However,
upon closer inspection and in comparison with the style
of To’on Ryu founded by Miyagi Chojun’s senior
(Sempai) Kiyoda Juhatsu, it would seem that Higaonna only
taught four kata:
Sanchin
Seisan
Sanseru
Suparinpei
When
these four kata are analyzed and compared to the other kata
in the modern Goju Ryu curriculum, it is clear that they
are intimately related.
For
example, they all start with the characteristic Sanchin
kamae opening and are generally asymmetrical in nature using
predominantly the Sanchin stance.
The
other kata in the Goju Ryu curriculum do not start the same
way and tend to be symmetrical in structure and make more
use of the Shikodachi stance. The exception is Shisochin
which may very well have been taught by Higaonna who may
have learnt it directly from Aragaki Seisho.
However,
we also know that three other kata existed in Aragaki Seisho’s
Shorei system: Niseishi, Unsu and Sochin.
Why
Higaonna did not learn these kata and why he did not seek
out further instruction from Aragaki upon his return to
Okinawa is not known.
In
addition to these four kata Higaonna also taught Hojo Undo
(supplementary exercises using implements) and Yobi Undo
(warming up and stretching exercises).
Legendary
Prowess:
Higaonna was particularly known for his lightning reflexes
and the power of his legs. Morio Higaonna reports that he
often helped local police apprehend criminals by kicking
them in the legs and that because of this he was known to
them by the nick name Ashi no Higaonna or “Higaonna
the Legs.”
In
his old age it is said that he also shattered the floor
beams of his home when in the presence of Miyagi Chojun
while performing a stomping technique.
Richard
Kim also reported that Higaonna would invite his students
to choke him using and obi but to no avail. Also, according
to Richard Kim, Higaonna would invite his students to punch
him in the stomach as hard as they could and that at festivals
he would set up a game where members of the public were
invited to tie ropes around his legs in an attempt to move
him from a veranda while he was standing in Sanchin stance.
Reportedly no one could ever move him. These skills are
consistent with his emphasis on Sanchin training. Higaonna
was known for the power and strength of his Sanchin kata
and training is this kata under him was said to be extremely
severe.
Higaonna
would have several students over the years both at the Naha
Commercial High School and at his home Dojo. The most famous
however would be: Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953), Kiyoda Juhatsu
(1887-1968) Mabuni Kenwa (1889-1952) and Higa Seiko (1889-1966).
Miyagi
Chojun
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