Yosuke Yamashita

I think it would be a fundamental point for every practitioner to study the history of Karate in more depth. Yosuke Yamashita Known as the “Samurai of Puerto del Sol“, Yosuke Yamashita was a pioneer of Goju–Ryu Karate in Spain. He was at the forefront of the development of Goju–Ryu in Europe. His many students …

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Charles Gidley

One should be graded on merit, knowledge, and attitude to the art, as well as one’s capability to pass on the information and therefore maintain a high standard. Charles Gidley Described as an instructor’s instructor, Charles Gidley developed an extensive knowledge of Shotokan Karate. He had the ability to transmit this knowledge to others. Charles …

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Atsuo Hiruma

When I started, it was quite hard, with rigid muscles. Now it has softened a lot, like Kung-Fu type, you have to achieve speed and power, but without going overboard in the latter. Atsuo Hiruma One of the few men to have trained with both Gichin Funakoshi and Shigeru Egami, Atsuo Hiruma was the first …

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Norio Kawasoe

Known for his crisp and precise techniques, Norio Kawasoe was a much-respected instructor who was frequently invited to teach courses worldwide. Norio Kawasoe was born on 11 April 1951, in Saga, Japan. He began practising Shotokan Karate at Saga High School. In 1970 Kawasoe enrolled at Takushoku University. He joined the university’s Karate club, training …

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Michael Nursey

I get enormous satisfaction from teaching all types of students, helping them through all the ups and downs of their training and get a real buzz when they finally achieve their black belt. Michael Nursey Practising Karate in England for over 55 years, Michael Nursey was one of the founders of one of the largest …

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Katsuya Kisaka

Known for his aggressive fighting style, and exceptional kicking ability, Katsuya Kisaka was the Chief Instructor of the JKA New Jersey dojo for over 40 years. Katsuya Kisaka was born in Hiroshima, Japan, on 21 July 1937 On 6 August 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Kisaka’s home city of Hiroshima, during …

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Ged Moran

I believe that if the WKF type of Karate gains more popularity, it will be at the expense of Traditional Karate standards. It won’t be the death of good Shotokan; There are still a lot of top-class associations out there, but they will sadly become the minority. Ged Moran An experienced karateka, Ged Moran has …

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Rikuta Koga

A stalwart of European Shotokan Karate, Rikuta Koga has been at the forefront of developing Shotokan Karate in Europe. A popular instructor known for his technical ability, he is a frequent guest instructor on courses around the world. Rikuta Koga was born on 3 August 1941, in Fukuoka, Japan. In April 1960 Koga enrolled at …

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Michael Randall

You will only get out of Karate what you put into it and that is the most important lesson. There are no secrets in Karate, you have to live it and experience it to discover all it has to offer. Michael Randall Known for his technical ability and his attention to detail, Michael Randall was …

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Toshio Yamada

Considered one of the best Shotokan practitioners of his generation, Toshio Yamada was largely influenced by Taiji Kase and Hirokazu Kanazawa. A quiet man, he was not one to give interviews. He let his teaching and Karate, do his talking. Toshio Yamada was born on 18 April 1950, in Osaka, Japan. Yamada enrolled at Takushoku …

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