SENSEI: Masters of Okinawan Karate Series Two #5 - Morio Higaonna 沖縄空手 剛柔流 東恩納 盛男

Morio Higaonna, 東恩納 盛男, head of the Traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Do Federation (TOGKF), and an Intangible Cultural Asset Holder in the Field of Okinawan Karate and Martial Arts with Weaponry. Once described as “the most dangerous man in Japan in a real fight“ he is known for his extremely tough training and body conditioning. He is one of the elder statesmen of karate, and is pushing for Okinawan karate to be recognized by UNESCO. The interview took place at his dojo in Okinawa, Japan a couple of days before his 84th birthday with footage also recorded at the TOGKF Budosai in August 2023. Video Notes 1) At the start of the interview he says in Japanese his age is 73, but he meant 83. 2) @ the word he uses is yojinbukai (prudent) not yojinbo (bodyguard) Thanks Miguel da Luz for spotting this. 3) The additional story about the murder of his senpai Sutayacchi because of yakuza connections was unexpected. Aft
Back to Top