Choboku Takamine [a student of Higa Seiko Sensei] is born on March 24th.
Chojun Miyagi serves his compulsory military training and service for three years in the Fifth Division stationed at Kumamoto-ken.
Anko Itosu advised "The 10 Articles of Karate" to educational affairs section of the prefecture.
January 20 - Jitsumi [Gogen] Yamaguchi was born in Miyakonojo, Shonai near Kagoshima city in the Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu - Japan, The third son of Tokutaro and Yoshimatsu Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi Sensei is also founder of the All Japan Karatedo Association Gojukai, a Japanese Organization teaching Gojuryu. It is primarily through Yamaguchi Sensei that Gojuryu was introduced to the world.
Japan occupies Korea [1910 - 1945] primarily as a military controlled substate [1910 - 1919] to gain control of the Manchuko region [China]. This time period is significant as it provided the springboard for Japans Military Sciences to adopt Bujutsu and Budo into National curriculums.
Hironori Kou Ohtsuka [founder of Wado Ryu] begins studies at Waseda University.
Bujutsu Senmon Gakko [Busen or Martial Arts Professional School] was established within the framework of Dai Nippon Butoku Kai to administer national accreditation, certification and professional training of all martial arts disciplines throughout Japan.
Kanei Uechi was born in Motobu - Okinawa.
Chojun Miyagi completes his compulsory military training and service of three years in the Fifth Division stationed at Kumamoto-ken.
March 6th - Yagi Meitoku was born in Kume-machi a district in Naha - Okinawa. He is the founder of Meibu-Kan Gojuryu. Yagi trained with Miyagi Sensei from 1929 to 1933, then, after Miyagi Sensei's death, 20 years later he opened a Dojo.
July 29 - End of Meiji Period.
July 30 - Beginning of Taisho Period.
The secrecy of Tou-te [indigenous Okinawa Martial Arts] disappeared in Okinawa. Tou-te is practiced openly.
Seiko Higa begins his training with Kanryo Higashionna [Higaonna]. He
would later continue his training [1916] with Chojun Miyagi.
September 27 - Jitsuei Yogi is born. Jitsuei Yogi is the man whom introduced Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi to Chojun Miyagi. He also assisted Miyagi Sensei with his first demonstration in Japan and supported Morio Higaonna in forming the IOGKF. Jitsuei Yogi would outlive a majority of his classmates to November 1997.
Ending of the Quing Dynasty [China]. This is significant because during the Quing Dynasty, trade with Okinawa flourished as well as this is the primary time period in which Gung Fu, Chuan fa, and other Martial Arts influenced practitioners and later master of Tou-te in the Ryu-Kyu Islands.
Judo and Kendo are instituted into the Gymnastics system of all Schools in Japan by the Japan Ministry of Education.
Yasuhiro Konishi [Ryobukai - Shindo Jinenryu Karatedo] enters Keio University; Tokyo Japan and is a member of the Kendo team. He would later become the Team Champion and Team Captian.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei [with the permission of Higashionna] travels to China with Eisho Nakamoto and Gokenki [aka Yoshikawa a Chinese tea merchant from Naha. Gokenki [Yoshikawa by his married name to an Okinawan name Makato Yoshikawa] was a Sifu [instructor] of White Crane and a very close friend of Miyagi, all traveled with Miyagi to China where Gokenki [Yoshikawa] also serves as their interpreter. The trio would later repeat this trip in 1936] journeyed to China to research Ryu Ru Ko, and Higaonna Sensei's experience in China. On this trip, Miyagi Sensei visited the two-story house of Ryu Ru Ko where Higaonna had trained. He also saw the ruined temple where Ryu Ru Ko had learned martial arts. His visit lasted two months. All of the information he gathered from this trip was lost in WW II.
Chojun Miyagi creates Tensho Kata. [This is an approximate recorded time based on Taisho 5 period].
Kanryo Higaonna dies.
1916 Chojun Miyagi Sensei returned to Okinawa at this time. [This is an approximate recorded time based on Taisho 5 period].
Chojun Miyagi Sensei begins teaching Kempo at his backyard Dojo.
Seiko Higa continues his training with Chojun Miyagi due to the health of Kanryo Higashionna [Higaonna].
October - At the age of 63 [disputed] Kanryo Higaonna Sensei died at
Nishiishin-Machi, 2-chome, Naha, Okinawa. Miyagi Sensei paid for his
funeral.
1917 [Taisho 6]Miyagi Sensei became successor of Naha-Te.
March 1st - Ujita Shozo Sensei is Born in Wakayama City where he later served as Mayor. Ujita Shozo Sensei also studied directly with Chojun Miyagi Sensei for a short time as well as headed a large part of the All Japan Karatedo Gojukai under the direction of Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei. Shozo Ujita Sensei later went on to become the President of the JKF Gojukai.
May 20 - Seikichi Toguchi is born in Naha City. Seikichi Toguchi is the founder of Shoreikan Gojuryu. Seikichi Toguchi Sensei was a student of Higa Seiko Sensei and also studied with Chojun Miyagi Sensei.
Funakoshi Gichin was asked to demonstrate Okinawa-Te before the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 at the Butokuden.
Karate [as Tou-te] makes its first public demonstration outside of Okinawa in Kyoto - Japan.
1918Miyahira Katsuya [Shorin-ryu] was born.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei formed the Ryukyu Tou-te Kenkyu-Kai [Tou-te: which means China Hand] to ensure the preservation of Karatedo as an Okinawa treasure. The Club was established in Asahigoaka, Wakasa-cho, and Naha-Shi. The co-founders were Chojun Miyagi Sensei, Hanashiro Chomo, Motobu Choyo and Kenwa Mabuni.
1919Kei Takeshi Miyagi [son of Chojun Miyagi] is born in Naha Okinawa.
Fukuchi Seiko was born, he was a student of Higa Seiko Sensei.
1920
Tomoharu Kisaki is born in Osaka Japan. Tomoharu Kisaki [Goju Ryu] was a top student of Gogen Yamaguchi and a Co-Founder of All Japan Karatedo Association and Founder of Yuinshinkan Goju Kai.
1921 [Taisho 10]January 1st - Kyo Mouri Sensei [President JKF Gojukai 1997-1998] was born in Ohita City, Ohita Prefecture, Japan.
Chojun Miyagi and Gichin Funakoshi demonstrate Tou-te [soon to be called Karate and after being recognized by the Butokukai will be called Karatedo] in Tokyo.
March 6th - The Okinawa Department of Education, requests Chojun Miyagi Sensei and Funakoshi Sensei to demonstrate Tou-te to oncoming Prince Hirohito.
March 10th - Miyagi Sensei [Naha Te] and Funakoshi Sensei [Shuri Te] demonstrate Tou-te to Prince Hirohito [who would later become Emperor of Japan - WWII], whom visited at the Prefecture Teachers College Okinawa before touring European. The Crown Prince never stopped talking of the impressive demonstration during his entire trip to Europe.
Choki Motobu moves his family to Osaka mainland Japan.
June 1 - Hironori Kou Ohtsuka [founder of Wado Ryu] receives from his long time teacher Tatsusaburo Nakayama Sensei the license of full proficiency in Shinto Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu. This is the highest grading [4th level] in Shinto Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu.
The Okinawa Physical Education Association was founded which Chojun Miyagi becomes its 1st President.
Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei, was born.
1922 [Taisho 11]The Ministry of Education hosted The 1st Sports Exposition was held in Tokyo - Japan and is attended by Gichin Funakoshi.
Gichin Funakoshi Sensei publishes "Ryukyu Kempo Toudi".
February 18th - Seigo Tada was born in Kyoto. A senior member of the JKF Gojukai, Seigo Sensei went on to form the Seigo-Kan Organization, which became the largest Gojuryu Association in Japan.
Hironori Kou Ohtsuka [founder of Wado Ryu] begins cross training in Okinawa Toude Jutsu. Hironori Kou Ohtsuka, at the time, was already a high graded Jujutsu player.
July 5 - Ei'Ichi Miyazato was born in Higashi-machi, Naha. Miyazato Sensei would later be the founder of Jundokan Gojuryu Karatedo as the most senior student of Miyagi Chojun at the time of his death. Miyazato Sensei was Miyagi Sensei's assistant instructor at the garden Dojo up until the founder's death. Miyagi's family gave Miyazato all of Miyagi's Hojo Undo equipment. An'Ichi Miyagi [no relation], Higaonna Morio, and Teruo Chinen all trained at Miyazato's Jundo-Kan Dojo. The above three also obtained their Dan grading's from Miyazato Sensei. Miyazato Sensei is also a well-known and respected Judo Champion.
Age 13 - Jitsumi [later to legally change his name to "Gogen"] Yamaguchi moves to Kyoto with his family and begins training in what is then called Tou-te Kempo with Takeo Maruyama at the Maruta Dojo in Kyoto Japan.
October 22nd - Ogha Takeo [JKF Gojukai] is born.
Koshin Iha is born.
1923 Funakoshi Gichin Sensei returns to Tokyo and works as both a school-teacher and opens a Karatedo institute and naming it the Shoto-Kan [Pine waves house]. This later became the name of his style.
Yasuhiro Konishi [Ryobukai - Shindo Jinenryu Karatedo] quits his job as a salaryman and opens a dojo teaching Kendo and Jujutsu naming it Ryobukan and teaches both Kendo and Jujitsu.
June 27 - Mas Oyama is born in South Korea. As a youth, he studies the Chinese art of Kempo. While attending school in Japan and later becames a student of Gichin Funakoshi (student of Anko Itosu and Anko Asato, and founder of the Shotokan form of Karate). Later he studied Goju-Ryu under Nei-Chu So, a student of Gogen Yamaguchi.
1924
June - Jinan Shinzato joins the Garden Dojo of Chojun Miyagi.
September 18 - Gichin Funakoshi [founder Shotokan Karatedo] and Hironishi Ohtsuka [founder of Wadoryu Karatedo] visit Yasuhiro Konishi [Ryobukai - Shindo Jinenryu Karatedo] requesting permission to use his training hall for teaching Karatedo [at the time, Yasuhiro Konishi Sensei was only teaching Kendo and Jujutsu]. This request notes the first official Toute club at any University of mainland Japan. [Note, Yasuhiro Konishi had previous exposure to Karate through a Keio University classmate Tsuneshige Arakaki of Okinawa].
November - Choki Motobu enters a challenge match contest in a bout defeating a European boxer [See also September 1925]. This match brings the skils of Choki Motobu to the attention of Osaka, Gunma, Wakayama and Kyoto residences [including researchers, police, dignitaries government and military] interested in learning about the new Bujutsu arts from Okinawa called Karate or Toude.
1925 [Taisho 14]
May, Prince Chichibunomiya views a demonstration of Okinawa Martial Arts including then still to be named Naha-te [Tou-te] at the Prefecture Teachers College.
Gichin Funakoshi amends his book "Ryukyu Kenpo Toudi" to the title of "Rentan Goshin Toudi Jutsu" sometimes translated as "Rentan Goshin Karate Jutsu". This 2nd printing is for the most part a new publication.
November - The popular socialite magazine called "King" [See also September 1924] published by none other than Kudansha, printed an article depicting the challenge match between Choki Motobu defeating a European boxer in September of 1924. The problem with the article brings tension because the images are of Gichin Funakoshi [Shotokan founder] defeating the European boxer and not of Choku Motobu.
1926 [Taisho 15]
Hanashiro Chomo Sensei reorganizes the Ryukyu Tou-te Kenkyu-Kai [Tou-te: which means China Hand] to ensure the preservation of Karatedo as an Okinawa treasure. The Club was established in Asahigoaka, Wakagi-cho, and Naha-Shi. The co-founders were Chojun Miyagi Sensei, Hanashiro Chomo, Motobu Choyo and Kenwa Mabuni.
May 5, The first book written by Choki Motobu called "Okinawa Kenpo Toudi Jutsu Kumite-Hen" is published by Ryukyu Karate do Shihan Kai.
Meitoku Yage begins his studies with Chojun Miyagi [1927 by modern calendar].
Masaichi Oshiro is born in Hawaii.
December 24 - End of Taisho Period.
December 25 - Beginning of Showa Period.
1927
February 10th - Seikichi Higa was born. Seikichi Higa Sensei went on to become one of Higa Seiko's most senior students.
March 3rd - Toshisada Kono Sensei, is born in Kamakura city, Kanagawa Prefecture. Toshisada Kono Sensei would become the President of the JKF Gojukai in 1991.
May - Kenwa Mabuni travels to colaborate and live with Yasuhiro Konishi [Founder of Shindo Jinen Ryu] for ten months.
Kentsu Yabu travels to and teaches [Tou-te] in Los Angeles and Hawaii - U.S.A marking the official introduction in the United States.
Jinan Shinzato Sensei performed Sanchin and Sesan Kata at a demonstration in Japan and was asked what the name of his style was. Some say Shinzato Sensei replied Hankry-Ryu "way of Half Hard" [which was also the original name of Shito-Ryu], after research - we find he simply said "Naha-Te". Upon his return, Shinzato Sensei explained to Chojun Miyagi Sensei what had happened. After much thought, Miyagi Sensei named his system Gojuryu after a line from a poem in the book Bubishi, which reads "Ho Go Ju Donto"; the way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness. This date best fits because in early 1930 there were already Karatedo Gojuryu Clubs at universities in Japan.
Walter Todd [1927-1999] is born. Walter Todd was the first Westerner to have received a Dan grading in any martial art style from Japan [including Dan gradings and training direct from both Gichin Funakosh, Kyuzo Mifune, Hironori Kou Ohtsuka and Isao Obata]
The Okinawa Tou-te Kenkyu-Kai closes and Chojun Miyagi returns to teaching classes at his backyard Dojo.
Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei receives an introduction to Chojun Miyagi.
December - The founder of Judo, Jigaro Kano visits Chojun Miyagi after receiving invitation from the Okinawa Judo Yudansha Association.
1928
Jitsumi, [later to be called Gogen], Yamaguchi studies Law at Kansei University.
1929 [Showa 4]
Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi enters Ritsumeikan University with an intent to become a member of the Kin Ei Tai [Voluntary Emperor's Guard] of which he was later appointed leader. The Kin Ei Tai patrolled the Kyoto Palace on a regular basis and provided full guard when the Emperor visited West Japan and resided in Kyoto Palace.
Hironori Kou Ohtsuka officially names his style "Wado Ryu Karate Jutsu".
Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi with Jitsuei Yogi create an informal Karate-do Club at Ritsumeikan University.
Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei and friend Jitsuei Yogi [a 17 year old Okinawan already having previous studies with Chojun Miyagi] write to Chojun Miyagi inviting him to Japan. Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei later received introduced [1931] to Chojun Miyagi by Jitsuei Yogi [September 27, 1912 - November 1997] for direct study.
Sensei of the Keio University Karatedo Club [which was led by Hironori Otsuka of Wado Ryu, Yasuhiro Konishi of Shindo Jinen Ryu and Gichin Funakoshi of Shotokan] discuss and change the representation of the Kanji to represent Karate from "Chinese Hand" to "Empty Hand".
April - Karatedo is adopted as a required course into both the Okinawa Police Training center and Naha Municipal Commercial High School as taught by Chojun Miyagi Sensei.
Taiji Kase [Shotokan Japan and Europe] is born.
Mabuni Kenwa settled in the Osaka area and founded the Shito-Ryu system [taking the "Shi" from Higashionna, and the "To" from Itosu].
1930 [Showa 5]
Ryuru Ko dies in February.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei named Karatedo Division Chairman of the Okinawa Prefecture Athletic Association.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei received an invitation to demonstrate at the All Japan Martial Arts Demonstration to be held on May 5, 1930.
Chojun Miyagi submits the name "Gojuryu" to the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 in Kyoto for official recognition as a Budo art [Karatedo]. This is the officially recorded year Chojun Miyagi Sensei becomes the first to give his style of Karatedo a formal name, calling it Gojuryu [See also 1927!]
Seikich Toguchi begins formal training with Seiko Higa. Seiko Higa is a former student of Kanryo Higaonna.
November - Karatedo is officially recognized by the Okinawa Gymnastics association and is further recommended.
Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei and Jitsuei Yogi Sensei establishes Ritsumeikan Dai Gaku Karate Kenkyu Kai a school based Goju-Ryu Karate-do however currently still primarly known as Toute.
A Gojuryu Karatedo Club is established at Kansai University in Osaka as well as at the Osaka Medical University, Osaka Medical College and the Kansai Graduate School.
National Government Record on Martial Arts Profiles showed more than two and half million Black Belt holders, and more then two hundred fifteen thousand high-ranking experts registered in the eight major martial disciplines between Japan and Okinawa combined however Karatedo is still far off from becoming officially recognized by the government of Japan and the Butokukai.
Meitoku Yagi Sensei is given person by Chojun Miyagi Sensei to accept students.
1931
Seiko Higa is given permission by Chojun Miyagi to open his own dojo in Shioizumi Village - Naha, Okinawa.
Seikichi Toguchi begins his Karatedo training with Seiko Higa.
May 25 - Yasuhiro [Takehiro] Konishi is born in Tokyo Japan. Takehiro Konishi is the son of Yasuhiro Konishi, Founder of Shindo Jinen Ryu.
According to Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi in his autobiography, this is the year that Jitsuei Yogi Sensei [September 27, 1912 - November 1997] introduced Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei to Chojun Miyagi [although he was first invited in 1929] for direct study.
Mayama Motomasa Sensei is Born, July 15, 1931
An'Ichi Miyagi Sensei is born on Feb. 9th in Tsuboya-Cho, Naha City - Okinawa Japan.
Japan commences battles in China [Soon to be Manchuria War].
1932
Seiko Higa Sensei leaves his duties with the Okinawa Police Department to follow his instinct and after consulting with his second instructor Chojun Miyagi, he opens a Karate Dojo.
The 2nd book written by Choki Motobu called "Watashi no Karate Jutsu" is published by the Ryukyu Karatedo Shihan Kai.
Seikichi Toguchi Seikichi joined Higa Seiko Dojo.
1933
Gojuryu was officially registered with the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 by Chojun Miyagi Sensei as a style. This occasion recognized Karatedo as an official Ryu [art].
Chojun Miyagi Sensei was appointed Chief of Karatedo for the Okinawa branch of the Dai Nippon Butokukai 沖縄の大日本武徳会. The Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 awarded Chojun Miyagi the title of Kyoshigo [Shihan-Kyoshi], 2nd highest title.
January 20th - Tasaki Shuji Sensei is born.
Yuchoku Higa begins his study of Gojuryu Karatedo with Jinan Shinzato.
Anthony Mirakian [Meibukan] is born.
Yoshiaki Ajari [JKF Wadokai Karatedo Federation and US Wadokai] is born in Minato Mura Japan.
1934 [Showa 9]
Dated March 23rd - Chojun Miyagi Sensei issues his "Karatedo Gaisetsu" [Outline on Karatedo].
Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi graduates from Ritsumeikan University with a Law degree and begins his business practicing Law.
March - Kenwa Mabuni opens his first Dojo in Osaka Japan naming it Yousyukan.
March 25 - Shiomi Akira Sensei [Technical Director of the JKF Gojukai] is born.
April 1 - Chojun Miyagi Sensei becomes a permanent officer of the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 [Great Japan Martial Virtues Association].
April - Chojun Miyagi lectures and teaches Karatedo in Hawaii on the Invitation of Youkoku Jihosha [Yokoku Times]. The trip is also supported by businessmen Chinyei Kinjo, Seichu Yamashiro and Seisho Tokunaga.
May - Kiyoda Juhatsu is named as the Director and Head Instructor of the Naha Okinawa Branch of the Dai Nippon Butokukai.
May - Yasuhiro Konishi [a student of both Motoburyu stylist Choki
Motobu and Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi] founds / names his style
"Shindo Jinen Ryu". This style would later be popularized as the
association "Ryobukai".
May - Kenwa Mabuni calls his style of Karate-do Shito Ryu. A name chosen from the Kanji of his teachers Itosu Sensei and Higaonna Sensei.
May - Kose Kuniba [a student of Choki Motobu] founds / renames his style "Seishinkai Karatedo".
Hironori Kou Ohtsuka Sensei establishes his Dojo calling it "Dai Nihon Karate-do Shinko kan" in the Kanda area of Tokyo. Ohtsuka Sensei developed Wado-Ryu basing it on his studies of Shinto Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu and Shorin Ryu.
November 12th - Ishikawa Yutaka Sensei is born.
August 14th - Peter Urban Sensei [August 14th 1934 - April 7th 2004] is born. Peter Urban Sensei introduced Gojuryu Karatedo to the east coast of the United States when he started teaching privately in Union City - New Jersey in 1959 and opened his first Dojo [the Chinatown Dojo] on 17th St. in Manhattan New York City in 1967.
1935
February - Chojun Miyagi Sensei returns to Japan from Hawaii.
Miyagi Sensei gives his second demonstration in Japan with Yogi Jitsuei Sensei as his assistant, by invitation Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi. While in Japan, Miyagi Sensei stayed in Jitsuei Yogi Sensei's apartment.
Miyagi Sensei visits Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. Current members included Jitsuei Yogi, Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi and Nei Soh Choo [who would later become the primary Sensei Masutatsu Oyama].
April - Gichin Funakoshi [Founder of Shotokan] renames Kata Wanshu to Empi.
May - With the encouragement of Yasuhiro Konishi [Founder of Shindo Jinen Ryu] the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 recognizes karate-do and awards Kyoshi Menkyo licenses to the following people:
- Chojun Miyagi
- Yasuhiro Konishi
- Ueshima Sannosuke [the founder of Kushin Ryu].
- Kiyoda Juhatsu [To'on Ryu]
May - The Dai Nippon Butoku-Kai insists that all budo have style names.
Yasuhiro Konishi [Ryobukai - Shindo Jinenryu Karatedo] develops [with the assistance of Kenwa Mabuni] the kata Seiryu at the request of the Japanese government commanding general of the Japanese Army to develop women's self-defense techniques.
July 23rd - Fukunaga Satohiko Sensei is born.
June 29 - Gosei Yamaguchi is born in Kyoto.
This is the said year that Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei originates Jiyu-Kumite [free sparring], the basis for sport Karatedo as it is known today.
December 21 - Jitsuei Yogi and Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi officially register The "Karate-do Kenkyu-Kai" at Ritsumeikan University.
1936 January 20 - Jitsuei Yogi and Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi submit the rules and regulations of the "Karate-do Kenkyu-Kai" listing Chojun Miyagi as Meiyo Shihan and both Jitsuei Yogi and Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi as assistant instructors [Shihan Dai]
January 28th - Miyagi Sensei speaks and performs a demonstration in Osaka - Japan at the Meiji Shoten Gymnasium. It is here that Miyagi Sensei presented his "Outline on Karatedo" [Karatedo Gaisetsu] speech regarding Karatedo and its benefits.
Miyagi Sensei was awarded the Meiyo Shihan [Honorary Master Teacher] and Yogi Jitsuei and Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei were awarded Shihan-Dai [Assistant Master Instructors] by the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会.
Chojun Miyagi receives an award for "Excellence in the Martial Arts" from the Japan Ministry of Education.
The year Chojun Miyagi Sensei stated that Gojuryu was formally established.
October 25 - The "Meeting of the Masters" [aka "Round-table talk on Karate"] sponsored by The Ryukyu Shinpo was held at Showa Kaikan Hall. Attendees include Chojun Miyagi, Choki Motobu, Choshin Chibana, Chomo Hanashiro, Shinpan Shiroma, Tsuyoshi Chitose, Kenwa Nakasone, Kiyoda Juhatsu, Kentsu Yabu and Chotoku Kyan.
Karatedo is recognized as an official Budo by the Okinawa Ken Taiyuku Kyokai Karatebu.
Kyo Mouri Sensei [President JKF Gojukai 1997-1998] began his formal Gojuryu studies with Iwasuke Yamakawa Sensei who was student of founder Chojun Miyagi Sensei.
November 28th - Chojun Miyagi presented to club members his essay "Ryukyu Kenpo Karatedo Enkaku Gaiyo", part of his about Karatedo Lecture and Demonstration at Meiji Shoten.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei travels again to China [Shanghai] to the Seibu Dai Iku Kai [Great Gymnastic Association, Pure Martial Arts Spirit] for research purposes with Gokenki [Yoshikawa]. Gokenki [Yoshikawa] was a Sifu [instructor] of White Crane and a very close friend of Miyagi. He traveled with Miyagi to China twice to serve as interpreter; once in 1915 and once in 1936].
Eiichi Miyazato begins private study of Karate with his father.
1937 [Showa 12]January - the name of the Ritsumeikan University "Karate-do Kenkyu-Kai" was changed to "Karate-do Kenpo-Bu"
May 5th - Japanese Publishing company Takenori Kai sponsors the five day Takenori Festival where Chojun Miyagi Sensei performs Kata at Butoku Sai under the auspices of Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 and is was given the Menkyo [License] of Karate-Jutsu Kyoshi, the first time in the nation for any empty hand system.
Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei receives permission from Chojun Miyagi to propagate Gojuryu Karatedo on mainland Japan.
Chojun Miyagi, along with other stylists, forms the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 Karatedo Jukkyoshi [Great Japan Martial Arts Karatedo Teachers Association].
May - The Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 called for a meeting to discuss the standards for awarding rank and certification in Karate-Jutsu.
Prince Nashimoto Moriwasa empowered Chojun Miyagi Sensei to set up a Karatedo Kyoju-Kai [Karatedo Teacher Association] on behalf of the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会.
Tada Seigo Sensei begins learning Chinese Martial Art [Chinese Kempo] in Shanghai from Ching Lou.
Japan and China enter into battle near Peking ["Rape of Nanking"] The fighting escalated into war.
Hiroshi Shirai [Shotokan Japan and Europe] is born.
1938 [Showa 13]Gohhohyoue Yamamoto is born.
April - Chojun Miyagi Sensei was appointed as a Karatedo instructor at Okinawa Teacher Training School.
April - Shozo Ujita Sensei joins the Ritsumeikan University Karate-do Club. He was at the time, 21 years old.
May - Dai Nippon Butoku-Kai Karate-Jutsu division meeting is held to discuss the standards for awarding grade in specific sytles. Attendees include Hironori Kou Ohtsuka [Wado-ryu], Kenwa Mabuni [Shito-ryu], Kensei Kinjo (Kaneshiro) and Sannosuke Ueshima [both of Kushin-ryu], Tatsuo Yamada [[Nippon Kempo], Koyu Konishi [Shindo-jinen-ryu], Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi [Goju-ryu].
May - Hironori Kou Ohtsuka [Wado Ryu] is awarded the license of Renshi Go and registers the official name of his style as "Shinsu Wado Ryu Karate Jutsu".
May - Yasuhiro Konishi [Shindo Jinen Ryu] is assigned Chairman of the screening committee of the Dai Nippon Butoku-Kai to review license applications for karate Jutsu.
May - the famous Shogun, General Kanji Ishihara [1889-1949], a personal friend and Nichiren Buddhist, requests Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei to travel to Manchuria as an official of the Kyowakai.
Eiichi Miyazato becomes a student of Chojun Miyagi Sensei.
Masanobu Shinjo, founder of Shobukan Goju Ryu is born [1938 - 1993]. Masanobu Shinjo Sensei was the chief instructor of Seikichi Toguchi Sensei's Shoreikan Dojo.
December 25 - Morio Higaonna Sensei [IOGKF] is born in Naha Okinawa Japan.
1939 Koshin Iha Sensei becomes a student of Chojun Miyagi Sensei [1939 by the modern calender] at the Garden Dojo.
Tomoharu Kizaki Sensei, Kenzo Uchiage Sensei and Kenkichi Katano Sensei join the Ritsumeikan University Karatedo club.
Shozo Ujita Sensei [as well as Jo Taniguchi, Tetsuya Ioku and Taisuke Nakamura] travel to Okinawa for trains with Chojun Miyagi Sensei for a period of four months. This visit results in a friendship between Shozo Ujita Sensei with Eiichi Miyazato and Koshin Iha that would later continue with the founding of the JKF Gojukai and the Jundokan becoming a member of the JKF Gojukai. They also receive instruction from Jin'an Shinzato.
March - Shitokai is registered by Kenwa Mabuni with the Dai Nippon Butokukai.
May - Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 awards Jinan Shinzato Sensei [Student of Chojun Miyagi] title of Renshi-Go. Almost 15 years after constant training with Chojun Miyagi.
May - Hironori Kou Ohtsuka [founder of Wado Ryu] changes the name [as registered with the DNBK] of his style from "Shinsu Wado Ryu Karate Jutsu" to simply "Wado Ryu".
July - The Dai Nippon Karatedo Kai is formed in Osaka Japan.
At the request [in 1938] of the famous Shogun, General Kanji Ishihara [1889-1949], a personal friend and Nichiren Buddhist, Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei travels to Manchuria as an official of the Kyowakai.
1940
Gen Hayakawa, governor of Okinawa, assembled the Karate-Do Special Committee, composed by Ishihara Shochoku [chairman], Miyagi Chojun, Kamiya Jinsei, Shinzato Jinan, Miyasato Koji, Tokuda Anbun, Kinjo Kensei, Kyan Shinei, and Nagamine Shoshin with the goal of creating a series of Okinawan kata in order to teach both physical education and very basic Okinawan independent style martial arts to school children.
Chojun Miyagi and Shoshin Nagamine [Founder of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu] created Gekisai Ichi Kata [also called Fukyugata Ichi in Shorin Ryu and Matsubiyashi Shorin Ryu dojo] for induction into the middle schools of Okinawa as an introduction kata and to help standardize Karatedo. Chojun Miyagi Sensei later adds a 2nd Kata, Gekisai Dai Ni.
May - Seiko Higa Sensei is awarded the Menkyo of Renshi by the Japan Budo Association.
May 28 - Gokenki [Yoshikawa] dies in Higashi Naha Okinawa Japan.
Kuranosuke Kimura Sensei joins the Ritsumeikan University Karatedo club.
Japan celebrates her 2,600th anniversary. Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi is chosen President of a mission to return to Japan leading a Mixed Martial Arts mission consisting of Chinese Kempo, Bo-Jutsu, Wushu, Mongolian Wrestling, Gungfu and other martial arts.
Gosen Kishio Yamaguchi, 2nd son of Gogen Yamguchi is born in Manchuko [Manchuria - China].
1941Chinen Teruo Sensei is born in Kobe, Japan.
Masafumi Suzuki Sensei is born in Kobe - Japan.
Kyo Mouri Sensei [future President of the JKF Gojukai 1997-1998] Graduated Osaka Dentistry University.
Shozo Ujita is elected Captain of Ritsumeikan University Karatedo Team.
Shozo Ujita hosts a joint University Gasshuku with Doshisha University and Gihokai Karate at Hyakuman-be.
December 7th - Japan launches a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii-USA launching the USA into WWII.
1942 Miyagi Sensei was invited to teach at Ritsumeikan University [not by Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei as he was still in China at this time however by Jitsuei Yogi Sensei and Shozo Ujita Sensei]. Currenty club members include Kenzo Uchiage, Tomoharu Kisaki, Hyonosuke Kimura and Kinkichi Katano. This marks the last time Chojun Miyagi Sensei visits Kyoto.
Kenzo Uchiage is elected Captain of Ritsumeikan University Karatedo Team.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei visits Kyoto Japan for teaching Karatedo abroad and at Ritsumeikan University. This would be the last time Miyagi was ever to return to Kyoto.
Chojun Miyagi and Koshin Iha Sensei perform an individual enbu demonstration at Butoku-den for the visit to Okinawa of Imperial messenger Ogura.
July - Shozo Ujita Sensei Graduates from Ritsumeikan University and joins the Japan Imperial Army.
September 28th - Hirofumi Goshi Yamaguchi is born in Shinjing, Manchuria [This portion of China was at that time a Japanese state].
1943
The Ritsumeikan University Karate-do Kenpo-Bu, as well as karate-do clubs from Takushoku University and Keio University, participate in the first Japan inter-university friendship tournament.
1944 May - Hironori Kou Ohtsuka [founder of Wado Ryu] is named "Shuseki Shihan" of Karate by Dai Nippon Butokukai Karate do Division.
October 10th - Americans launch a counter attack beginning the battle for Okinawa.
Ogha Takeo begins his formal study of Gojuryu Karatedo .
Meitatsu Yagi is born in June.
May 31st - Namiki Tomonori Sensei is born.
Hokama Tetushiro, a student of Higa Seiko Sensei and Fukuchi Seiko Sensei was born.
Motobu Choki Dies. Motobu Choki is the founder of Motobu Ryu
1945 [Showa 20]March 3rd - Jinan Shinzato Sensei was killed by bombs at Kin Village Okinawa during the battle for Okinawa, while standing at the entrance to a cave where his unit was seeking cover. The Battle for Okinawa was a key turning point for the Japan Imperial Navy. At the time of his death, Jinan Shinzato Sensei was the most likely to have continued the teachings of Chojun Miyagi.
Gigo Funakoshi [the son of Shotokan Founder Gichin Funakoshi] dies.
August 6th - two U.S. B-29 bomber aircraft appeared in the sky above Hiroshima City, one of them dropped a small parachute. Attached to this was the atomic bomb that took the lives of over 200,000 residents. More than 90% of the city was damaged by the blast; around the epicenter, nearly all of the people died instantly, and most of the buildings were destroyed without a trace.
August 9th 11:02 a.m. - A 2nd atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki City - Japan, located at the northwestern tip of Kyushu. This bomb left one third of the city in ashes and 120,000 people dead.
August 15 - Japan's Emperor surrendered and Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration by the Allied Powers thereby ending the Pacific Conflict of WWII.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei is reappointed [With establishment of Okinawa Public Government and Civil Administrations] to an instructor at Police Academy.
September - Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi is separated from his family and forced to gather in Shotoku Camp in Nekka Province [Manchuko] and taken prisoner by the G.P.U. [Gossudarstvennoye Politicheskoye Upravleniye / Obyedinennoye], a strong national division of the Russian Police. Family members [non-government commissioned] are allowed to return Japan.
Seigo Tada Sensei establishes Nihon Gojuryu Karatedo Shikai, Nihon Seigo-Kan Karatedo Shikai, and Nihon Seigo-Kan In Kyoto City. For the time being this is a private club.
1946 Per the end of Pacific War the GHQ [USA General MacArthur] of SCAP [Supreme Commander of Allied Powers] issued the peremptory directive to dissolve all military related organizations, and subsequently Dai Nippon Butoku-Kai [considered the root of Militarism] dissolved its organizational charter voluntarily.
With the general need of structure and public service in Okinawa, Eiichi Miyazato entered the Ryukyu Police Department by Chojun Miyagi Sensei’s recommendation. He then proceeded to instruct at the then Ryukyu Police Academy Training Hall as assistant instructor [to Miyagi Sensei]
August 1st of this year, the United States established a military Government in Japan and it was at this time the Okinawa Citizens were able to return safely to their homeland from the northern mountains and the Japanese mainland.
Chojun Miyagi was made an official of the Okinawa Minsei Taiiku Kan [Okinawa Democratic Athletic Association].
November - Shozo Ujita Sensei opens his famous Kenbukan Dojo in Wakayama - Japan.
Yoshiaki Ajari [JKF Wadokai and US Wadokai], at the age of thirteen, begins training with Shozo Ujita at the Kenbukan Dojo in Wakayama. He move to Tokyo to continue continue studies at Meiji University while training in Wadoryu and teaching at the Asakusa Dojo of Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi earning the rank of Yondan.
1947 April - Shozo Ujita Sensei is awarded the title of Shihan of Ritsumeikan University Karatedo Club.
Seiko Higa Sensei opens the first 'post war' dojo at Itoman Okinawa giving instruction in Gojuryu Karatedo. His teachings would include the Itoman High School, University of Okinawa and with the Okinawa Prison Authority.
July - Shoshin Nagamine adopts the name of Matsubiyahsi Ryu to honor Soken Matsumura [1809 - 1896] also known as Bushi Matsumura, the Master of Shuri-Te, and Kosaku Matsumora [1829 - 1898] also known as Bushi Matsumora the Master of Tomari-Te.
November 15th - Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei released from Russian POW camp and boards a Koan Maru [Cargo ship converted for passengers] in Siberia bound for Hokkaido Japan.
November 18th - Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi Sensei arrives in Hakodate [Hokkaido] Japan via a converted Japanese Barge from his duties in Manchuria as an officer of the Kyowakai. Upon his return he immediately returns to his birthtown in Kagoshima.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei returned to Naha and began teaching at the Naha Police Academy.
Seigo Tada assists the Ritsumeikan University Karate-Do Kenpo-Bu by renting the Sainen Kaikanto establish a club dojo.
1948The Occupation Force allowed the reinstitution of Kendo and Judo to supplement the Police Academy.
February - Members of the Ritsumeikan University "Karate-Do Kenpo-Bu" post a sign at Hiroko Temple that reads "Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Rutsumei Kan Dojo" and take up a permanent training hall.
April - Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi obtains a permit for a training facility by stating to S.C.A.P. officers that the training was a simple form of boxing that included the use of the legs.
Ani'ichi Miyagi begins Gojuryu Karatedo lessons at the garden dojo Chojun Miyagi.
Kosei Wakugawa trains Gojuryu Karate-do with Ei'ichi Miyazato.
Walter Todd [1927-1999] becomes the first Westerner to have received a Dan grading in any martial art style from Japan [including Dan gradings and training direct from both Gichin Funakosh, Kyuzo Mifune, Hironori Kou Ohtsuka and Isao Obata]
1949Gogen Jitsumi Yamaguchi opens a Dojo in the Taito ward of Asakusa, then part of Nihonzatsumi now known as Tokyo.
May - The followers of Gichin Funakoshi form the Nihon Karate-do Kyokai translated as the Japan Karatedo Association.
September - Chojun Miyagi and Eiichi Miyazato are photographed in a series of pictures, now well known and circulated around the world, where both are wearing Kuroi Obi [Black Belts]. This would later prove false the theory of Chojun Miyagi having never approved any student a "Dan" grade.
The International Martial Arts Federation IMAF] is formed.
Seiko Higa opens a Dojo in Okinawa immediately upon approval of local authorities [US Military] naming Seikichi Toguchi as Shishan.
