Meitatsu Yagi (born July 7, 1944) is the eldest son of the legendary Meitoku Yagi. Groomed for over fifty years by his father, he was entrusted to carry on the legacy of Meibukan Goju-Ryu Karate. His life's work has been dedicated to preserving the "Hard-Soft" style and sharing its philosophy globally.
Yagi Hanshi has spent decades living and teaching abroad to spread the art. He lived in the United States (1964–1970), Guam, Saipan, and the Philippines. In 1976, he assumed leadership of the Hombu Dojo in Okinawa as President of Goju-Ryu Meibu-kai, working alongside his brother Meitetsu and his father, who served as Chairman.
Meitatsu was the first to learn all facets of the Meibukan system directly from his father. He played a crucial role in developing and teaching the specific kata and partner drills that define the style, including Renzoku Kumite, Kakomi Kumite, and the Meibukan Bo and Sai forms. These specialized forms remain an integral, distinguishing part of the Meibukan curriculum.
Beyond his own association, Yagi Hanshi has held high-ranking positions within the broader Okinawan martial arts community, including serving as President of the Okinawan Karate-Do Goju-Kai. He is also a key figure in promoting the Okinawa Traditional Karatedo Kobudo International Studying Center in Yomitan Village, collaborating with other masters like Kenyu Chinen and Yasuo Shimoji.
In 2007, he further codified his father's teachings in his book, "Importance of Spiritual Karate." Today, he remains the President of the International Meibukan Goju-ryu Karate Association (IMGKA), traveling the world to conduct seminars and maintain technical standards.
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