Sensei Masao Kawasoe Profile

Sensei Masao Kawasoe is a brilliant Karateka, and in much 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 produced a four volume DVD entitled 'Beginner to Black Belt', This is a wonderful set of instructional films demonstrated by Sensei Kawaose himself and contains all of the important information needed for beginner to advanced students alike. Indeed many consider this set as a vital record of brilliant karate.

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, still pioneering his concepts and attempting to promote 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 visiting any of the links below.

Sensei Kawasoe demonstates the kata ‘Bassai Dai’ (3:02)

Sensei Kawasoe in knife defence demonstration (1:49)

Senseis’ Kawasoe, Naito and Shirai demonstrate the kata and bunkai for ‘Nijushiho’ (2:43)

Sensei Kawasoe demonstrates defences against multiple attacks (0:47)

Sensei Kawasoe demonstrates stepping punch (1.27)

Sensei Kawasoe at Newport Centre Oct 2006 (2.20)

Sensei Kawasoe demonstration of defence against knife attack (5.11)

Sensei Kawasoe demonstrates stepping punch shown from above (0.20)

Sensei Kawasoe teaching Unsu (1:28)

Sensei Kawasoe demonstrates body movement during front kick (2:56)

Sensei Kawasoe demonstrates dropping center during kumite (0:55)