Tag: Kimio Itoh

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

22 May On 22 May 1962, Akira Masuda was born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Like most Japanese boys, he was taught Judo at school. By the time he was in high school, he had become Captain of the school’s Judo team. An exceptional fighter known for his strong kicks, Akira Masuda is one of …

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This week in history…(5 December – 11 December)

5 December On 5 December 1944, the founder of Ashihara Karate, Hideyuki Ashihara, was born in Hiroshima, Japan. He was a direct student of Kyokushin founder, Mas Oyama. Ashihara was considered a formidable fighter, and by 1966 he was an instructor of Kyokushin Karate at the organisation’s Hombu (headquarters). In 1987 Ashihara started showing the first signs of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). His condition gradually worsened and on 24 …

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This week in history (23 May – 29 May)

23 May On 23 May 1952, Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shito-Ryu Karate, died at the age of 63. His eldest son, Kenei, succeeded him as the 2nd Chief Instructor of Shito-Ryu Karate-do. Many of his other top students founded their own versions of Shito-Ryu. On 23 May 1971, Eddie Whitcher graded for 2nd Dan …

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This week in history (24 May – 30 May)

24 May On 24 May 1923, Henri Plee was born in the French city of Arras. Considered the “Father of European Karate”, 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 …

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Isao Obata

I am a student of Karate. In my teaching, I only tell others who study of things I have learned. I believe that karate is an ever learning process and I find that the more I learn of the art the more ignorant of its vast potential I become. Isao Obata Although Isao Obata dedicated …

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Osamu Ozawa

There were some differences but not between the masters such as Yamaguchi, Funakoshi, Mabuni, et cetera. All those differences lay between the young students and not the masters. Osamu Ozawa Osamu Ozawa is one of the most respected Japanese masters to have taught in the west. Until his death, he was the highest-ranked Shotokan master …

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Takayuki Mikami

Water can adapt itself totally to its environment and still maintain its identity. Calm water reflects a total picture and troubled water reflect confusion. So approaching a problem with a calm and adaptable mind is very important to making the wise choices. Takayuki Mikami Takayuki Mikami has had a lot of firsts in his Karate …

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This week in history (10 December – 16 December)

10 December On 10 December 1933 Shotokan master, Takayuki Mikami, was born in Nigata Prefecture Japan. He was the first professional Karate instructor to be sent by the JKA to teach Karate full-time in another country. Mikami arrived in Tokyo in 1952  to study Japanese Literature at Hosei University. Being a farm boy in a big …

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