Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama

SENSEI HIDETAKA NISHIYAMA

Visionary and Leader of Traditional Karate Worldwide

Background

Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama is the foremost authority of Traditional Karate in the World. Born in Japan in 1928 to a very influential family in Tokyo, Sensei Nishiyama started his relationship with the Japanese Martial Arts at a very young age. He studied Kendo from his father, a renowned Kendo master himself as well as Judo and achieved the status of black belt in both disciplines. However, it was his introduction to Karate under the instruction of Gichin Funakoshi that captured his spirit and has maintained his passion to the present day.

He is a graduate of Takushoku University in Tokyo where he studied economics. Under the tutelage of Master Funakoshi, Sensei Nishiyama was instrumental in the establishment of the Japan Karate Association and the chief trainer of the Instructor program that produced many of the top masters around the world today.

Sensei Nishiyama immigrated to the United States in 1960 and has remained in that country teaching and traveling the world to instruct and maintain the spirit of Traditional Karate.

He was instrumental in creating the original rules of karate competition that many kicking and punching sports still use today. However, when the interpretation of these rules by these organizations began to change the foundation of karate from its roots of a martial art to that of simply a sport, seeking only a medal as its aim – he was deeply disappointed and established the International Traditional Karate Federation which is recognized throughout the world, including the International Olympic Committee as the International Federation governing Traditional Karate.

Sensei Nishiyama then set out to correct the competition rules to ensure the competition of Traditional Karate would not deviate from its deep roots as a Martial Art based on the principles of self-defense. Subsequently, he created several new categories of competition each designed to develop a principle of understanding of the Art by the student through competition.

Governments around the world have recognized him for his contribution to society and his steadfast determination to protect Traditional Karate for future generations. In 2000, he was bestowed the “Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette”, by the Emperor of Japan in a special ceremony conducted at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Sensei Nishiyama was one of only eleven recipients from outside Japan that were honoured at the ceremony for their contribution to Japanese culture. As well, on the occasion of his birthday in 2000, a flag was flown in his honour at Washington D.C.’s Capitol Hill upon the recommendation of the United States Senator from Washington state.

In 2001, the President of Poland, Aleksander Kwasniewski honoured Master Nishiyama with the highest civilian medal from that country at a ceremony to mark the hosting of the ITKF World Cup hosted in Warsaw. This honour was given in recognition to his contributions to peace and harmony throughout the world and to the Polish people through his vision and teaching of Traditional Karate.

These honours symbolize Master Nishiyama’s lifelong contributions to the development of the superior physical, mental and spiritual aspects of Traditional Karate. None so symbolized as the millions of Traditional Karate students around the world who practice and attempt to embody the high standards he has set.