It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden passing of Sensei Toshio Higa. Master Higa was Sensei Connie's and Mark's direct teacher, and the Chief Instructor of the Chatan Dojo in Okinawa. He had trained in Uechi-Ryu Karate for most of his life in the birthplace of the art, and had risen to the rank of 10th Degree Black Belt or Grandmaster level. He had also served as president of the Okinawa Karatedo Association in 2012 and 2013.
Sensei Higa had made many trips to the U.S., including visits to the Berkshires in 1996, 2005 and 2010. His accomplishments in the martial arts were only eclipsed by his amazing attitude. He had an incredible sense of humor and was always a pleasure to be around. His instruction, leadership, insight and friendship will be sorely missed by Senseis Connie and Mark, and Karate enthusiast around the world.
He was a long-time training partner and friend to Sensei Shigeru Takamiyagi, who passed in 2012. They originally got to know each other as students of Grandmaster Kanei Uechi at the legendary Futenma Dojo. Master Takamiyagi was also Sensei Connie's and Mark's direct teacher since 2003 and founder of the Chatan Dojo...ZenQuest's parent school in Okinawa.
Rest in peace Sensei Toshio Higa.
Sensei Higa had made many trips to the U.S., including visits to the Berkshires in 1996, 2005 and 2010. His accomplishments in the martial arts were only eclipsed by his amazing attitude. He had an incredible sense of humor and was always a pleasure to be around. His instruction, leadership, insight and friendship will be sorely missed by Senseis Connie and Mark, and Karate enthusiast around the world.
He was a long-time training partner and friend to Sensei Shigeru Takamiyagi, who passed in 2012. They originally got to know each other as students of Grandmaster Kanei Uechi at the legendary Futenma Dojo. Master Takamiyagi was also Sensei Connie's and Mark's direct teacher since 2003 and founder of the Chatan Dojo...ZenQuest's parent school in Okinawa.
Rest in peace Sensei Toshio Higa.
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