AJJIF LEGENDS IN MARTIAL ARTS |
武道におけるAJJIFレジェンド |
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AJJIF GLOBAL recognizes and honors exceptional individuals whose lifelong dedication, mastery, and contributions have shaped the development of martial arts worldwide. This distinction is reserved for pioneers, grandmasters, innovators, and leaders whose influence extends beyond competition to education, ethics, cultural preservation, and international cooperation.
Those recognized under AJJIF LEGENDS demonstrate outstanding technical excellence, unquestioned integrity, and a sustained commitment to advancing martial arts at national and international levels. Their work has strengthened standards, unified disciplines, and inspired generations of practitioners across borders and traditions. The AJJIF LEGENDS designation serves both as a formal acknowledgment of historical impact and as a living standard of excellence. It reflects AJJIF GLOBAL’s commitment to preserving martial arts heritage while promoting professionalism, respect, and responsible leadership within the global martial arts community. Through AJJIF LEGENDS, the federation safeguards the legacy of martial arts leaders whose achievements continue to guide the future of the disciplines they represent. |
AJJIF GLOBALは、生涯にわたる献身、卓越した技術、そして世界の武道の発展に貢献してきた優れた人物を認定し、敬意をもって称えます。
この称号は、競技の枠を超え、教育、倫理、文化継承、国際協力にまで影響を与えた先駆者、宗家、達人、革新者、そして指導者に授与されます。 AJJIF LEGENDSとして認定される人物は、卓越した技術力、揺るぎない誠実さ、そして国内外における武道の発展に尽力し続ける姿勢を示しています。その功績は、武道の基準を高め、流派や競技の統一を促し、国境や伝統を超えて多くの世代の武道家に影響を与えてきました。 AJJIF LEGENDSの称号は、歴史的功績を正式に認定すると同時に、現代に生きる「卓越の基準」としての役割も果たします。これは、武道の伝統と遺産を守りながら、国際武道界における専門性、敬意、そして責任ある指導者精神を推進するAJJIF GLOBALの理念を体現するものです。 AJJIF LEGENDSを通じて、AJJIF GLOBALは、武道界を導いてきた指導者たちの功績と遺産を守り、その精神が未来の武道発展へと受け継がれるよう努めます。 |
AJJIF KARATE LEGEND
SENSEI HIDETAKA NISHIYAMA
( 1928 - 2008 )
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O-SENSEI HIDETAKA NISHIYAMA
Born in Tokyo, Japan Hidetaka Nishiyama was a Japan's Living Karate Legend Japanese-American Martial Arts Great Master of Shotokan Karate. Author of one of the world's all-time best selling martial arts books, "Karate the Art of Empty Hand Fighting" and over 50 years of teaching Worldwide. His Martial Arts training begin in 1933 and in 1943, when he started training in Shotokan Karate under it's founder Master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957 ). O-Sensei Nishiyama was a founder of the All Japan Collegiate Karate Federation, Japan Karate Association (JKA), International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF), All American Karate Federation (AAKF). In 1961 Nishiyama organized first National Karate Championship in Los Angeles, USA. And in 1968 first World Invitational Karate Tournament. In 1999, the United States Senate honored Nishiyama by presenting him with the US flag that had been flown over the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. The US flag was awarded in recognition of his contributions to Traditional Karate. On November 3, 2000, the Emperor of Japan awarded O-Sensei Nishiyama the Order of the Sacred Treasure in a ceremony on the grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. For his many contributions to promote Japanese culture through Traditional Karate Worldwide. "At this time, I am very proud to have finally completed this lifelong project and have confidence that we can now pass on the true art of Traditional Karate to future generations. Now it is your time to meet the new challenges and accept the opportunities offered by this body of knowledge so that Traditional Karate may continue to grow and develop for the benefit of all that strive for higher levels of understanding both mind and body."- O-Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, 2005, O-Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama passed away on November 7, 2008 at the age of 80. |
AJJIF KARATE LEGEND
SENSEI HIROKAZU KANAZAWA
( 1931 - 2019 )
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HIROKAZU KANAZAWA KANCHO
One of the worlds most renowned and respected traditional karate masters in modern times. He won the notorious All Japan karate Championship, Kumite championship in 1957 and in 1958 won, the Kata and Kumite Titles. Kanazawa was born on 3 May 1931 in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. He trained in judo during his school years, and held the rank of 2nd dan in that art. He began training in karate at Takushoku University. Kanazawa soon became the protege of the late headmaster of the Shotokan style, Matsatoshi Nakayama (10th Dan). Kanazawa is one of the few remaining karateka privileged to have studied under Master Gichin Funakoshi, the famous Okinawin school teacher who brought karate to mainland Japan from Okinawa and founded the Shotokan style.Kanazawa was among the first to graduate from the JKA's instructor training programme. In January 1961, the JKA sent Kanazawa to Hawaii to establish karate schools there. He was ranked 5th dan at the time. He established a dojo (training hall) and served as the inaugural President of the Hawaii Karate Congress. In May 1963, he left Hawaii to teach in Europe and Japan. In 1966, Kanazawa became Chief Instructor of the Karate Union of Great Britain, and the JKA promoted him to the rank of 6th dan that year. In 1973, the All Japan Karate Federation promoted him to 7th dan. In 1977, Kanazawa founded the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF). Since then, he was taught and promoted karate through the SKIF. The International Martial Arts Federation promoted Kanazawa to 8th dan in 1978, 9th dan in 1988, and 10th dan in 2002. Kanazawa has written several books on karate, which include: Kankudai (1969), Moving Zen: One man's journey to the heart of Karate (2001), Karate: My life (2003), Karate fighting techniques: The complete kumite (2004) and Black Belt Karate (2006). He has featured in Paul Walker's book, Lessons with the Master: 279 Karate lessons with Master Hirokazu Kanazawa. " My philosophy is that I try always to be true to myself and to others ... I can say that I fear nothing - not even death, and this I do not say in a big-headed or conceited way. My meaning is that I always try my best in everything I do, so I will be satisfied when I do die - I think the reason that people fear death is because they want to do and accomplish so many other things that are still undone . . . they always want to do more. Also, I truly believe that life continues after physical death - all life continues ... life is a circle ". - Master Hirokazu Kanazawa. |
AJJIF JUDO LEGEND
SENSEI TAKAHIKO ISHIKAWA
( 1917 - 2008 )
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HANSHI TAKAHIKO ISHIKAWA
Takahiko Ishikawa was a great Japanese-American Martial Arts Master of Judo. He was the All Japan Champion in 1949 and in 1950 and the youngest person to be awarded title of Shihan (Professor) at the Keishicho. And Judo Instructor for Tokyo Police. Sensei Ishikawa was a founder of Pentagon Judo Club with Maj. Donn F. Draeger - 1955, founder of CIA Judo Club (Virginia) - 1956, Former Head Instructor of Kodokan Institute (Tokyo, Japan), Inventor of "Spring Floor" for Kodokan Institute (Tokyo, Japan), Author of Judo Book "Judo Training Methods A Source book" (Tokyo, Japan - 1961). Hanshi Takahiro Ishikawa passed away on June 9, 2008 at the age of 91. |
AJJIF SHORINJI KEMPO LEGEND
SENSEI TOSHIO KURAMOTO
( 1949 - 2007 )
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JUNHANSHI TOSHIO KURAMOTO
Toshio Kuramoto was a great Japanese-American Martial Arts Master of Shorinji Kempo. He is the founder of the Shorinji Kempo of Hollywood Dojo was born in Japan and the former student of the founder of Kongo-Zen Sohonzan Temple with Shorinji Kempo, Master Doshin So (1911-1980 ). In 1968 Kuramoto start to learn Shorinji Kempo at the Kongo-Zen Sohonzan Shorinji, in Koshigaya Doin, Saitama-Ken, Japan and has practiced it for more then 37 years. Kuramoto was an ordained Zen Buddhist priest of the Kongo-Zen Sohonzan Shorinji Temple in Shikoku, Japan Master Kuramoto made a huge contribution to the development of Shorinji Kempo in the U.S.A. In 2002 Kuramoto was inducted into the Martial Arts Masters Hall of Fame. Kuramoto was featured in and on the covers of some of America's top martial arts magazines and seen in demonstrations, film, television shows and numerous print media articles. " Shorinji Kempo should not be taught for the purpose of fighting or to harm others but to polish your own skills in order to become a better person. Learn about yourself first; listen to yourself. Learn to respect yourself, and others. Become a person who is worthy of the respect of others. Shorinji Kempo believes in working with your training partner (as in enbu) in a spirit of mutual aid and development. With things like sotai practice, you show consideration for others from which will spring spiritual partnership. All these facets of training should be practiced every day. "- Master Toshio Kuramoto. Junhanshi Toshio Kuramoto passed away on May 24, 2007 at the age of 58. |
AJJIF GOJU RYU KARATE LEGEND
SENSEI HOKAMA TETSUHIRO
( born in 1944 )
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HANSHI HOKAMA TETSUHIRO
Hanshi Hokama Tetsuhiro is a Great Japanese Martial Arts Master of Goju Ryu Karate. President of the Okinawa Goju Ryu Kenshi-Kai Karate Do Kobudo Association, founder of the first Karate Kobudo Museum in the World and a Calligraphy Master. Hanshi Tetsuhiro Hokama is truly a master of the "Old Ways".Hanshi Hokama began Karate as a child in 1952. His grandfather Seiken Tokuyama taught him the fundamentals of Shuri-te Karate. In 1961 he began training with the legendary Master Seiko Higa (1898 -1966) a student of Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915) and Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953). Hokama Tetsuhiro met Master Shinpo Matayoshi (Kobudo teacher) and began learning Kobudo, Hakutsuru ken (White Crane fist) and Kingai Ryu. Upon the death of Seiko Higa in 1966 Hanshi Hokama continues his training with one of Higa's top student Seiko Fukuchi (1919-1975). It was both of these great masters that taught Hokama the Kakushite (hidden hand) referring to the secret techniques in Kata. Grandmaster Hokama Tetsuhiro appeared in the Learning Channel documentary "Top Ten Martial Arts". Author of many Karate, Kobudo books and videos and has been featured in many foreign magazines. Published a calligraphy book on Okinawan proverbs. |
AJJIF JUDO LEGEND
SENSEI HAROLD ( HAL ) E. SHARP
( 1927 - 2021 )
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O-SENSEI HAROLD ( HAL ) E. SHARP
Harold E. Sharp in 1945 was deployed by the US Army in the occupation of Japan which was the beginning of a life time love affair with the Martial Arts. Sharp San as he likes to be called is truly from the old school. He competed in and won Japan's 1st Foreigner Judo Championships in 1954 and was presented with a beautiful silver sake cup from the Prince of Japan as his award. Not only was Hal Sharp a Judoka and a competitive Judoka he was an avid writer, photographer, cinematographer and had a passion for anything Japanese. He not only studied with the best martial artists in Post W.W.II but he also photographed them and filmed them plus he was the personal body guard of the Emperor Of Japan on one occasion and he even photographed him getting him to smile for the camera which was unheard of in those days.He was so talented and well liked in Japan's Kodokan that Judo Giant Kyuzo Mifune (Judo's legendary 10th Dan) sent a special representative to ask Sharp to come train with him but doing the honorable thing he politely declined as he was training with his Sensei Kawakami in one of the small village dojo's in the outskirts of Tokyo. Hal Sharp has been friends with and studied directly under Japanese Legends like: Kyuzo Mifune, Takahiko Ishikawa, Gichin Funakoshi, Gogen Yamaguichi, Hidetaka Nishiyama. On 16 September, 2012 Hal Sharp received title of O-Sensei and promotional rank of 10 Dan in Judo from AJJIF GLOBAL. O-Sensei Alexey Kunin personally presented this historic award. |
AJJIF SAIGO HA DAITO RYU AIKI BUJUTSU LEGEND
SENSEI JOHN J.WILLIAMS
( 1940 - 2015 )
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GUNSHI DR. JOHN J.WILLIAMS
Gunshi Williams is a Great Canadian-American Martial Arts Grandmaster of Saigo Ha Daito Ryu Aiki Bujutsu. 34th generation Grandmaster Gunshi / Iemoto Saigo Ha Daito-Ryu Aiki Bujutsu Dai Nippon Butokukai-Japan, FAJKO-Japan. He started training in Tani Ha Jujitsu, founded by a Japanese Jujitsu Master Yukio Tani (who was a student of Shio Saigo - 30th generation Grandmaster of the 1200-year old martial art known as Daito Ryu). Dr. Williams was a dedicated student of Pok Shen - 33rd generation Grandmaster of the old Japanese art - Saigo Ha Daito Ryu Aiki Bujutsu, Grandmaster Pok Shen was the inheritor of Grandmaster Lin Po (32nd generation Grandmaster Gunshi of Saigo Ha Daito Ryu Aiki Bujutsu). Master Pok Shen passed the scrolls of successor ship of Saigo Ha Daito Ryu Aiki Bujutsu over to Dr. Williams, who then became the 34th Grandmaster Gunshi or Headmaster of this 1200-year old samurai art. Over the years Dr. Williams meet and has trained with many Japanese Grandmasters : Soke Katsumi Yonezawa, Soke Shogo Kuniba, Soke Toshio Kaneta,Soke J.K.Yamaue. O-Sensei Alexey Kunin has been appointed by Gunshi Williams, as a Senior Military Adviser to the Commander of the Great Eastern Military (Dai Yokoyori Gunshi Saigo Ha Daito Ryu Aiki Bujutsu). |
AJJIF DAITO RYU
AIKI JIU-JITSU LEGEND
SENSEI JOHN DENORA
( 1930 - 2008 )
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HANSHI JOHN DENORA J.D.
Great American Martial Arts Master of Daito Ryu Aiki Jiu-Jitsu and Professor of Japanese Martial Arts. Founder of Daito Ryu USA and Vice President of AJJIF - ALL JAPAN JU-JITSU INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION, 3-time Martial Arts Masters Hall of Fame, Karate Hall of Fame ( World Karate Union ). Prof. Denora was the fourth generation (Yosei) 38th Master in the line after Sokaku Takeda no Minamoto no Masayoshi, the 35th Headmaster of Daito Ryu. Professor Denora has trained and taught martial arts in Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Hawaii, Taiwan, and other areas, learning from the great masters. While living in Japan, Denora trained with many great masters, learning true samurai bugei arts. In 1953, John Denora began training with Jujutsu/Judo Sensei T.Nakamura, learning many arts from this teacher. Dr. Nakamura was also a master of Ki and the sword (Shin Ken). John Denora studied under Katsumi Yonezawa Sensei in Hokkaido, Japan. Yonezawa Sensei had been taught and certified by Horikawa Kodo. Kodo and Kodo's father were the top disciples of Sokaku Takeda. Denora was certified as a special, personal representative (Kyoju Dairi) of the grandmaster and was presented with the Hiden Mokuroku of techniques, making him the fourth generation after Sokaku Takeda no Minamoto no Masayoshi (the last great Samurai of the Minamoto Genji clan). John was one of only a handful of people to ever receive this teaching license in true Daito-Ryu Aiki Jiu Jitsu from the Soke of Bokuyokan Daito Ryu. John Denora also trained with the Great Master Yoshiteru Otani; a master in Judo, Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, and Jigen Ryu sword. Eiji Nakamura, who was one of the great Daito Masters in Kitami, Hokkaido gave special instruction to Denora at the Budokan Dojo of Sensei F.J. Lovret. John Denora has received the three Daito Ryu confidential instructor books and was awarded in 1986 the Daito Ryu Expert, Patience, Hope and Peace Award. He was also presented with hand-painted copies of Sokaku Takeda's drawings of pressure points. In 2001, Prof. John Denora was awarded a Kyoju Dairi from Grandmaster GUNSHI Dr. John Williams (Saigo Ha Daito Ryu Aiki Bujutsu, Menkyo Kaiden Shinto Ryu Aiki Bujutsu, 34th Generation Headmaster / Head Family Daito Ryu). John Denora's teachings and the preservation of the tradition of Daito Ryu will be carried on by O-Sensei Alexey Kunin through the organization of AJJIF. Hanshi Prof. John Denora J.D. passed away on 28 August, 2008 at the age of 78. |
AJJIF JU-JITSU LEGEND
SENSEI WALLY JAY
( 1917 - 2011 )
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Prof. WALLY JAY
Prof. Wally Jay is a Great American Hawaiian Martial Arts Grandmaster of Jujitsu. Founder of Jujitsu America and Small Circle Jujitsu International (Professor Jay's Small Circle Jujitsu). In 1940, Jay studied Danzan Ryu jujutsu under Juan Gomez and also learned judo under the former Hawaiian Champion, Ken Kawachi, who gave him the key to the Small Circle Jujitsu techniques. Wally Jay received his Restorative Massage in 1945 and the Certificate of Mastery (Kodenkan Jujitsu ) from Professor Okazaki in 1948 (Founder of the Kodenkan Jujitsu system). Wally Jay receives his instructor scroll from Prof. Okazaki in 1945.Prof. Wally Jay has received many awards in the past which include: Hokka Judo Yudanshakai named him "Northern California Judo Coach of the year". Black Belt Magazine's Instructor of Jujitsu and Man of the Year. Black Belt Magazine's Hall of Fame in 1969 / 1990. Inside Kung Fu magazine named him as one of the 100 most influential martial arts personalities of all times. He has been featured on the covers of several martial arts magazines. Prof. Wally Jay has published two books; Dynamic JuJitsu and Small Circle JuJitsu and numerous instructional videos. In 1962 Wally Jay spent time with Bruce Lee, teaching him judo and jujutsu techniques. O-Sensei Alexey Kunin has been training directly under Prof. Wally Jay. Prof. Wally Jay passed away on 29 May, 2011 at the age of 93. |
AJJIF JUDO LEGEND
SENSEI PHILIP S. PORTER
( 1925 - 2011 )
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O-SENSEI PHILIP S. PORTER
O-Sensei Philip Porter is a Great American Martial Arts Master of Judo, "The Father of American Judo" and founder of United States Martial Arts Association (USMA). Porter has studied, refereed, taught, and competed for 65 years. O-Sensei Philip S. Porter began his Martial Arts career as a boxer in 1943 and started Judo, JuJitsu, and Karate training in 1951 with his first teacher Sensei Walter Todd (the first American to be awarded a black belt in Shotokan Karate) Porter also studied Judo under Great Kodokan Judo Teachers: Sumiyuki Kotani, Tadao Otaki and Sadaki Nakabayashi. O-Sensei Philip Porter started competing in Judo in 1951, and is still active in masters competition. He has produced over 1,000 national and international medalists in Judo over the past 50 years. Porter created the large numbers of Judo and the Martial Arts books ("Judo From The Beginning", "Championship Judo Drill Training", "The Basic JuJitsu Manual"), magazine articles, videos and DVDs: ("The 65 Throws of Kodokan Judo", "The Secrets Of Winning In Judo", "The Counters of Judo", "Judo Grappling Techniques"). O-Sensei Alexey Kunin hasbeen training directly under O-Sensei Philip Porter. "We may not see the goal clearly, but in Judo we have a way. I believe we should always remember that practice, practice, practice, is the remover of doubt and uncertainty. Not for a week, a month, or a year, but for as long as the body draws breath. Dr. Kano gave us the secret of Judo in three words: "Never Miss Practice."- O-Sensei Philip Porter O-Sensei Philip Porter passed away on 07 August, 2011. |
AJJIF JUDO LEGEND
SENSEI TONEY RAVEN
( 1932 - 2016 )
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HANSHI TONEY RAVEN
Started Martial Arts training at the age of 10. His first Sensei was Dr. Allen Smith, a retired Marine who introduced Toney Raven to Combat Ju-Jitsu. Toney Raven received his 1st. Dan in Judo at the age of 19. His first visit to Japan and the Kodokan Judo Institute was during the Korean war when Toney Raven was serving in the US Air Force. He received his Black Belt in Kodokan Judo Institute during his first visit and the Black Belt Certificate was signed by the son of Jigoro Kano. Toney Raven comeback to Japan after his first visit 10 more times, and has been training in many Judo and Ju-Jitsu Dojo's all over Japan. Toney Raven trained in Kodokan and Japan directly under many Legendary Judo and Ju-Jitsu Masters: Sensei Kyuzo Mifune 10 Dan Kodokan Judo Sensei Takahiko Ishikawa, Sensei Shinohara, Sensei Tai Watanabe. Hanshi Toney Raven competed in many National and International Judo Tournaments: 1998 Gold Medal - Masters Division in Canada, 1998 Bronze Medal - Masters Division US National Championship, 1999 Silver Medal - Masters Division in Canada. Hanshi Toney Raven over the years had many students who are later on became Martial Arts Legends and Judo Champions: O-Sensei Philip Porter - 10 Dan Judo, AJJIF Judo Legend, Grandmaster Chuck Norris ( before he started Karate training ), James Wooley 2 times Olympian, Bill Sanford. Hanshi Toney Raven has been doing Judo and Ju-Jitsu now for over 73 years. He is a 10 Dan in Ju-Jitsu and 10 Dan in Judo, AJJIF Judo Legend, AJJIF Senior Vice President and Member of Katabami Ju-Jitsu Clan. Hanshi Toney Raven passed away on 02 June, 2016 at the age of 84. |
AJJIF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU LEGEND
SENSEI REYLSON GRACIE
( born in 1943 )
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GRANDMASTER REYLSON GRACIE
Grandmaster Reylson Gracie is a Great Brazilian-American Martial Arts Master of Brazilian Gracie Jiu-Jitsu / Reylson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Reylson Gracie is the son of Carlos Gracie the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. " My father was the first Brazilian to learn Japanese Jiu-jitsu. My father was invited to learn the Japanese Jiu-Jitsu from Count Mitsuyo Maeda Koma, (a friend of the crowned prince, Hirohito). From the start he tried to improve it and share its tradition and philosophy with the other people."- Grandmaster Reylson Gracie. At 4 years old Reylson Gracie began to learn jiu-jitsu. When he was only 14 years old, he began to teach the Gracie jiu-jitsu System to his father's students. At 17 years old Reylson Gracie was the youngest family member certified as a Black Belt Master Instructor. Grandmaster Reylson Gracie is known around the world due to his unique self-defense program and his teaching style. "I have opened my doors to the world to continue to share the knowledge, philosophy and mission that began with my father, Carlos Gracie. We give the confidence to people to have equal conditions to win in life."- Grandmaster Reylson Gracie. |
