Higaonna Sensei is arguably the best known karate instructor in the world, and a well-respected author in his field, and producer of many fine instructional DVDs. He has taught at our garden on several occasions, and it is an indication of his status that students came from as far afield as England and Australia to take a single class.

Several years ago Higaonna Sensei donated a pair of earthenware jars made by a famous Okinawan artist to our garden. These jars are used as weights in traditional karate schools, and their increasing rarity, and cost, makes them highly desirable items for collectors. It is hoped that when the Kawana Pavilion is built they will be put on permanent display with other artifacts the garden owns.