Sensei Masao Kawasoe Profile

Sensei Masao Kawasoe is a brilliant Karateka, and much in demand as an instructor throughout the world. If you ask anyone who has ever trained with Sensei Kawasoe, either in his own dojo, or on courses they will agree that he is 'possibly the best karate technician in the world'. He is both dynamic, and knowledgeable, with an impressive ability to communicate. His dedication to tradition, quality and manners is universally acknowledged, with few able to perform the physical demands he makes of himself.

Sensei Masao Kawasoe was born in 1945, his father was a Japanese businessman and he has two brothers. Sensei Kawasoe now resides in London and has done for over 20 years. He began his martial arts training in judo and at the age of 15 saw a karate demonstration. This so impressed him he immediately went to find a karate dojo. One of his first instructors was the world famous Sensei Tsuyama, who's home was in the same town, Saga City. Training through his high school and then going to the infamous University of Takushoku, he continued to train with Sensei Tsuyama.

It was during his stay at the university that he first aroused the attention of Sensei Nakayama, the Chief Instructor of the JKA, and soon, Kawasoe was invited to join the infamous full-time Instructors course, which he completed within three years. Sensei Kawasoe is featured in Volume 4 of Sensei Nakayama's 'Best Karate Books.' Sensei Nakayama said of him "Kawasoe is especially noted for his kicks, which are strong, good, effective and have a sharp snap". "Through his mastery of karate basics he has come to reach a level few achieve, his technique inspires all who see it to strive for the ideals of Shotokan Karate." A high honour indeed from the head of the J.K.A.

Sensei Kawasoe has a 2-part DVD entitled "Beginner to Black Belt: The Kawasoe Way". This is a brilliant instructional DVD aimed at guiding the student's understanding of technique as they progress from their first lesson to black belt. Clear images and detailed explanations make this a DVD you will want to watch again and again. Containing all the basics, kata and sparring routines for each grading exam this item is available from the club at a great price.

There is no doubt that Sensei Kawasoe is one of the very best karateka to have emerged from the JKA, and he remains an important figure in the world of karate, pioneering new concepts and promoting his brand of Shotokan Karate wherever he teaches. He has a world-wide following of senior students who have stayed loyal to him and followed his example by developing and teaching excellent Shotokan Karate. Long may this continue, and in his own words: "I am lucky to have good karate, but even more I am lucky to have good students to carry it forward. My wish is to leave something worthwhile behind for everyone. My life is then complete."

We are honored to have this master of karate as our personal instructor. Sensei visits us on three occasions each year for the purpose of holding courses and carrying out grading examinations. As associate members of the UKTKF,we also have access to all of Sensei's other courses throughout the UK and indeed the world.

Please see for yourself the skill and mastery of this superb karate technician by clicking on any of the red YouTube links below.

Sensei Kawasoe demonstrates oi-komi gyaku-zuki (1.27) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpUOujUKM3g

Sensei Kawasoe Performs Kihon Kata (5:01) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5zdyUHpLzo

Sensei Kawasoe demonstration of defence against knife attack (5.11) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O19ORnG66Y&mode=related&search=

Sensei Kawasoe demonstrates stepping punch shown from above (0.20) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS0AIbzAcR8

Sensei Kawasoe teaching Unsu (1:28) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTiZy-sekKg

Sensei Kawasoe demonstrates body movement during front kick (2:56) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTzrnvXCYz8

Sensei Kawasoe demonstrates dropping center during kumite (0:55) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7dSGOgNk3A

Gwyn Mowll takes grading under Sensei Kawasoe (4.26) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIJyFUnLg6w

Sensei Kawasoe teaching kumite drill (8:18) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMPYekKifCM

Sensei Kawasoe teaching kata technique and application (3:15) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdE6Kuf09v4

Sensei Kawasoe demonstration 1998 (1:53) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQHSGQ6qTsg

Sensei Kawasoe teaching advanced kata (19:19) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOM1pUgmPec

Senseis' Kawasoe and Naita Kumite Demonstration (2:44) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcx7I5PO-tk

Senseis’ Kawasoe and Naito Teaching at UKTKF Course Edinburgh 2011 (11:39) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_m-JkntF58

Sensei Kawasoe Kumite Demonstration (2:21) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLxFTSZd0Vs

Sensei Kawasoe Performs Bassai Dai (3:03) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLYwQJohMyo

Sensei Kawasoe Teaching Bassai Dai (7:02) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTVQzZEiMu4

Sensei Kawasoe Teaching On Course In Norway (12:40) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ooubw8Q78o