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MASTER TADASHI YAMASHITA
9th Degree Black
Belt
Kobayashi Shorin - Ryu Karate-do /
Okinawa Zen Kobudo
Tadashi Yamashita was
born in Japan in 1942, but he considers
himself an Okinawan. His father died
when he was three, and his mother moved to Okinawa when Tadashi
was eight years old. He lived in Okinawa until, at the age of
24, he came to the U.S.A. where he became a citizen. Sensei Yamashita's
experience of more than 4 decades in the martial arts began at
age 11. He was the roughest kid in school, and picked fights with
other students, as well as the teachers.
This was brought to the
attention of the PTA, which realized
they could not handle him. The PTA president, who was also a karate
instructor, stopped by to pick up Tadashi after school. Always
the warrior, Tadashi tried to fight
him. The instructor grabbed the rebellious youngster and dragged
him off to the dojo where he was taught the elements of kicking,
punching, and, most important of all, discipline. Tadashi found
his probation period very interesting. His destructive energy
was channeled into a hidden talent. The young man had found an
art form, a religion, and a way of life. Sensei was awarded his
black belt at the age of 16, in 1960.
He captured the All-Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Free Sparring
Grand Championship Title. In 1968, he
visited Japan and tested before his Sensei, Shugoro Nakazato, 9th
Degree Black Belt. Also on the panel was the famous Grand Master
Chosin Chibana, 10th Degree Black Belt. Sensei Yamashita became
the youngest 7th Degree in the history of Japan. Sensei Yamashita
moved to California in 1972 where many top artists, such as Mike
Stone and Ed Parker noticed his talent and skill. The Pro-Am Tournament
in Los Angeles in 1973 was the first of many in which he would demonstrate
that talent. He brought 7,000 spectators
to their feet for a standing ovation and from that moment on the
magic of his karate weapons genius spread throughout the martial
arts world. Sensei Yamashita is also known for teaching the late
Bruce Lee the use of the nunchucku. Sensei is the foremost Karate
and Kobudo expert in the United States today and the Head Instructor
of Shorin Ryu in the United States. Sensei Yamashita has made many
movies over the past 20 years. His first was "The
Karate" in 1973. He then went on to do The Octagon, The Shinobi
Ninja, American Ninja, and The Sword
of Heaven and has appeared in and choreographed
many others. Sensei is planning to publish a series of books on
all facets of Martial Arts training, philosophy, and health studies.
A unique individual, who practices a classic art form, he continues
to generate excitement in students all over the world. Master Yamashita
in effort to come to Hampton Roads, Va. at least once a year (sometimes
more often). Renshi Bateman and his students have the distinct honor
of working out with him on these occasions. I am so truly honored
and happy to have such a close connection with Master Yamashita.
Sensei Tadashi Yamashita has dedicated over 40
years of his life to the practice Okinawan Karatedo and Kobudo.
A highly respected man in all circles of the martial arts, Yamashita-Sensei
is sought after for karatedo and kobudo
seminars from all over the world. He currently retains the rank
of ninth degree black belt in both karatedo and kobudo. Sensei is
also the President and Director of U.S. Shorin-Ryu Karate Association,
and U.S.A. President of the Zen Okinawan Kobudo Association.
Yamashita-sensei has traveled as far as South America and regularly
visits Greece. Sensei also keeps a close connection with his birthplace
of Japan and Okinawa. Not only is Yamashita-Sensei recognized as
a leading aurthority in the martial arts, but his accomplishments
also include his study with several notable high ranking masters.
These masters include the late Chibana Chosin of Shorin Ryu, and
Shuguro Nakazato founder of the Shorin Ryu Shorin Kan. As well as
trained directly under the late Shinpo Matayoshi, founder of the
Zen Okinawan Kobudo Renmei.
Well known for his explosive open hand techniques, Sensei combines
many progressive fighting tactics with traditional aspects of karatedo,
thus resulting in a devastating fighting system. Sensei's dynamic
fighting system known as "Suikendo," translates to, "fist
flowing like water." This non stopping flowing system of fighting,
allows the karateka to simultaneously block and strike his opponent
with blinding speed and accuracy.
Yamashita-Sensei is also a world renowned weapons master. During
the 1973 Pro-Am  Karate Tournament, Sensei brought over 7,000 spectators
to their feet in a standing ovation after demonstrating his mastery
and skill of ancient kobudo weaponry.
Sensei's film credits include but are limited to
the following:
AMERICAN MOVIE CREDITS = The Octagon, American Ninja, American
Ninja 5, Rising Sun, Gymkata, Capital Punishment, Bronson Lee Champion,
The Shinobi Ninja, Enter the Dragon, Judge Dee, Golden Needles,
the Seven, the Magnificent Three, and Lethal Weapon 4.
TELEVISION APPEARANCES = Kung Fu, A Man Called Sloan, Knight Rider,
Thrillseekers, ESPN Karate Demonstrations, and several Pay Per View
Events.
FOREIGN MOVIE TITLES = The Karate, The Blind Karate Man, and Karate
II.
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