Renowned Local Karate Instructor Named Leader of Global Martial Arts Organization

Garden Grove, CA: Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR), an international organization dedicated to instruction in traditional Japanese karate and headquartered in Garden Grove, has announced that Sensei Kiyoshi Yamazaki has been elevated to the position of Kaicho, or President. In this position, Sensei Yamazaki is responsible for leadership of all JKR schools throughout the world and the continued development of the organization. It is extremely rare for a someone based outside of Japan to be promoted to such a position.

Sensei Yamazaki has been assisting Sensei Yasuhiro Konishi II, son of JKR’s founder, in leading the organization for a number of years. As Sensei Konishi has moved into retirement from active instruction, Sensei Yamazaki was his choice to take the reins of Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai. Howard High, Chairman of JKR’s International Yudanshakai Executive Council said, “Sensei Yamazaki has worked tirelessly to spread the martial arts knowledge he has acquired throughout his life in JKR, as well as to expand and strengthen the organization. His promotion to Kaicho is not only a demonstration of Sensei Konishi’s respect and confidence in Sensei Yamazaki, but a tremendous opportunity to position us for continued success.”

Sensei Yamazaki emigrated from Japan in 1969 to share his martial arts knowledge with American students and establish JKR in the United States. Since that time, he has become one of the most respected karate instructors in the world, working to promote traditional Japanese martial arts and foster quality international competition as Technical Chairman for International Olympic Committee governing bodies like the USA National Karate Federation (USANKF), the Pan-American Karate Federation (PKF), and the World Karate Federation (WKF). He has also provided fight choreography and weapons training for a number of Hollywood films, including Conan the Barbarian, Dune, Dragonheart, and Red Sonja.

He is a highly sought-after instructor, not only because of the depth of his knowledge, but for his open, in-depth style, and he maintains a busy teaching and travel schedule. Sensei Yamazaki holds 9th dan ranking in Shindo Jinen Ryu karate, as well as 8th dan ranking with the Japan Karate Federation (JKF). He is the highest ranked JKR instructor overall, and the highest ranked JKF instructor residing outside of Japan.

About Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR): Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai’s U.S. headquarters are in Garden Grove, CA, and it has schools in more than 20 countries. In 1935, JKR became one of the first karate organizations to be officially recognized by the Japanese government. Founded by Yasuhiro Konishi, JKR teaches a style of traditional Japanese karate called Shindo Jinen Ryu.