Ryu Ryu Ko (Xie Zhongxiang)
Ryu Ryu Ko (1852–1930) was a legendary master of Southern Style Dragon Boxing in Fuzhou. As the prestigious Chief Instructor of the Qing Dynasty’s Military Training School, his profound expertise shaped the foundations of Okinawan Masters Kanryo Higaonna the founder of Naha-Ti, and Norisato Nakaima founder odf Ryuei-Ryu. His philosophy centered on the vital balance of internal and external training, uniting inner cultivation and focused breathing with strong, external technique and conditioning—a duality that serves as the spiritual and technical cornerstone of Goju-Ryu. Through his dedicated tutoring of Kanryo Higaonna, his lineage flowed directly into Ryukyu-Ti (the predecessor of Okinawa karate). Today, his legacy and principles remain central to the traditional Goju-Ryu Karate syllabus taught at Tatsukan Dojo.
Kanryo higaonna
Born into a merchant Pechin (Samurai Class) family in Nishimura, Naha, Kanryo Higaonna (1853–1915) began his formal studies under Aragaki Tsuji Pechin Seisho in Ryukyu -Ti (Ryukry Hand). Driven to deepen his knowledge, he traveled to Fuzhou, China, where he trained at the Kojo Dojo, under the tutelage of Taitei Kojo before eventually meeting and studying under master Ryu Ryu Ko. These pivotal travels were made possible by Yoshimura Udun Chomei, an Okinawan Aji (prince) who assisted Higaonna in obtaining the necessary travel permit to Fuzhou in 1870. Yoshimura Udun Chomei recognize Higaonna Sensei as the greatest martial artist of his generation. Combining his teacher Ryu Ryu Ko's dragon boxing and his native art of Ryukyu Ti, he created the art that would become known as Naha-Ti (Naha Hand). Upon his return to Okinawa following the Japanese annexation, Higaonna resumed his family’s business while teaching martial arts in Naha, where he began instructing the sons of Yoshimura Udun Chomei. He continued to foster these royal and international ties, and in 1898, Higaonna serving as a bodyguard escorted Yoshimura Chomei and two of his sons back to Fuzhou. His profound technical mastery and disciplined instruction influenced a generation of martial artists; his legacy endures through his most legendary students, Chojun Miyagi the founder of Goju-Ryu, Yoshimura Udun Chōgi, Seko Higa the founder of the Shodokan school of Goju-Ryu, and Juhatsu Kyoda the founder of Touon Ryu.
Chojun Miyagi
Chojun Miyagi (1888–1953) was the esteemed founder of Goju-Ryu Karate and a direct disciple of Kanryo Higaonna. A dedicated Pechin (Samurai Class) descendant, Miyagi was born into a wealthy merchant family. Miyagi traveled to Fuzhou, China, following in his master's footsteps to study the Chinese martial arts that shaped half his system. He formalised the syllabus, integrating the 'Hard and Soft' (Goju) principles of Ryu Ryu Ko into a comprehensive Okinawan discipline. Renowned for his introduction of the Tensho kata and his commitment to the physical and spiritual development of his students, Miyagi served as a key instructor at the Okinawa Police Academy and the Okinawan Prefecture Teacher's College. His most notable students include Seikichi Toguchi (Founder of Shoreikan Goju-Ryu, and the style taught at the Tatsukan Dojo), Jinan Shinzato, Meitoku YagiHis tireless efforts and profound philosophical insights elevated Karate to a globally recognized martial art, ensuring the preservation of the traditional Naha-te lineage for future generations at dojos like Tatsukan.
Seikichi Toguchi
Seikichi Toguchi (1917–1998) was a senior student of Chojun Miyagi and the founder of Shorei‑Kan Goju‑Ryu. Born in Naha, Okinawa, he began training in karate at a young age and studied under both Seko Higa and Chojun Miyagi, inheriting a deep understanding of Naha‑te and Goju‑Ryu principles. After World War II, Toguchi played a key role in rebuilding and organizing Goju‑Ryu in Okinawa and later in Japan, helping to systematize the curriculum, formalize kihon (basics), kata, and bunkai (applications), and make the art more accessible to students. Through his teaching and the establishment of Shorei‑Kan dojos in Okinawa and abroad, he helped spread Goju‑Ryu worldwide while preserving the traditional emphasis on strong basics, disciplined character, and the balance of hard and soft techniques.
Seiji Urasaki
Bio coming soon
Abdalla Khalid
Abdalla Khalid Sensei (Chief Instructor) at the Tatsukan Dojo, serves as the head of the dojo and the North American Representative for the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Shorei-kan Karate Hombu Dojo. He holds a Godan (5th-degree black belt) in traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Jutsu. Professionally, he has an M.S. in Exercise Science and operates as a certified clinical exercise physiologist and strength specialist. He makes regular training trips to Okinawa to maintain traditional standards.