There are many benefits that you will receive upon becoming a member of the IOGKF. The following is a list of a few of the important benefits:

Train directly and learn from Master Morio Higaonna

Being a member of the IOGKF gives you and your students the opportunity to train directly with and learn from Master Morio Higaonna, who is the foremost authority on Goju-Ryu in the world today. Studying with Master Higaonna provides you with a direct link to the teachings of Goju-Ryu founder, Grandmaster Chojun Miyagi.

Network with tens of thousands of Goju-Ryu practitioners around the world.

Being a member of the IOGKF provides you with the opportunity to network with tens of thousands of other Goju-Ryu practitioners around the world, to share training, experience, knowledge and expertise in order to continue to grow and develop your own standards.

Travel extensively to various countries

Since countless international, regional, national and local Gasshuku (seminars) are scheduled in various different countries and locations each year, being a member of the IOGKF gives you the opportunity to travel extensively, always arriving at a friendly and helpful environment.

Be informed and Up-to-Date

As a member of the IOGKF, you will be kept informed of all the latest events and technical and historical information through various publications such as newsletters, technical manuals, teaching syllabus, teaching/training method guides, etc.

The IOGKF welcomes new members regardless of age, race, sex, religion or martial arts background. There are certain requirements for membership, the most important being the belief in and desire that the true teachings of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do, as handed down by its founder Master Chojun Miyagi, be practiced and passed on to our students in its original form. Master Higaonna has devoted his life to preserving these true teachings, and it is the responsibility of all IOGKF members to do the same. It is important to understand that the essence of karate lies in the kata, which must be practiced correctly and diligently in order to discover the essential principles and "hidden" meanings of karate.

To preserve the high standards that exist within the IOGKF, all prospective new member country representatives must meet with either Master Higaonna or an authorized IOGKF representative in order to apply for membership. This can be accomplished by:

Attending an IOGKF event where Higaonna Sensei is teaching;

Traveling to Higaonna Sensei's domicile;

Inviting an authorized IOGKF representative to your country for a Gasshuku;

Traveling to meet with an authorized IOGKF representative.