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"The IOGKF was established in July 1979 in Poole, England. It was established by Higaonna Morio Shuseki Shihan with the support of Mr. Ken Miyagi (fourth son of Miyagi Chojun Saiko Shihan, founder of Goju Ryu), senior Sensei in Okinawa and senior students of Higaonna Kanryo Saiko Shihan. It's purpose is to preserve and protect the true teachings and philosophy of Miyagi Chojun Saiko Shihan, and to spread those teachings throughout the world." (quoted from the IOGKF-USA Instructors manual).
Currently, there are well over 15,000 member dojos worldwide, and the purpose of the organization is first to protect the traditional teachings of Chojun Miyagi and to spread annd preserve Goju Ryu in its original form.
The Goals of the I.O.G.K.F.
1. Preserve Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu karate and pass it to the next generation
2. Through karate training, add positive impact to our lives and improve our physical and mental abilities
3. By teaching traditional karate, we educate our members to be better persons. By doing so, we help our society to be a better place to live
 
Higaonna Morio Shuseki Shihan is the founder of the IOGKF and Chief instructor of the organization worldwide.
Sensei Higaonna received his 10th dan certificate from his teacher, Sensei An'ichi Miyagi on September 5th, 2007.
Higaonna Sensei also received a special certificate signed by Aragaki Shuichi Sensei and Miyagi An’ichi Sensei (both direct students of founder of Goju-Ryu, Chojun Miyagi Sensei) that recognizes him as a student in the direct line descended from Miyagi Chojun Sensei.
Miyagi An’ichi Sensei and Aragaki Shuichi Sensei both felt that recognizing Morio Higaonna Sensei as part of the Goju-Ryu lineage is important for the future of Goju-Ryu being passed on to future generations.
He is one of the most highly respected Goju Ryu practitioners in the world and is the auther of many books and videos in this style
Sensei Higaonna recently appeared in a History Channel documentary called "Human Weapons: Karate" You can view the clip by clicking here.
The IOGKF Florida Instructors
Some of the member instructors of the IOGKF in Florida. From left, Sensei Bob Bolton, Nidan, Sensei John Lyons, Rokudan, Sensei Ed Sierra, Nidan, Sensei Michael Han, Rokudan, and Sensei Darryl Kretz, Shodan.
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