Kenko (Noritaka) Nakaima

Although his name is not immediately recognizable as some other Okinawan masters, Kenko Nakaima is responsible for making the family Karate style of Ryūei-ryū open to the wider public. It is this style that introduced the kata Anan to the Karate tournament world. Kenko Nakaima was born on 23 December 1911, in Naha, Okinawa. His …

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Jim Alcheik

It is arguable that the name Jim Alcheik is not as revered as it should be in martial arts circles. Alcheik was a true pioneer of martial arts in Europe, being one of the first Europeans to train in Japan. He was proficient in Aikido, Kendo, Karate and Judo. Vernon Bell, the father of British Karate, described …

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Henri Plee

Considered the “Father of European Karate”, Henri Plee is a true pioneer. He studied many martial arts with some of the world’s top masters. He held a 10th Dan in Karate, a 5th Dan in Judo, a 3rd Dan in Aikido and a 1st Dan in Kendo. He made it his mission to promote martial …

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Walter Seaton

Remember: it’s through basic techniques that we learn how best to use our weight and speed, that’s why basics are the most fundamental part of Karate practice. Walter Seaton A true pioneer of Karate in the United Kingdom, Walter Seaton was one of the first instructors to teach Karate to women at his Middlesbrough dojo. …

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Yukiyoshi Marutani

Karate should allow individuals to develop their own ethics, spirits, values, and integrity. Karate is an individual accomplishment rather than a public recognition of improvement. Yukiyoshi Marutani Described as a master of kumite, Yukiyoshi Marutani is known for his kumite and his exceptional teaching. He is unique in that he stresses learning kumite before learning …

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Stan Schmidt

I learned that you can achieve more by remaining calm, and keeping your emotions stable, than by trying too hard to overpower an opponent. I found that correct utilisation of energy was very necessary. Stan Schmidt Stan Schmidt can be considered a trailblazer when it comes to Karate. With over fifty years of training in …

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Taiji Kase

Competition is only one part of Karate, the other is self-defence. Budo helps to develop the personality of people who practise Karate-Do. Budo Karate is so big that you can develop in many directions. Many people do competition, but people should keep it more traditional, otherwise, it’s like boxing or something like this. If people …

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Richard Kim

There are many karatekas who believe in taking this form and that form to use as their total armament. To me, this is unnecessary. Call it the ‘purist view’ if you will, but if you learn just a few moves, and they are effective, that is all you need. Richard Kim To see Richard Kim, …

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Shigeru Egami

Shigeru Egami has been described as fearsome and possessing both physical and psychological strength. Although not commonly recognized in the West, Egami is considered Gichin Funakoshi’s one student who most closely followed his Principles, especially in the belief that Karate was not just a physical pursuit. Egami was born on the 7th of December 1912 …

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Charles Mack

Although his name may not be instantly recognisable, Charles Mack is a true pioneer of martial arts in Britain. A leading exponent and authority on Japanese arts, he holds black belts in Judo, Karate, and Aikido. He was the first British subject to be awarded his 1st Dan in Karate by the Japan Karate Association …

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