JKA mourns the passing of one of its oldest associates, Hidetaka Nishiyama

On November 7, 2008 Hidetaka Nishiyama, the President and Chairman of the International Traditional Karate Foundation (ITKF), headquartered in Los Angeles, passed away from cancer at the age of 80. Nishiyama Sensei was a world-renowned master known for his steadfast dedication to the preservation and promotion of the martial art of traditional karate. And known as well for his devotion to, and exemplification of, the Budo principles upon which that martial art is based.

He joined the Shotokan karate dojo under Master Funakoshi Gichin in 1943, in the same year that JKA Chief Instructor Sugiura Sensei joined. And he won his first degree black belt in 1946, two years after Sugiura Sensei did.

In the late 1940's he was involved in the founding of the JKA, and in the early 1960's he was one of the first young JKA instructors sent to the U.S.A. to start spreading JKA- style martial art karate to the world. From that time on he lived in the U.S.A., and JKA supported him in his efforts for many years.

Over the years JKA Chairman Nakahara was often in personal contact with Nishiyama Sensei, discussing with him matters of great mutual interest and concern to both of them—such as developments in the international karate situation and, in view of the growing problem of arbitrary distortions and deviations, how to preserve and promote the purity of traditional martial art karate. Their last discussion took place several years ago, shortly after karate was voted down for entry into the Olympics.

From Chairman Nakahara on down, all members of JKA pray that Nishiyama Sensei's soul may rest in peace.