MASTER HIDETAKA NISHIYAMA

Master Hidetaka Nishiyama is considered to be one of the great masters and pioneers of Japanese Traditional Karate, which is why the Emperor of Japan designated him as a Living National Treasure in 2000. This designation is given to only a few individuals each year who have dedicated their lives to the preservation of Japans cultural heritage.

Master Nishiyama began his study in 1943 at the age of fifteen, with Master Gichin Funakoshi and trained with him until his death. At that time, karate was not yet popular. Other martial arts, such as judo and kendo were taught as compulsory classes in Japanese middle schools, similar to American physical education classes. After a difficult search, he found Master Funakoshi and his karate dojo in Tokyo. He continued his study with Master Funakoshi until the great masters death.

In the late 40's the American Strategic Air Command (SAC) Special Forces began combat training in judo, aikido and karate. Master Nishiyama accompanied a special demonstration group, which toured the American bases.

”We were invited to the American bases to instruct... I was the youngest. Every time we went to the bases we were expected to give demonstrations. These were very tough, because I had to break many boards. Pretty soon my hands and forearms were in a bad state. This happened 3 or 4 times a day. Eventually I couldn't move my arms.”

Master Nishiyama later became one of the original founders of the Japan Karate Association, home of the famous JKA Instructors School which has produced some of the most famous karate masters in the world: Kanazawa, Enoeda, Shirai and Mikami. In 1960 he published “Karate: The Art of Empty Hand Fighting”. It is still considered the definitive text on the subject and the best selling karate book in history. In 1961 he moved to the United States and founded the All American Karate Federation AAKF.

In 1975, Master Nishiyama helped found the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) to help avoid confusion between the ”new” karate styles and traditional karate, and to maintain consistency in traditional karate training throughout the world. Currently, Master Nishiyama and the ITKF are diligently working with the International Olympic Committee to have traditional karate recognized as an official Olympic event.

In the U.S., traditional karate became organized in 1961 with the All American Karate Federation (AAKF). The AAKF conducted annual, regional, and national championships as well as many developmental programs based on the high standards and goals of traditional karate. Also, on the international scale, the AAKF hosted the U.S. - Japan Goodwill Match in 1965. It continued in 1968 with the invitation of athletes from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Pan American countries. World Invitational Tournaments were held in Los Angeles and Mexico City, the first world scale events in the history of traditional karate.

In 1979, the All American Karate Federation became officially the American Amateur Karate Federation (still referred to as AAKF). AAKF is a nationwide public benefit, tax exempt, corporation. The main purpose of the AAKF is to benefit the physical and mental health of it participants through the refinement of traditional karate. For this purpose, it continually develops the technical skill level of coaches, officials, and judges. In addition, it is responsible for setting guidelines, and for sanctioning local, regional, and national traditional karate events.

On the international front, the AAKF is a member of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) and its sole representative in the U.S. Through the ITKF, the AAKF sends a U.S. Team to participate in the international events and promotes international communication through Traditional Karate. The AAKF organizes traditional karate clubs and individual members nationwide. The resulting state and regional committees have planned and conducted state and regional events. Within the individual regions, the elected representatives serve on the Board of Directors, which is the highest decision making body. The Board of Directors elect a President, Vice President, General Secretary, and other officials of the region.

Master Nishiyama passed away November 8, 2008, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.