Profile of Grand Master Meitoku Yagi

Grand Master Meitoku Yagi held the following responsibilities in his lifetime:
a Advisor to All Okinawa Karate-Do Association 
b Honorable Chairman, Okinawa Karate-Do Gojyu-Kai
c Honorable Chairman, Gojyu-Ryu Meibu-Kai
d A senior Member of Okinawa Prefectural Government Karate-Do Association

Grand Master Meitoku Yagi was born in Kume, Naha City, Okinawa on March 6, 1912.

In April 1927, he learned karate from Mr. Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Gojyu-Ryu Karate.

In March 1932, he graduated from Prefectural Ni Chu (today it is called Naha Senior High School).

In July 1934, he served for the Japanese Army at Miyazaki Prefecture.

In August 1934, he started working for the Naha City Office.

In June 1934, he started working for a pharmacy in a hospital.

In December 1936, he went to Taiwan to work for a mining company. During that time, he learned Chinese kempo.

In July 1938, he was appointed as a police officer in Okinawa.

In October 1951, he transferred to Okinawa Customs Office and later he was promoted to the chief of the office and department head.

In 1952, he opened up a dojo. 

In 1956, he founded Okinawa Karate-Do Gojyu-Kai and became chairman of the association which he kept until the time of his death.

In 1972, he retired from public office.

From 1975 to 1979, he served as advisor to All Okinawa Karate-Do Association.

From 1979 to 1982, he served as Chairman of the All Okinawa Karate-Do Association, Honorable

Chairman of Okinawa Karate-Do Gojyu-Kai and Honorable Chairman of Gojyu-Ryu Meibu-Kai.

In his private life, he served as Chairman of the Chinese settling families in Okinawa.

In April 1986, he received honorable award “Kun Yontoh Zuihosho” from the Japanese Government for his contribution to the traditional culture of karate.

In November 1992, he demonstrated karate kata at the opening ceremony of Shuri Castle.

In February 1993, he received a special award from the Ryukyu Shimpo, leading newspaper company in Okinawa for his contribution to karate.

In August 1997, he was awarded and recognized as “Intangible Cultural Asset” by Okinawa Prefecture for his significant contribution to the development of traditional karate.

In May 2000, he received special award from Naha City for his distinguished service to the City.

On February 7, 2003, he passed away.