GOJU - RYU
The principle disciple of Kanryo Higaonna, Miyagi is the creator of Goju-Ryu (Naha-Te renamed).Miyagi trained with Higaonna for about 14 years. After the death of his beloved teacher, Miyagi traveled to Fukien Provence in China to expand his knowledge in the systems his master had studied. This venture took a number of trips to China. Responsible for organizing Naha-Te into Goju-Ryu, Miyagi stayed true to his teacher's spirit and methods. After the death of Miyagi, there was a division of the Houses of Goju into the Jundo Kan and the Meibu Kan (there might be others)
(1909-LATE 80's)
JAPANESE GOJU-RYU
"THE CAT" as he was affectionately called because his hair was like that of a lion and had what was known as 'Neko Myogi" (Cat Stare). This was a stare that could not be broken. He inspired the term "Cat Style" out of the stance he made famous (Neko Ashi Dachi) Yamaguchi added a Taikioku Katas to the Goju Curriculum, to help guide students to the advance stages of the Goju Kata.
Master Yamaguchi's association with Master Miyagi proved to be a fruitful one, as he was named successor of the Goju Mantel in Japan. In the mid 60's, Yamaguchi was successful in unifying all karate dojos into what was then the All Japan Karatedo Organization. Ultimately,Yamaguchi evolved his own personal style called GOJU-SHINTO.
USA GOJU
Chief Grand Patriarch of all American Goju Systems, Peter Urban is credited with training some of the greatest martial arts traditionalist in this generation. Master Urban, while stationed in Japan for eight years with the united States Navy, trained with Prof. Richard Kim, an authority of Okinawan Karate Systems. Prof. Kim introduced Peter Urban to Masters Yamaguchi (Japanese Goju) and Mas Oyama (Kyokushin Kai). Receiving his master in both system, Peter Urban, the first American Tenth Dan with his creation of USA GOJU and for being the original propagator of he Goju style in the United States.
USA GOJU Federation
Master Kelljchian was promoted to Shodan (black belt) under Master Joe Hess, one of Grandmaster Urban's many students. He earned his Masters degree from Grandmaster Urban. In the late 1990's Master Kelljchian formed the USAGF. Master Kelljchian currently has over 100 black belts under him.
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Hall # 25-39
Sensei Knickerbocker was the 39th Black Belt of Master Kelljchian. He holds the rank of Sandan.
He formed the PTC DoJo and instructed Sensei Walt and Sensei Rick to their black belts.
Sensei currently resides in California where he has started a new DoJo. He will always be the Lead Instructor for Hall # 25-39
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