Category: Moments in history

This week in history (27 December – 2 January)

27 December On 27 December 1975, the film, ‘Karate Bearfighter‘ was released in Japan, as part of a trilogy of films based on the life of Mas Oyama. Sonny Chiba played the role of his teacher, Mas Oyama. The first film in the trilogy, ‘Karate Bullfighter‘ was released on 9 August 1975 in Japan. The …

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This week in history (20 December – 26 December)

21 December On 21 December 1957 Trevor Guilfoyle and Gerald Tucker become the first karateka in  Britain to be graded to 3rd kyu, under the British Karate Federation (BKF). The grading was conducted by Vernon Bell at 12 Maybush Road, Hornchurch, London. Guilfoyle and Tucker were two of Bell’s earliest students, taking part in the …

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This week in history (13 December – 19 December)

13 December On 13 December 1943 David ‘Ticky’ Donovan was born in Loughton, just outside London. As a boy, he was into many sports. However, boxing was his main passion. He would go on to become the most successful coach of the British and English National sides. On 13 December 1947 Tsuguo Sakumoto was born …

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This week in history (6 December – 12 December)

7 December On 7 December 1912, Shigeru Egami, an early student of Gichin Funakoshi, was born in Omuta, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. He is considered the one student who followed Funakoshi’s teachings most closely.  Egami began his Karate training in 1932 as a student at Waseda University. He was instructed by Funakoshi and his son Yoshitaka. He helped found the university’s Karate club.  …

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This week in history (29 November – 5 December)

29 November On  29 November 1964, Clive William Nicol took his black belt examination and earned the rank of Shodan.  Born on 17 July 1940 in Neath, C. W. Nicol is best known for his book Moving Zen – Karate As A Way To Gentleness, a must-read for all martial artists. The book provides a fascinating insight into the early …

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This week in history (22 November – 28 November)

22 November On 22 November 1984, the second day of the 1992 World Championships took place in Maastricht, Netherlands. For the first time in the championship’s history, Britain topped the medal table, winning a total of eight medals (four golds, one silver and three bronzes) ahead of Japan. Britain’s main successes came in the kumite …

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This week in history (15 November – 21 November)

15 November On 15 November 1968, Doug Perry was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. Perry was the first non-Okinawan promoted to 9th Dan within the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorin-Kan Karate Association. He was one of the first group of students to practice Karate in its infancy in the United States. 16 November On 16 November 1928 Mitsusuke Harada …

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This week in history (8 November – 14 November)

8 November On 8 November 1965, Hirokazu Kanazawa held his second official grading at the Lyndhurst Hall dojo in London. Keinosuke Enoeda was also present at the grading. Ray Fuller was successful, receiving the temporary grade of 3rd Kyu. Between 8-11 November 1990, the 10th World Championships were held in Mexico City, Mexico. Tomoyuki Aihara …

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This week in history (1 November – 7 November)

1 November On 1 November 1947, Tsuyoshi Hiroshige was born in Kokura, now known as Kita Kyushu City, Japan. A phenomenal instructor, Tsuyoshi Hiroshige was known as a master trainer. He has trained multiple World Champions and All Japan Champions, including Kenji Midori, Kenji Yamaki, Hajime Kazumi, and Norichika Tsukamoto. Between 1-3 November 1975, 128 …

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This week in history (25 October – 31 October)

25 October On 25 October 1936 several Karate masters gathered for a special meeting in Naha, Okinawa. While not attended by Gichin Funakoshi, this meeting was attended by Chomo Hanashiro, Chotoku Kyan, Choki Motobu, Chojun Miyagi, Choshin Chibana, Juhatsu Kyoda, Shinpan Gusukuma, Genwa Nakasone, and others. Funakoshi would attend subsequent meetings. Chomo Hanashiro had first …

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