This remarkable photograph, taken during Kanki Izumikawa’s first trip to Hawaii in 1961, marks a pivotal moment in karate history. The visit coincided with the opening of his first Goju-Ryu Senbukan Dojo on U.S. soil, a milestone that helped establish…
Few kata embody the fighting spirit and heritage of Karate as powerfully as Bassai Dai. Literally meaning “To Storm or Penetrate the Fortress,” this form has been passed down through the hands of legends, Ankō Itosu, Kenwa Mabuni, Chōki Motobu,…
By popular demand, the International Karate Kobudo Union (IKKU) is proud to announce the launch of our official KoToSu-Ha Shito-Ryu YouTube Channel — a new digital home for traditional martial arts study and inspiration. This channel is designed for those…
Sensei 先生: The One Who Comes Before In every martial art, three pillars are essential: a Sensei, a willing student, and a place to train. Without these, the art withers. The Sensei—the one who comes before—guides not only the technique…
Early Training in Japan Kiyoshi Aihara (1932–2017) was born in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, and developed an early passion for karate. He attended Waseda University, where he joined the prestigious Waseda University Karate Club. Training under the direct tutelage of…
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