Category: Hall of Fame

Cover Star: Yoshinao Nanbu

Yoshinao Nanbu, the founder of Sankukai Karate, began his Karate training while at university, under Shukokai founder, Chojiro Tani. In the 1960’s Nanbu was invited to compete in a number of French tournaments by Henri Plee. Below are some of the magazine covers to feature this phenomenal martial artist. 1977 February 1977 September 1977   …

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Cover Star: Mas Oyama

Born Choi Young-Eui in Korea, Masatatsu Oyama was the founder of Kyokushin Karate. He studied under Karate masters, Gichin Funakoshi and Gogen Yamaguchi. Oyama was famed for testing his strength against bulls. It is thought that over time he battled around 52 bulls. Below are some of the magazine covers to feature this iconic master. …

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Cover Star: Kenji Yamaki

Described as moving like a Bengal Tiger, Kenji Yamaki is a modern legend of Kyokushin Karate. On 22 March 1995 Yamaki, aged 30, became the thirteenth man to complete 100-Man Kumite Challenge devised by Kyokushin founder Mas Oyama. Earlier that year he had become Kyokushin Karate World Champion. Below are some of the magazine covers …

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Cover Star: Hiroo Mochizuki

Hiroo Mochizuki is the son of the master of the influential Yoseikan school of Budo, Minoro Mochizuki. He started studying Aikido, Judo, Karate and Kubodo from an early age at his father’s dojo. Specialising in Karate he moved to France in the 1960s, from where he was influential in the spread of the art across …

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Cover Star: Chris Thompson

One of the highest ranked Wado-ryu practitioners in the United Kingdom, Chris Thompson has trained with many of the first Wado-ryu instructors to come over to the UK. He is a familiar face, having written and featured in many Karate books. Below are some of the magazine covers to feature Thompson. June 1986 March 1991  June 1993  …

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Cover Star: Tak Kubota

Tak Kubota is a pioneer and legend of American Karate. Born in Japan, he became an American citizen in 1970s. He has taught martial arts to members of the Japanese police, American military personnel and members of the Los Angeles Police Department. Below are some of the magazine covers to feature this iconic instructor. September …

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Cover Star: Gary Alexander

A member of Black Belt Magazine’s Hall of Fame, former marine, Gary Alexander is a pioneer of martial arts in the United States.An Isshinryu Karate practitioner, he began training with the legendary Don Nagle, a student of Isshiryu founder, Tatsuo Shimabuku. Nicknamed the “Hammer”, Alexander faced challengers from other Karate styles and remained undefeated from …

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Cover Star: Unel Wellington

An honoree of the Combat Magazine’s Hall of fame, Unel Wellington is a founding member of the Welsh Karate Association. As a fighter and mentor he has managed to navigate the path between the colliding worlds of modern and traditional Karate. Below are some of the magazine covers to feature this innovative instructor. March 1989  …

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Cover Star: Chuck Merriman

Chuck Merriman is a true pioneer of American Karate. He began his Karate journey in 1962 under Chris DeBaise, one of the first Goju-ryu instructors in the United States. He later started training with Peter Urban, another pioneer early of Goju-ryu Karate in the United States. Over the years, as an instructor and coach, Merriman …

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Cover Star: Taiji Kase

Considered one of the best ever Shotokan practitioners, Taiji Kase trained under some of the greatest Shotokan master. This included Gichin Funakoshi, Yoshitaka Funakoshi, Shigeru Egami, Genshin Hironishi and Masatoshi Nakayama. It was Kase that led the JKA delegation, including Hirokazu Kanazawa, Keinosuke Enoeda and Hiroshi Shirai, that gave a series of demonstrations introducing the …

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