Biography of Master Asai
Master Asai was born in 1935 in Ehime, Shikoku prefecture, Japan, to a
policeman father. Raised in the countryside, Master Asai grew up to
become a very strong, fast, and energetic young man. As a young boy,
he often practiced Sumo, sometimes competing in the traditional
five-man challenge, and winning every time. He also learned Judo,
Kendo, and the Spear from his father. Even at a young age his athletic
ability was easily recognized.
A pivotal point in his life came when he was 12 years old. One day he
saw a boxer fighting a Karate-ka in a real fistfight. Master Asai was
highly impressed and intrigued because the Karate-ka’s kick
disabled his opponent from any further attacks. Thus the image of
Karate became etched in Master Asai’s mind. This event happened
just after the end of the Second World War at a time when the Japanese
community was uncertain about their future. Master Asai wanted to be
both physically and mentally strong. So he started to train in Karate.
Master Asai studied hard and gained entrance into Takushoku
University. Takushoku highlighted Master Asai’s great
determination. One hundred and fifty people started with Master Asai
at the Karate club, but within a month they were reduced to only a
handful. There was no leasure in the dojo, or at the university at
large, just training. Most people could not sustain such a path, but
Master Asai persevered and soon he was allowed to live at the Karate
dormitory. It was a great honor to be allowed to live there, as all of
the renowned Shotokan masters attended and trained at
Takushoku U. Master Asai, despite the hardship, was happy that he
had a chance to training rigorously and extensively. Others, amazed by
him, claimed that the only time he did not train was when he slept.
Master Asai graduated in 1958, and Nakayama Sensei insisted he
continue his Karate training. So he entered the Kenshusei program
(Instructors Course). It was the golden age of the JKA, with many
strong and different characters. He would train with these people
daily and it cemented his decision to follow the Karate way throughout
his life. This hard training paid dividend and in 1961, in front of
the crowned prince, Master Asai became the grand champion (Kata and
kumite), beating the favorites, Mikami Sensei and Shirai Sensei.
After finishing the Kenshusei program, he became the first person to
bring Karate to Taiwan. Later, based on his success, he moved to
Hawaii to continue his teaching. After teaching there for five years,
he returned to Japan to become the Technical Director of the JKA and
he held that position until 1990.
Master Asai founded two
organizations; IJKA
(International Japan Karate Asai-ryu)
and JKS in 2000 as a way to further
the development of Karate. His focus was on spirit development and not
just technique development. He strongly believed in developing
one’s spirits as a way to kindness and respect towards
others. He had also created wheelchair Karate as a method for
introducing Karate to all people regardless of their disabilities. He
believed that through this community service, spirit development would
be the same for everyone and not only the physically talented or
physically fit.
Master Asai had spent almost his whole life searching for “The
Way”. His Karate path has been likened to a “Thunderous
Storm”. He used to say, “People should forget
everything and jump head first into what they want to do. Although the
average person can’t comprehend such a way of thinking, or to be
in such an environment, it is this type of environment that is most
essential for one’s success.”
If you were lucky enough to see him and to look into his eyes, you
could understand the depth of his knowledge. He had eagle eyes, very
penetrating, that reflected the unbelievable relentlessness of his
training. He had mastered over 150 kata and was technically
unparalleled. Master Asai is still a Karate hero in Japan and all over
the world.
To our sorrow, Master Asai passed away on August 15, 2006. The funeral
was held in Tokyo on September 1, 2006. JKS granted 10th degree
black belt to late Asai Sensei in September 2006.
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