Category: Shotokan

Takeshi Naito

Each era must accept tradition to grow, but not remain as it was 30 or 40 years ago. As I said “traditional” means “to continue” but accepting changes and improvements. Over time, everything undergoes an evolution, we always try to improve, to keep the positive and remove the negative: then it is a question of …

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Takeshi Oishi

Everything, in my opinion, is in the training, so there are no tips to give, only quantity of training, in order to automate the techniques, so as not to think, when it will be time for the fight. Takeshi Oishi One of the longest was serving instructors at the JKA, Takeshi Oishi was a formidable …

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Norihiko Iida

Masatoshi Nakayama, the former Chief Instructor of the JKA, once said of Norihiko Iida: Iida’s changing techniques are admirable. They bring to mind the mysterious technique of twirling one’s fingers as if to hypnotise a dragonfly. One never thinks he will fall for the trick, but in the end, he succumbs A powerfully built man, …

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Toru Yamaguchi

Technique will keep on improving, I hope, as instructors understand more about modern technology and its uses. I believe we can develop new technology for our bodies too. Toru Yamaguchi Considered one of the best ever JKA instructors, Toru Yamaguchi was a well-rounded karateka. He had good kihon, kata, and kumite. Masatoshi Nakayama once described …

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Masaaki Ueki

Always remember the mind and body are one. Masaaki Ueki Masatoshi Nakayama, the former Chief Instructor of the JKA, once wrote of Masaaki Ueki: The hands and feet of Masaaki Ueki are worth watching, for they are very fast and truly sharp. It is not surprising that many opponents have been defeated. Masaaki Ueki’s technique …

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Masao Kawasoe

Most people don’t understand the central role the hips have to play in Karate. Karate is about the hips first and then the other parts of the body coming into play picking up energy along the way. Masao Kawasoe The former Chief Instructor of the JKA, Masatoshi Nakayama, once said of Masao Kawasoe: Through his …

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Yoshizo Machida

Always, whenever possible, stop thinking negatively, always think positively, be faithful and then your life will start to change for the better. Yoshizo Machida One of the most respected Karate Masters in Brazil, Yoshizo Machida has helped develop Shotokan Karate in the country. He has passed on his love of Karate to his sons. Yoshizo …

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Tomiko Mitsuoka

I feel I am nobody without Karate and will be lost without it. It provides me with guidance, discipline, perseverance and gives me respect as I respect others. Tomiko Mitsuoka Currently ranked as an 8th Dan, Tomiko Mitsuoka is one of the highest-ranked women in Shotokan Karate and the highest-ranked female instructor in the World …

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Yutaka Yaguchi

I would be very sad if all I thought about was winning or losing. Winning or losing is not important, but learning the mental aspects are the real challenge and benefits of training. I place more emphasis on the mental aspects of training because this will take my students beyond just sport Karate. Yutaka Yaguchi …

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Karin Prinsloo

You either win or you learn. Train hard and make sure your expectations are in line with the amount of work you’ve put in. Karin Prinsloo Karin Prinsloo has managed to walk the fine line between traditional and sport Karate. Held as one of the best South African competitors of all time, she was the …

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