A tribute to a Shotokan Legend

Master Hidetaka Nishiyama is one of the most senior Instructors ever to study and teach shotokan karate-do. As a student of Master Gichin Funakoshi at the Shotokan, and a founding member of the JKA, he's author of the world's biggest selling Martial Arts book "The Art Of Empty Hand Fighting", which is in its 70th re-printing according to reports.

Born on 10th October 1928, Hidetaka Nishiyama was always very enthusiastic towards the Martial Arts from an early age, taking an active interest in other Martial Arts including kendo, judo, and eventually started training under Gichin Funakoshi in 1943.

As a member of the infamous Takushoku University from 1945, because of his impressive skill and ability he was named captain of the karate team, followed quickly by him receiving his shodan garde in 1946, then nidan in 1948.

Nishiyama Sensei, co-founder of the JKA, was elected to the JKA board of directors a very impressive and important position, making him an incredibly influential man in the establishing of the first and most important organisation of Shotokan karate the world had ever seen.

Beyond the JKA, he also aimed to promote the Martial Arts, and in 1952 was selected to be a member of the Martial Arts instruction staff for the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Combat Training Program. Other Shotokan instructors involved included M. Nakayama (Former Chief Instructor of the JKA), and I. Obata, who visited the SAC bases to teach the art of karate.

In 1960, Nishiyama Sensei's book "The Art Of Empty Hand Fighting", co-written with R. Brown was published, and is highly regarded as the most comprehensive textbook on shotokan karate, and by record standards - the most successful.

Throughout his long Martial Arts career, Nishiyama Sensei has provided his expertise not simply to SAC, but has also helped organise the All American Karate Federation (AAKF) as a nationally based amateur karate organization, and helped arrange the first National Karate Championship in Los Angeles, under the AAKF. Nishiyama Sensei has become one of the most important names in the popularisation of karate in the United States, along with Master Okazaki and several others. In 1965, he also helped organise the first major Japanese karate styles that led to the first United States vs. Japan Goodwill Karate Tournament, and in 1968 he helped organise the first World Invitational Karate Tournament held at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in conjunction with the Olympic Commemorative Tournament hosted by the Mexico Karate Federation in Mexico City.

What is now known as ITKF was formed under the name International Amateur Karate Federation (IAKF), and in 1975 America saw the very first World Championship which was held in Los Angeles. To this day, ITKF is a major organisation that promotes Traditional Karate international, and Nishiyama Sensei can to some extent be credited with promoting Shotokan throughout American and the world.

Nishiyama Sensei continued his study and promotion of the art of Shotokan Karate-do up until his sad passing away on 7th November 2008, his name and influence will forever be present in the history books and in the karate practiced world-wide, today and in the future.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• shotokan
• karate
• sensei
• hidetaka
• nishiyama
• jka
• itkf

[Ronin6575]

The point of this video is to provide a little historical data on Nishiyama, not to argue whether one style of karate is better or more useful. Those of you who are suffering from some sort of rage issue need to relax and go watch a different youtube video.

Who cares if one style is better? In the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter!

[Sundome1]

Thanks for your comment .

[Sundome1]

Sensei Nishiyama's dojo (which features in this video) is now closed. Situated in Los Angeles, it was opened in 1961 by Sensei Nishiyama. The last class was given in 31st August 2008.

[Sundome1]

NOTICE: If you have an understanding of Shotokan Karate-do please feel free to leave a comment, otherwise time wasters are not wanted. Thank You

[LinuxFr]

Good tribute video. What is the music ? Very beautifull.

[Sundome1]

Many thanks for your comment - the music is called "Sakura" as far as I know.

[sanval1a]

I trained in the LA dojo for 10yrs - from late 60's. We trained hard on the A-team - Nishiyama's philosophy was - you don't learn until you are exhausted & all inhibition & ego are gone - then you concentrate on technique & learn it properly. He was a master of detail - never satisfied & he would push you as far as you could go and then a little more. He was strong but there was a warmth, an intelligence that you respected. RIP sensei - arigatou gozaimashita - you will not be forgotten.

[sjeffe32]

Hardcore old dude....;)

[lotohold58]

i remember the feel of the cold when you first stepped on the dojo floor. i remember always being a little nervous before a class started the calming down and being so happy i came to class afterward.

GOD BLESS THE MEMORY OF SENSEI NISHIYAMA AND MAY GOD WATCH OVER HIS FAMILY!

[lifebringer1234]

wow i cant believe my dad studied under him

[attal77]

@Ronin6575 tottally agree mate! I`m A Shotokhan Ka and my sensei(6th Dan goin on 7th) Who was one of the closest students of the late Great Master Enoeda sensei once said to me: " Every style is efective once you have mastered it" @

[oleczuz]

ossu sensei, one of the legend in the history of Shotokan Karate, we will remember you...from JKA Kuwait!

[wolfbomber]

@Ronin6575 thanks for ur comment...

[wolfbomber]

I dont wanna speak about politics in karate....its rubbish...but my deepest RESPECT to NISHIYAMA-SENSEI!! How often he called me "viking" lol...honestly, good,good memories... I miss you SENSEI.

[brianxsmallwood]

@Sundome1

Why didn't one of Nishiyama's senior students keep the dojo up and running. It seems a shame to let a place that has been open for 50 years that was run by a karate legend to go to waste. :(

[Ronin6575]

@IEKUKATAKA I agree....it also seems to give the a sort of status that they don;t have ourside the dojo. If they didn't have their title of Shihan or Hanshi, they would have nothing......If only they knew that non karate people have no idea what their silly titles meant and would not care if they did know.

[IEKUKATAKA]

#2 One of the funniest things I have ever seen was in SanDiego at summer camp. Sensei was demonstrating with a certain bearded teacher from the coldest state in America when Sensei heard a gi rip from the strain of technique execution. He walked behind his long time friend and pulled the rip in the seat open so all could peek inside. He then stood up and chuckled with that laugh he had and the whole gym erupted. Nishiyama was a trip.