Throughout my 30-plus years of practicing Kyokushin Karate, I have had the incredible privilege of training with many outstanding Kyokushin masters who have profoundly shaped my journey. Each of these teachers has influenced me in unique ways, and I have always sought to learn and apply what I found valuable from their teachings.
Embracing Diversity in Learning
It's essential to recognize that we are all different; not everything we learn will resonate with us fully. However, we can draw inspiration from various perspectives and keep our minds open to new ideas. Below, I’ve listed some of the Kyokushin teachers who have had a significant impact on my development, in no particular order. Their lessons continue to guide my teaching even today, and I often share them with my students. I owe them a lot, and they are the reason why I still teach and train in Karate Kyokushin.
Shihan Bradu Gheorghe
My first Kyokushin Karate teacher, Shihan Bradu Gheorghe, made a tremendous impact during my early training. He was meticulous in his teaching approach, ensuring that we practiced all Kyokushin kihon and kata in the traditional manner—often requiring a minimum of 30 repetitions for each technique, which could last up to one hour. His ability to explain every single technique in detail was exceptional. Although he was a strict teacher, he was also genuinely kind with a great sense of humor, leaving a lasting impression on me.
Shihan Brezovai Sandor
I first met Shihan Brezovai when he was a Nidan in the mid-90s, freshly returned from training at the Hombu Dojo in Japan with Sosai Mas Oyama. His powerful and explosive techniques, coupled with excellent form, were truly impressive. What stood out most was his spirit and dedication to hardcore training, which inspired me to incorporate similar intensity into my own practice. He pushed us beyond our limits. I had the honor of grading for 1st Kyu under his guidance at the Black Sea camp around 1995. His no-nonsense attitude and direct way of speaking resonated well with me.
Kancho Shokei Matsui
Kancho Shokei Matsui played a significant role in my advancement as I graded for both Shodan and Nidan under him during two major Eastern European Camps. His technical level was remarkable, showcasing smooth execution of techniques and exceptional efficiency and control in his kicks. While there were some language barriers that limited our personal connection, observing his mastery in action was enough to influence me forever. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see him perform.
Shihan Kenji Yamaki
I met Shihan Kenji Yamaki in 1998 at the Romanian Black Sea Summer Camp, shortly after his World Tournament victory and completion of the 100 Man Kumite Test. His physique resembled that of a bodybuilder, and his power was truly formidable. Despite his intimidating presence, Shihan Yamaki was surprisingly gentle, kind, and humble in person. What resonated with me most was his emphasis on body health and safety in training—a philosophy that has become a cornerstone of my own teaching approach.
Shihan Tsutomi Wakiuchi
I had the pleasure of attending a Summer Camp with Shihan Wakiuchi in the late 90s; it was one of my best Summer Camp experiences. Even in his fifties, he demonstrated incredible physical fitness, flexibility, and strength. His enthusiasm and positive attitude were infectious; he always taught with a smile and incorporated numerous fitness drills into his sessions. Witnessing an older master move with the agility of someone in their twenties inspired me to commit to his style of teaching and training.
Shihan Dorel Bulearca
I owe a great deal of respect and gratitude to Shihan Dorel Bulearca. He has been pivotal not only in my Karate journey but also in my personal life. His dedication to the growth of Kyokushin in Romania is admirable; he was arguably the first to assemble a winning Romanian team of competitors who brought home gold from World and European Tournaments. His willingness to go to extreme lengths to achieve desired goals has left a lasting impact on me and continues to inspire my own efforts in martial arts.
Hanshi Steve Arneil
I first met Hanshi Steve Arneil in 2007 during the USA Summer Camp in Rochester, NY while grading for Sandan. Having recently joined his organization, I was eager to meet him after hearing great stories about his teaching. Even in his 70s, the intensity and high energy he displayed were shocking! He was a wealth of knowledge—an inspiring teacher as well as one of the sweetest and funniest grandfather figures you could imagine. I consider myself fortunate to have trained with him on several occasions, including grading for Yondan with him in England in 2014.
Acknowledging Other Influential Masters
In addition to those mentioned above, I want to acknowledge several other masters who have significantly influenced my training and teaching: Shihan Furko Kalman, Shihan Adamy Istvan, Shihan David Pickthall, Shihan Janine Davies, and Shihan Alexey Gorokhov. Each of these great masters has impacted me profoundly, and I frequently incorporate their teachings into my practice.As martial artists, we should always seek different ways to learn and train. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to interact directly with these masters and learn from them. Their insights and guidance have been invaluable on my Kyokushin Karate journey.
Thank you for joining me on this reflection!
If you’re passionate about martial arts or have your own experiences with influential teachers, feel free to share your thoughts below!
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