Tag: Mas Oyama

This week in history…(27 March – 1 April)

28 March On 28 March 2009, Jacques Legree helped organise the 23rd Martial Arts Festival at Paris Bercy. The festival, an annual event, had 18,000 spectators in attendance. The event was organised by Karate Bushido Magazine. This year it was held in conjunction with a small Kyokushin tournament. 29 March On 29 March 1965, the …

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Gary Viccars

Known as the ‘Enforcer‘ for his tough fighting style, Gary Viccars has been at the forefront of the development of Kyokushin Karate in Australia. Born in Geelong, Australia, in 1946, Gary Viccars began training in Kyokushin Karate in 1968. Viccars trained at the dojo of Bill Paauw located in Geelong. On 1 July 1969, Viccars …

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This week in history…(23 January – 29 January)

23 January On 23 January 1949, Henri Plee was graded to his Judo 1st Dan under Mikinosuke Kawaishi. Plee became the 16th Judoka to attain this rank in France. On 23 January 1973, Nicholas Pettas was born on the island of Mykonos, Greece. Sometimes known as the ‘Blue-eyed Samurai‘, Nicholas Pettas was one of Mas …

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This week in history…(16 January – 22 January)

19 January Between 19 – 20 January 2012, the 3rd Japan Cup Karatedo Championships was co-hosted in Burma by the Japanese Embassy and the Myanmar Karatedo Federation. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported them. The event was held at the Aung San Indoor Stadium in Yangon. During the opening ceremony, Fujikiyo Omura gave …

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Dolph Lundgren

I discovered martial arts, first Judo and then Karate, and I became quite good at it, because I had something to prove. And more than anything, I needed to feel safe. Dolph Lundgren Many people know Dolph Lundgren as a successful movie star, who has appeared in more than 40 films, including the likes of …

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Gerard Gordeau

I have never regretted anything in my life. I do not care. We cannot change what is. Gerard Gordeau Once regarded as one of the best all-around fighters in the world, Gerard Gordeau was a no-nonsense fighter. He had a calm demeanour during a fight, and was nicknamed the “Undertaker from Hell“. Today, most people …

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This week in history…(26 December – 1 January)

27 December On 27 December 1975, the film, ‘Karate Bearfighter‘ was released in Japan, as part of a trilogy of films based on the life of Mas Oyama. Sonny Chiba played the role of his teacher, Mas Oyama. The first film in the trilogy, ‘Karate Bullfighter‘ was released on 9 August 1975 in Japan. The …

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This week in history…(19 December – 25 December)

19 December On 19 December 1963 Vernon Bell received a letter from Masatomo Takagi, the General Manager of the JKA (Japan Karate Association), requesting that the BKF (British Karate Federation) officially act as the authorized representative of the JKA in Britain. Earlier that year Bell had received a letter from Takagi indicating that Tetsuji Murakami …

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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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Bakkies Laubscher

You can’t have good Karate without good character. No matter what it looks like on the inside, the flaws will show. Bakkies Laubscher With over six decades in martial arts, Bakkies Laubscher is one of Morio Higaonna’s most senior students. A firm believer in the constant drilling of basic techniques, he has become a renowned …

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