Master Minoru Higa, nephew of the great masters Yuchoku and Jintatsu Higa, was born in Naha (Okinawa) on September 18, 1941. His first experience of martial arts was Judo at the age of 11, under the guidance of Master Yogen Tamashiro. In 1960, he became the pupil of Judo-Master Yokomoto Isekichi and began practicing karate with his uncle, Yuchoku Higa.
That same year, he enrolled in the Japan Bodybuilding Center, driven by a passion for weight training. From 1960 onwards, Minoru Higa Sensei attended the famous Judo temple "Kodokan," attaining the grade of 4th Dan in that discipline. His physique, developed through weight training and the intense practice of both Judo and Karate, helped him become a University Boxing Champion. In 1964, he graduated with a degree in Business and Economics.
Following a special invitation in 1969, Master Minoru Higa performed a demonstration at the Tokyo Budokan for the Japanese Karate Championships. In 1971, he opened his own gymnasium, the Naha Bodybuilding Center (today known as "Naha Gym"), while continuing his karate training under Master Yuchoku Higa at the Kyudokan Hombu Dojo.
In 1976, he became a member of the Ryu Kyu Kobudo Ryu Kon Kai, presided over by Master Kotaro Iha. In 1977, he and Master Yuchoku were invited to Argentina by the Kyudokan Federation for the Argentinian Championships of Okinawa Kyudokan Karate-do. The demonstrations performed by the Higa family members during this period helped solidify the global reputation of the school.
Having served as Vice-President of the Okinawa Kyudokan Karate-do Federation, Minoru Higa Sensei eventually became President of the World Okinawan Shorinryu Kyudokan Karate-do Federation following the death of Master Yuchoku Higa - an office he holds to this day.
"Chisin chitai" - In life and karate you have to know how to advance and withdraw; in other words you have to know when to take a step forward and when a step back, in order to find the right step to take.
Information provided by Indishe Senanayake Sensei - Kyudokan
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