Higa Seiko was born in Naha, Okinawa on November 8, 1898. He began his training at the age of 13 under Higaonna Kanryo and remained his student until his death in 1917. Following his teacher's death, Higa continued his training under Miyagi Chojun of Goju-Ryu Karate, who was one of Higaonna's top students; and continued to train under Miyagi until his death in 1953. After the death of Miyagi Chojun, Higa assumed leadership as the presumed head of the style, since he was the senior living student of both Myagi and Higaonna. However, most of Miyagi's top students went their own way and established Dojos and organizations of their own, never giving recognition to Higa Seiko.

History suggests that Higa should be remembered as the successor to Miyagi Chojun's Goju- Ryu, since he was the only one who was teaching Goju-Ryu while Miyagi was alive and since he also trained with Miyagi's teacher, Higaonna Kanryo. There has been some controversy surrounding Higa's relationship with Grandmaster Miyagi. Some say that Miyagi was unhappy with the way Higa was teaching Goju- Ryu and expelled him from the Dojo. But as a matter of fact in a document published in 1952 in an Okinawan newspaper, Miyagi listed the senior members of his group and their titles and only Higa Seiko was listed as "Headmaster."

Higa Seiko was a very educated man and was employed as an elementary school teacher. He resigned after one year and then went on to have a lengthy career as a policeman. After ten years as a policeman Higa resigned and dedicated himself to Karate.

Higa opened his first Dojo in 1931. In 1937 he moved to Saipan and opened another Dojo, staying for two years. Upon his return to Okinawa he began teaching again and eventually opened a Dojo in Itoman-cho. He went on to teach at various places such as the high school Karate club and at the University. In May of 1956 at Nagamine Shosin’s Dojo (founder of Matsubayashi Ryu) nineteen Karate teachers got together and established the Okinawa Karate-do Federation. Higa became Vice-chairman and four years later he became Chairman.

Higa Seiko was the closest disciple of Master Miyagi Chojun. He attained the truth of Goju-Ryu Karate, and he tried to preserve it. He was mild-mannered and gentle. He was free and flexible. He was a genius of Karate-do.