Kanryo Higashionna
Master Higashionna founded the Okinawan system of Naha-te, which is the forerunner of Goju-Ryu and Uechi-Ryu. He began is karate training in the Shuri-te system as a child. The training was overseen by Bushi Matsumura. Later Master Higashionna traveled to Fukien Province, China. During this travel he was able to train and learn from a Chinese Kempo master named Liu Liukung. It is believe by many that this training in Chinese Kempo lasted for several years. Once Master Higashionna returned to Okinawa he developed the Naha-te system, which blended his Shuri-te teachings with the training he received in Chinese Kempo. His new style was like no other of that time. Master Higashionna began to spread his system through the junior high schools. Like Itosu, Master Higashionna help with the introduction of karate into the school systems. The kata that was most emphasized in this new system was Sanchin. Master Higashionna was also an instructor for the Okinawan police. Master Higashionna trained many students to the master level, the most prominent being Chojun Miyagi.
