing, he assisted Eiichi Miyazato Sensei in teaching and guiding students.
From 1964 to 1975, Iha Sensei operated the Goju-Ryu Shodokan Karate Dojo in Tomari, Naha City, where he instructed his students.
In October 1969, at the recommendation of Eiichi Miyazato Sensei, the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-do Association was established, with Eiichi Miyazato serving as its first President and Koshin Iha as Vice President.
Following the sudden passing of Eiichi Miyazato Sensei on 11 December 1999, the Association’s Board of Directors appointed Koshin Iha as the second President of the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-do Association in 2000. He served in this position until 2004.
In 2000, Iha Sensei was officially recognised by Okinawa Prefecture as a holder of an Intangible Cultural Property. He passed away in 2012.
Yoshio Hichiya Sensei
Yoshio Hichiya Sensei (1928–2017), Hanshi 10th Dan, was a senior student of Eiichi Miyazato Sensei and a highly respected figure in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do. Through decades of training and teaching, he played an important role in preserving the karate passed down through Miyazato Sensei and transmitting it to future generations.
Hichiya Sensei devoted much of his life to teaching traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu, both in Okinawa and internationally. Through his instruction and leadership, he contributed significantly to the development of Goju-Ryu while maintaining a strong connection to the traditions, principles and methods inherited from his teacher.
He served as the third Chairman of the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai (OGKK) and as President of the Okinawa Prefecture Karatedo Federation, reflecting his standing within both the association and the broader Okinawan karate community.
In 2013, Hichiya Sensei was recognised by Okinawa Prefecture as an Intangible Cultural Asset holder for Okinawan Karate and Kobudo, acknowledging his lifelong contribution to the preservation and transmission of traditional Okinawan karate and its cultural heritage.
Koei Teruya Sensei
Koei Teruya Sensei, Hanshi 10th Dan, is a direct student of Eiichi Miyazato Sensei and one of the most senior figures within Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do. Having trained extensively under Miyazato Sensei, he has dedicated much of his life to the practice, preservation and transmission of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu.
Through decades of training and teaching, Teruya Sensei has played an important role in carrying forward the teachings and principles of Miyazato Sensei to subsequent generations. His experience and close connection to Miyazato Sensei make him an important link between the earlier generations of the OGKK and its practitioners today.
Teruya Sensei served for many years as Chairman of the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai (OGKK), providing leadership to the association in Okinawa and supporting its international community. In May 2026, he stepped down as Chairman, passing leadership to Masanari Kikugawa Sensei.
Teruya Sensei now serves as Honorary Chairman of the OGKK, continuing to provide his experience and guidance to the association while remaining a highly respected senior figure within Okinawan Goju-Ryu.
Masanari Kikugawa Sensei
Masanari Kikugawa Sensei, Hanshi 10th Dan, is a direct student of Eiichi Miyazato Sensei and one of the most respected senior practitioners of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do. Renowned for his technical knowledge and understanding of kata, particularly Kururunfa, he has dedicated much of his life to the practice, preservation and teaching of traditional Okinawan karate.
Through decades of training and instruction, Kikugawa Sensei has played an important role in maintaining the traditions and principles passed down by Miyazato Sensei. His teaching and influence extend beyond Okinawa, contributing to the continued development and understanding of traditional Goju-Ryu internationally.
Recognised by Okinawa Prefecture as an Intangible Cultural Asset holder for Okinawan Karate, Kikugawa Sensei's recognition reflects his significant contribution to the preservation and transmission of Okinawa's karate heritage.
In May 2026, Kikugawa Sensei succeeded Koei Teruya Sensei as Chairman of the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai (OGKK). As Chairman, he continues the responsibility of preserving the teachings passed from Chojun Miyagi Sensei through Eiichi Miyazato Sensei, while guiding their transmission to future generations of OGKK practitioners.
