|
 |
Chojun
Miyagi was born on April 24, 1888
in NAHA, the capitol of Okinawa. He started training karate
at the age of 14. He trained in the small city of Naha under
the great master Kannryo Higaonna. Higaonna's system was extremely
hard and, although many students joined, Miyagi was the only
one who remained as a student. Higaonna died October 1915.
Miyagi traveled to China and studied soft forms of Kung Fu.
He combined the hard forms of Karate with the soft forms of
Kung Fu and founded Goju Ryu. |
| |
back to top
|
 |
Ejichi
Miyazato was born in 1922 and began
training karate at the early age of 13. He trained with Chojun
Miyagi for many years, after Miyagi's death in 1953 as assistant
instructor at the time, he became head instructor, assuming
responsibility for not only the dojo but also the technique,
students and the future of Goju Ryu Karate. He then built
a new dojo called Jundokan (in the way of the father) in Naha
in 1957. Miyazato was also the chief karate instructor of
the police school where he taught self defense and Judo. Miyazato
started training judo at age 14. At one time, Miyazato was
the Okinawan Judo champion and Japan police Judo champion.
Sensei Miyazato had thousands of karate students all over
the world. The atmosphere at Jundokan is relaxed and friendly
but very serious, senior ranking students are always around
to give valuable advice, students work mostly by themselves,
practicing kata over and over. Makiwara training and traditional
weights & Kakie (pushing arms) are done everyday. The
dojo is open everyday from 6am-10pm. Sensei Miyazato passed
away December 11, 1999 at the age of 77. The dojo is now run
by Sensei Koshin Iha. |
| |
back to top
|
 |
Mike
Mancuso started his karate training
while being stationed in Okinawa, during the Vietnam War.
After hearing others on the small island speak of karate,
he decided to try it. He was told by the native Okinawan's
to go to Asato Dojo (JUNDOKAN). Upon his arrival he was introduced
to Sensei Miyazato, and began his training. Sensei Mike was
dedicated and trained seven days a week 4-5 hours each day.
In 1967 he was awarded the rank of shodan Black Belt. Upon
returning to the states, Sensei Mancuso opened his 1st Dojo
and has been teaching Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate. In 1988 he
was named the New York Sibucho (Senior U.S. Representative).
Sensei Mike keeps in close contact with the Jundokan and makes
numerous trips to Okinawa Japan. |
| |
back to top
|
 |
Mark
Dwyer started training at age 16
in Valhalla NY under Sensei Michael Mancuso. From his very
first class he knew he would train karate for the rest of
his life. After many years of intense training he received
his Black Belt in 1983. Sensei Mark opened his first Dojo
in North Tarrytown, NY in 1984, and has taught karate in Westchester
continuously since then. In 1989 he visited Jundokan dojo
in Naha Okinawa, where he trained and was awarded the rank
of Sandan (3rd degree) Black Belt. Sensei Mark Dwyer is the
senior ranking student under Sensei Mike Mancuso - 8th Dan
black belt. He currently holds the rank of 5th Dan (Godan)
Black Belt and continues to train under his instructor. |
| |
back to top
|
|
