The Chinese system that Kanryo Higaonna studied from Wei Shinzan and Ryuruko was also known as Pan Gainoon 一半硬半軟 which literally means "one half is hard and other half is soft". Those kata practiced in the current Gojuryu school like Sanchin 三戦, Sanseiru 三十六, Superinpei (Pecchurin) 百零八 all originated from Pan Gainoon. In addition to studying empty handed martial arts he also become accomplished in weapons techniques and Chinese herbal medicine. He assisted his teacher Ryuruko at his trade as a bamboo craftsman by day and trained in the evenings. Training in that time period is much different than it is today. Training included hojo undo, ude tanren, uke harai, kakie and ne waza. Higaonna Sensei reputation among the locals was one of Ryuruko's most skilled students. Pan Gainoon.In addition to studying empty handed martial arts he also become accomplished in weapons techniques and Chinese herbal medicine. He assisted his teacher Ryuruko at his trade as a bamboo craftsman by day and trained in the evenings. Training in that time period is much different than it is today. Training included hojo undo, ude tanren, uke harai, kakie and ne waza. Higaonna Sensei reputation among the locals was one of Ryuruko's most skilled students.
One close associate of Kanryo Higaonna was Lord Yoshimura, 義村御殿 who had an enterprising trade of tea between the city Fuchou and Okinawa. He was a prominent pro-China activist who tried to block the Japanese settlement in Okinawa. According to historians, Higaonna carried a letter of referral for Lord Yoshimura for his trip. Higaonna never explained to anyone about the letter and stowed away with a few companions for China. In the city of Fuchou, there was a consulate of Okinawa called Ryukyu Kan, or 琉球館. Apparently, the Ryukyu Kan represented an Okinawa petition then to the Chinese Government requesting its international pressure against the Japanese occupation of Okinawa. One posibility was that Higaonna was a chosen messanger by the pro-China Okinawa for updating others of the situation on the island.
In 1879, six years after Higaonna's departure, Okinawa was officially ordered by the Japanese government to become its prefecture with presence of an army of Japanese police and officials. It was an extremely intense period of time for Okinawans so that earlier assumptions that Higaonna left for China for the purpose of inquiring study of Karatedo was unlikely.
It is said that Ryuruko esteemed his pupil highly and sanctioned Kanryo Higaonna Sensei mastery of the arts. Such was Kanryo's skill in the martial arts that his fame became widespread throughout Fuzhou and the surrounding area.
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Upon returning to Okinawa, Higaonna Sensei began private lessons to the sons of the man who had granted him passage to China. He went back to his old job as a merchant, but his reputation was growing. He returned to Okinawa during the middle of the Meiji era (1888) and introduced a new effective school of Karatedo at the request of his students, distinguished from other styles by its integration of Go- no (hard) and Ju-no (soft) Kempo into one system notwithstanding his small statue. At this time, martial arts became known as Naha-te (these arts were also referred to as "Tode" meaning martial arts from China). Kanryo Higaonna taught these martial arts to the people of Okinawa and at the same time continued his own research and practice. In order to teach the youth of Okinawa he developed a teaching method which was specifically designed to develop the mind and body; to improve both physical and spiritual well-being. The first occasion on
Higashionna-Sensei was noted for his powerful Sanchin Kata. Sometimes he would permit four men to attempt to push him out of his stance, but they were always unable to move him. It is said that after finishing his Sanchin Kata, the wooden floor would be hot from the mere gripping of his toes.