I.K.G.A . International Karate do Goju
Kai and All Japan Karate do Goju Kai is Goshi Yamaguchi 8th Dan.
Goshi (Hirofumi) Yamaguchi was born in Shinjing,
Manchuria on September 28, 1942 as the third son of Kaiso (the Founder)
Gogen Yamaguchi. In 1951, at the age of eight, he began practicing
Karate-Do at Senzoku Dojo in Asakusa. He was promoted to Shodan (first
level black belt) in 1957 and to Nidan (second level black belt) in
1959. In 1962 he became a Sandan (third level black belt) and an
instructor. He entered Nihon University in 1963, majoring in cinema
studies in the Department of Arts. While he was a student, he had an
opportunity to teach karate-do at an American branch dojo for a year
with his brother Gosen.This Dojo was taken over by another of his older
brothers, Norimi Gosei, in 1967.
After he came back to Japan, he taught in various
Goju-ryu dojo. He graduated from University in 1969, when he became a
full time Shihan (Master) in the head dojo with a view to promote and
develop Goju-ryu Karate-do. He has visited and taught in more than 60
countries in the world thus far as an authorized instructor of Goju kai
and the IKGA, as well as the All Japan Karate-do Federation, the Tokyo
Karate Federation, and as an international referee. In 1990 he was
appointed to president of All Japan Karate-Do Gojukai Association,
International Karate-Do Gojukai Association, and designated as Saiko
Shihan (Grand Master) for the two associations.
Photo by Alexandra Starling.
Copyright 1985
Hirofumi Goshi Yamaguchi is one of the most dynamic
of all Karate masters in the world today. Now age 67 years (2009) Goshi
Shihan's fine technique and outstanding teaching ability marks him as a
Master of unique abilities both mental and physical. In a modern karate
world marred by self promotion, egotism, and monetary profits at all
cost, Goshi Yamaguchi stands apart from those who seek to use the
teaching of Budo for self glorification. His punishing schedule of
annual visits to his Branch Dojo of IKGA members throughout the world
is a tribute to his tenacity in contining the work that his father
started in the 1930's. That is to promote the spread of Goju Ryu to all
nations, and to promote peace and goodwill wherever possible.
Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi never ceases to amaze
those who attend his International seminars, by not only performing
everything that he asks of others, but leaving people half his age in
his wake, very few can keep up with him! At a recent Australian
National seminar in Sydney New South Wales during early October 2003,
he demonstrated Kumite movements that caused virtually all the
attendees to cease their activity and stand mesmorised, watching him,
as he was virtually the only person who could perform the intricate
footwork mistake free.
A high point of this visit was Goshi Shihan's
performance of the master kata Genkaku to music which he demonstrated
following the finals of the Australian National Universities Karate
Championship on Saturday 4th October 2003 hosted by Paul Starling at
the Macquarie University in Sydney. This kata was approved by
Grandmaster Gogen Yamaguchi Hanshi (prior to his passing away in 1989),
and is only taught to Shihan or Master Class instructors. The name
comes from the GEN of Gogen and KAKU from the Crane, and this Kata is
not to be performed in competition, only for demonstrations. The
performance drew a standing ovation from all the competitors and
officials present, and was a fitting conclusion to a wonderful
tournament to which Saiko Shihan was the guest of honour.
Biography to be updated with further information
shortly.
