This week in history (23 September – 29 September)

24 September

On 24 September 2004 noted martial artist Teruo Hayashi died from lung cancer in Osaka, Japan.

Described as one of the last great Japanese Budo masters,  Hayashi is the founder of the Hayashi-Ha branch of Shito-ryu Karate. He trained under some of the greats of Japanese and Okinawan Karate, including Seiko Higa, Kenko Nakaima, and Kosei Kuniba.

27 September

On 24 September 1946 Yoshimi Inoue was born in the small coastal village of Tottori, Japan. 

In 1961 Inoue bought a Karate book written by Teruo Hayashi from which he started to teach himself. He eventually became the live-in student of Hayashi.

As a coach Inoue has trained a host of world champions including, Mie Nakayama, Rika Usami and Antonio Diaz.

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On 27 September 1985 the 28th JKA All-Japan Championships took place at the Budokan in Tokyo. Masao Kagawa became Grand Champion, winning both the individual kata and individual kumite events. The previous year he had been runner-up in both events.

28 September

On 28 September 1897 Shinkin Gima was born in Shuri, Okinawa. On Okinawa he studied under both Yasutsune Itosu and Kentsu Yabu before attending university in Tokyo.

In 1922 he met and began training with Gichin Funakoshi in Japan. He was Funakoshi’s first black belt and would eventually reach the rank of 10th Dan.

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On 28 September 1985 the 1st Shoto World Cup took place at the Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. The Shoto World Cup had been previously known as the IAKF World Championships. Japanese competitors were dominant, winning every medal on offer. Minoru Kawada became Grand Champion after winning both the individual kata and kumite titles.