History of Eiichi Miyazato Sensei

When Chōjun Miyagi died after the war (1954), there was no one to succeed him except Eiichi Miyazato. His closest disciple Jinan Shinzato, was killed in the war. All of the seniors of the Garden Dojo (now called the Jundokan) where Miyagi Chōjun taught,  got together to vote for who they thought should be the next in line. They collectively voted for Eiichi Miyazato, the proof of which lies in the kata, and the way the katas open.

 

During WW2, Miyagi Sensei, in order to make his people fierce, started their katas with open fists. After the war, during the time of peace, he instructed them to return to opening their katas in a peaceful way. All of the training equipment and the guardian deity which sits at the front of the Kamiza were given to Miyazato Sensei. Miyagi Sensei’s own children continued to train under Miyazato Sensei. The guardian deity (now the symbol of the Jundokan) who guards the sanctity of the Dojo was given to Miyazato Sensei by Miyagi’s family. All of this demonstrates why Miyazato Sensei should be considered the true successor.

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Miyagi claimed he got the black belt from Miyagi’s family, which in his mind he believed designated him to be his successor. 

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Learn more by clicking the link below:

http://www.surreykarateacademy.co.uk/articles/eiichi-miyazato-1921-1999-the-final-interview/