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Yoshinao Nanbu 1943 –

The Japanese Bruce Lee

Yoshinao Nanbu is one of the most respected Japanese karate masters in the world. About 20 years ago he founded his own martial art: NANBUDO.

Yoshinao Nanbu, born 1943 in Kobe (Japan), grew up in a time when Budo was held in high esteem. His great grandfather Yoko Zuna was a famous Sumotori, and at the early age of five years Yoshinao¡’s formation as a budoka began with learning Judo from his father (5th Dan). After a few years he also began learning Kendo from his uncle. At the age of 18, when Yoshinao was admitted at the University of Economic Sciences in Osaka, he discovered Karate.

He followed the teachings of Master Tani (8th Dan) and Master Tanaka and soon became one of the best Karateka in Japan. In 1963, he won the title of University Champion of Japan, an event in which there were 1250 competitors. Henry Plée, the promoter of Karate in France, was impressed by his perfomance’s, skill and motivations of the young champion and invited him to come to Europe and take part in numerous competitions. There again Yoshinao Nanbu won event after event (French Cup, European Championship etc.

In 1968 he returned to Japan. He wanted to enrich his technique and his knowledge of the science of budo. During that year, Master Tani entrusted Yoshinao Nanbu with the mission of developing Shukokai Karate in Europe.

At 27 years of age Yoshinao Nanu arrived at such a high degree of skill that he created his own method and called it Sankukai. However he felt that Sankukai was only a stage in his journey.

In 1974, he withdrew completely from the world of martial arts. There, amidst the natural elements, he was able to meditate and connect with the true value of things.

Since NANBUDO¡¦s creation in 1978, Yoshinao Nanbu has been constantly developing and refining his art. He directs seminars all over the world.