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Shihan
Yuzo Goda 8th Dan, Japan IKO Kyokushinkaikan Chief Advisor As a teenager, Yuzo Goda wanted to study either boxing or martial arts but wasn't sure which. At 19 he met Mas Oyama and decided to begin karate training at the Oyama Dojo in Tokyo. In those days, kumite was extremely painful and the experience was regularly accompanied by injury. Goda was beaten on his first day, but the instant practice was over, he knew he could continue with karate; that moment was a turning point in his life. Goda admired the relationship between senpai and kohai, where juniors paid respect to seniors and seniors helped juniors with techniques and courtesies. Oyama Dojo students suffered many physical hardships, but ultimately, through experiences that you would never obtain in normal society, Kyokushin training was about passion, and the essence of life itself. Shihan Goda obtained his black belt the same year Sosai Mas Oyama founded the Kyokushinkaikan and Shihan Goda became a prominent figure in the organization, early on as Head Instructor at the Honbu Dojo and then as Joto Branch Chief (commonly known as Honbu-Direct Goda Dojo), a position Sosai appointed him to in 1976 to which he serves to this day. Over the decades, Shihan Goda became one of Sosai's nearest and dearest disciples, producing championship events and countless champions. His undeniable skill and undoubted integrity has led him to center referee some of Kyokushin's most memorable title matches including Matsui vs. Hug and Kazumi vs. Tamura and currently serves as Supreme Judge for the annual All Japan Tournaments as well as the prestigious World Open and World Weight Category Karate Championships. Shihan Goda recently celebrated his 40th year in Kyokushin and firmly believes his doctrine is to pass on Sosai's philosophy to the next generation in the right way. In his words, "Generations are changing and now it is not unusual to meet someone who has never known Sosai...We have a great successor to Sosai in Matsui-Kancho, and I believe it is my mission to support him in his effort to impart the Spirit of Kyokushin justly." |