Master Matsuyama with his mentor, Master Toshio Watanabe.

Master Matsuyama started training in Karate at Waseda University in Tokyo in the early 1970s under Master Toshio Watanabe who was a student of Grandmaster Funakoshi. He is one of the few students who is authorized to teach Shotokan Karate overseas by Master Watanabe.

Master Matsuyama with his senior, Master Tsutomu Ohshima, the founder of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA) – the first Shotokan organization in the US.

Master Matsuyama has also trained extensively in Aikido and Mugai-Ryu Iaido, as well as Ryukyu-Kobudo (Okinawan weapons). He has developed a unique training system by using tai sabaki or body-shifting techniques along with the traditional, fast, strong and straight forward Shotokan techniques – smooth yet strong and effective. From the basic body-shifting to the advanced body-shifting, students of any levels will be able to learn this system step by step.

Group photo after 2016 promotion.

Click here to visit the Waseda University Karate Club’s web site.