Tag: Hideo Ochi

Nick Adamou

Karate is all those things that it has been reported to be by the many great Japanese senseis. i.e. self-defence, art, way of life, and so on and so forth. Personally I see Karate as a fantastic art-form, that’s also a perfect sport and form of yoga. Nick Adamou One of the highest-ranked Shotokan instructors …

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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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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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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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Shiro Asano

Technique comes to some students quickly and to others slowly. But, with more training, everything grows. Students must ‘nichi nichi no keko’ – train harder, over and over again. Shiro Asano A no-nonsense karateka and a man of few words, hard training has been a way of life for Shiro Asano. He has always been …

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Yukichi Tabata

Nicknamed the ‘Happy Giant’ because of his easy-going demeanour, Yukichi Tabata stood over 6 ft, which was tall for a Japanese man. A member of the Japanese National Team for many years, he had a reputation for being a very tough fighter. Yukichi Tabata was born in Japan in 1943. After graduating from university in …

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Ken Wittstock

Whoever stops loses. Ken Wittstock Part of the first generation of Karate practitioners in South Africa, Ken Wittstock is considered one of the founding fathers of South African Karate. Kenneth Lawrence Wittstock was born on 21 August 1941, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to parents Alfred and Eliza Wittstock. He was the youngest of six children, …

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This week in history…(12 June – 18 June)

12 June On 12 June 1965, Hirokazu Kanazawa took his first teaching trip outside of London to the British Karate Federation’s (BKF) Liverpool dojo. The trip lasted from 12 to 19 June. During his visit, Kanazawa did not perform any gradings. It is thought he taught the katas Heian Yondan, Heian Godan and Tekki Shodan. On 12 June 1980, …

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Cyril Cummins

Karate can never be only a sport because it is first and foremost a martial art. Competition is only a part of the martial arts scene. Whilst I admire the top competitors, it is not the be all and end all of Karate. Cyril Cummins A pioneer of Shotokan Karate in the West Midlands of …

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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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