This week in history… (22 August – 28 August)

23 August On 23 July 2011, Steve Arneil was awarded his 10th Dan. This made him one of the highest-ranked Kyokushin practitioners in the world. Arneil was the second man to complete the gruelling One Hundred Man Kumite Challenge, after the great Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama. 24 August On 24 August 2000 Andy Hug died from …

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This week in history… (15 August – 21 August)

15 August On 15 August 2006, Shotokan master, Tetsuhiko Asai, died from heart failure aged 71 years. Asai was one of the most unique masters to come out of the JKA (Japan Karate Association). Nicknamed “Kaminari-Arashi” meaning “Thunderous Storm”, he was a Shotokan Karate practitioner that infused other martial arts such as White Crane Kung Fu into his …

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This week in history… (8 August – 14 August)

9 August On 9 August 1945, the United States of America dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki. This was three days after they dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. Hiroshi Shirai and his family were one of the few people to survive the dropping of the bomb. On …

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This week in history… (1 August – 7 August)

3 August On 3 August 2016, it was announced by the IOC (International Olympic Committee), that Karate would be one of the new sports making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Games, held in Tokyo, Japan. It was the fulfilment of a dream for karatekas such as Antonio Diaz, Douglas Brose, and Rafael Aghayev. However, …

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Del Saito

I think it is good to maintain the various styles, as each has many unique qualities and flavor. Styles offer healthy choices for students. Once they have come to understand their style, they can better appreciate other styles while maintaining their unique characteristics and integrity. Del Saito One of the foremost Shito–Ryu instructors in the …

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This week in history… (25 July – 31 July)

25 July Between 25 and 27 July 1981, the Karate event took place at Santa Clara University, at the 1st World Games held in Santa Clara, California. Tokey Hill won a bronze medal in the Men’s Individual -80kg Kumite event. Yukiyoshi Marutani defeated teammate, Seiji Nishimura, to win the bronze medal in the Men’s Individual …

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Ronnie Christopher

I feel that without developing mental and physical discipline you can never hope to achieve your full potential whether your bias is kumite or kata. Ronnie Christopher Alongside the likes of Frank Brennan, Elwyn Hall, and George Best, Ronnie Christopher is considered one of the best Shotokan fighters of his era. Blessed with speed, technique, …

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Shunsuke Takahashi

There is no such thing as retirement in martial arts. If you decide to pursue martial arts, you wear your gi until you die! Shunsuke Takahashi A graduate of the JKA instructors course, Shunsuke Takahashi, has had a big influence on Shotokan Karate in Australia and New Zealand. A tough instructor, he dedicated many years …

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This week in history… (18 July – 24 July)

18 July On 18 July 1959, Tetsuji Murakami made his first-ever visit to England to teach for the BKF (British Karate Federation). He also conducted a number of gradings at 12 Maybush Road, Hornchurch, Essex. On 18 July 1963 Vernon Bell received a letter from his German counterpart, Jurgen Seydel, informing him that Tetsuji Murakami …

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This week in history… (11 July – 17 July)

12 July On 12 July 1956, Hiroo Mochizuki, the son of Yoseikan founder Minoru Mochizuki, arrived in France to conduct a number of Karate courses. Born in 1936 Hiroo Mochizuki began his martial arts training in the eclectic Yoseikan system of his father, Minoru, who had studied under the two great Budo masters, Morihei Ueshiba …

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