Leadership of WYKKO
The Life of
Grandmaster Katsuoh Yamamoto
In 1938, in Miyaknoji City, a son was born to Suehachi and Maste Yamamoto; this son would later become the Grandmaster of Yoshukai Karate, Soke Yamamoto.
As a youth, he studied Judo as a way to become strong. However, sometime after entering Jr. High School, the young Yamamoto was set upon by a group of young men and beaten. This defeat made him question his belief of Judo as a practical martial art for self-defense. After graduating from school, the determined young man entered the Japanese Ground Forces and also began studying karate. The future karate master had begun his lifelong study of Karate.
After being transferred to the Kumamoto Armed Forces Base, the young Yamamoto began studying under the guidance of Dr. Chitose, the Founder of the Chitoryu Karate. Between natural ability and great determination, the young man advanced quickly from novice to black belt and from black belt onward to being the Number One Practitioner of Japan by the age of 22, in 1960. During this time of severe training, Yamamoto Sensei trained to the point of having blood in his urine and undergoing such a strenuous schedule that pushed his abilities to their limits. Dr. Chitose was a great influence on the young and upcoming karate sensation and would bestow the name Yoshukan as the name of the Yamamoto dojo. This name would later be changed to Yoshukai when Soke was recognized by Dr. Chitose as a Master Instructor of karate.
In 1967, Dr. Chitose asked Yamamoto Sensei to accompany him to Canada to demonstrate karate. During this trip, many Canadian and American karate-ka and other fighters challenged Yamamoto to matches but none were successful. At this time, one of his unique demonstrations was to perform a flying side kick on the rim of a basketball goal by taking only a step to gain his momentum; by the conclusion of the tour Yamamoto Sensei had proven his abilities without any reservations.
During the 1960's some of Yamamoto Sensei's students would open dojos in the US in Florida and later Illinois and Alabama. Throughout the following decades, Yoshukai would spread across the United States, Canada, Germany, South America, and around the world. Soke traveled a great deal to help instruct and inspire his students. The students in the United States were particularly lucky as Soke visited almost every fall and routinely brought other instructors with him from Japan. During these annual visits, Soke would often perform feats of what could be called nearly super-human feats of strength and ability. Many of the American practitioners were inspired by Soke's demonstrations and he enjoyed watching his students challenge themselves and was always gracious when giving advice or reviewing a student's progress.
It is of special notice that Soke was instrumental in the returning of General Yamashita's remains from the Philippines after negotiations with Philippine President Marcos. Soke raised the necessary funding by fighting a tiger in a cage match. The match was originally scheduled to take place in Haiti but was re-set and completed in another country due to the Haitian Government canceling the match due to extreme International pressure. During the next year, after the cancellation, Soke trained in secret for this match which was held at a secret location to avoid more interference. On the day of the match, Soke and the tiger gazed at each other for over six hours until Soke entered the cage and dispatched the tiger using the traditional bo and sai. Soke would later state that this match was the most important event in his over six decades of martial arts experience.
In 2000, Soke decided to reorganize the United States branch of Yoshukai under the leadership of Kaicho Hiroaki Toyama and Kaicho Mike Culbreth. Soke bestowed the name World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization and recognized the WYKKO as the only sanctioned Yoshukai Karate Organization outside of Japan.
In April of 2001, Soke held a celebration of his 50th Anniversary of studying Martial Arts in Kitakyushu, Japan. Masters from various karate styles were asked to perform demonstrations for the event. Soke performed a spectacular breaking demonstration by breaking ten slabs of ice with an elbow strike.
Soke continued to visit and tour his various schools around the world over the next decade, assisted by Kaicho Toyama and Kaicho Culbreth as well as chief instructors from Japan. Soke's last visit to the United States was in late 2016. Sadly, Soke passed away on February 12th, 2017 after a valiant fight with cancer. The WYKKO mourned the loss of Soke Yamamoto and held a memorial service in Los Angeles, CA, under the direction of Fuku-Kaicho Gerry Blank, WYKKO West Coast Director. Yoshukai instructors from across the world attended this service.
Soke Yamamoto's legacy continues to live as he influenced thousands of karate-ka over the decades from all parts of the World. From his humble beginnings as a youthful practitioner of Judo to his years as a soldier and novice karate-ka Soke always strove to achieve more than his peers. Soke's ultimate goal of becoming a Master of Karate was recognized at an early age and his life will be remembered as an example of what can be achieved when one's goal is to exceed the limits of what others have achieved before. Soke's spirit lives in every karate-ka who pushes past their limits.
Thank You, Soke, for your example of a life well lived! Osu!
Update March 8, 2018
World Yoshukai Directors
Kaicho Hiroaki Toyama
I was born in Fukuoka, Japan on October 16, 1948. During this time, Japan was still a poor country after the war. Some food and supplies were still being distributed. At the age of thirteen, I began studying martial arts, beginning with Kendo and Judo. I then began my study of karate in 1967 and in 1971 joined Yoshukai Karate under the tutelage of Yoshukai Karate founder, Grand Master Katsuoh Yamamoto at Honbu Dojo in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka, Japan. I trained 5 days a week with no air conditioning or heating in the dojo. In 1975, Soke Yamamoto took me to his birthplace in Miyazaki in Kyushu. I was privileged to meet his mother and family. He also took me to Kumamoto, Kyushu to meet his instructor, Dr. Chitose, founder of Chitoryu Karate, at his home, but I was unable to see him due to his illness.
In 1975, I was privileged to be offered the opportunity to travel to the United States to work with and assist Master Yuki Koda in Birmingham, AL. Shortly after arriving, I moved to Brewton, AL to assist with instructing classes there. It was at that time that I met my wife Donna, Mr. Mike Culbreth, and in a short time, Mr. Gerry Blanck, in class.
I was involved in many competitions during the 1970’s and 1980’s, being ranked in the Top 10 by Black Belt Magazine in the early 1980’s. I was also named National Champion in U. S. ranking in 1989 and Instructor of the Year in 1992 and 2000. I challenged myself by participating in the breaking of baseball bats, concrete, and boards with my head, fists, and legs. During these years, I am proud to have taught many fine students, some of which became interested in kickboxing competition in the 1980’s. Two of these students, Gerry Blanck and Cheryl Wheeler, went on to win World Kickboxing Championship titles.
In December 1976, Grand Master Yamamoto traveled to New York for an interview for his upcoming fight with a tiger. I accompanied him for support. A 1977 New Year’s Japanese edition of a newspaper devoted a front page about this event that went on to be a big world news event.
My wife, Donna, and I met in 1975 when I came to Brewton to help instruct classes. We were married in 1977. Donna also received her Black Belt in 1977 from Master Yuki Koda, At this time, Donna devoted her time to her teaching career and furthering her education, while taking care of our 3 beautiful children, while I continued my career in karate. Our children are Crosby, 38, an engineer, married to Amie and with our grandson Wyatt, living in Denver, CO. Our other son, Adam, is 37, a CRNA, married to Fair’a, and living in Marshalltown, IA. Our baby is our daughter Scarlett, 34, working for a software development company in Pensacola, FL, living in Pace, FL. We also had a daughter, Mandy, deceased at birth in 1978.
I continued my instruction under Master Koda until he passed away in 1997, after a brave battle with cancer. Master Koda was greatly missed and in 2000, Soke Yamamoto gave permission to Mr. Mike Culbreth and me to form World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization (WYKKO). He gave us his trust to carry on his organization, as he wished, in the U. S. We were privileged to travel to Japan for Soke Yamamoto’s 50th Anniversary Karate event in 2001. Approximately 40 WYKKO students accompanied us to this grand event. Soke Yamamoto continued to make efforts to visit for WYKKO events, whenever possible. Mr. Culbreth and I made visits to events in Japan periodically, and on the September 2006 visit, I was awarded my 8th degree Black Belt certificate. On another trip in June of 2012, Soke gave me the title, Kaicho, and awarded me his own Gold Belt, for which I was very honored. In 2013, WYKKO invited Soke Yamamoto to the U.S. to honor him for his 50th Anniversary since organizing Yoshukai Karate.
On February 1, 2014, I was unexpectedly and tragically diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a deadly flesh-eating bacteria. I was not expected to live by medical personnel. My right arm had to be amputated on Day 2 of my illness, followed by numerous surgeries, in an attempt to save my life, and with little hope of success. I, and my family, had unbelievable prayers and support from our church and many other church families, our WYKKO family, friends, other martial arts communities, and even strangers, along with a God-lead and unbelievable medical team. I went through 15+ surgeries with 20+ procedures, since multiple procedures were often done simultaneously. They were able to miraculously save my left leg, on the day it was to be amputated. I know that I am blessed to be alive, even with a full arm amputation, many skin grafts, and some nerve damage. My Black Belts kept my classes going for months until I could gradually return. There was much support and assistance from WYKKO. The medical community also attributed my blessing of healing to being in good physical shape at my age, due to my physical activity, which is a testament to karate. I will always be eternally grateful to the many people and good friends that supported me and my family, traveled to give support and sit with my family, and mostly to my sons, Crosby and Adam, who made great strides to visit, my daughter Scarlett, who came daily after work to visit and stay with Donna, even through the night at times, and for my wife, Donna, who stayed right with me day and night for months, often providing much care to my wounds and grafts for healing, among many other things. During this time, Soke called and spoke with Donna about the strength we all shared, including himself, for the cancer battle he’d been fighting since 2013. He was a wonderful encourager and inspiration and continued to be through his valiant fight with cancer, remaining strong in spirit until his passing on Feb. 12, 2017. I was so privileged to be able to travel to see him, along with Mr, Culbreth to make that one last visit to see, not only our leader, but our friend in January of 2017. We were blessed to be able to pay our respects to him and his family, and to reaffirm our commitment of carrying out his wishes for his legacy of Yoshukai Karate, through the endorsement he bestowed upon WYKKO. It is such an honor. Soke Yamamoto taught, inspired, and touched the lives of so many people. He was a true Karate Master, with unbelievable insight into martial arts. He will remain amongst the great Karate Masters in history.
I was with Soke Yamamoto for 46 years. He taught me in so many ways. Soke entrusted Kaicho Culbreth and me to carry on these ways in the future. Now, Kaicho Culbreth, I, and all of our dedicated members of WYKKO are committed to keep Soke Yamamoto’s legacy alive and strong, passing it on to the next generation. I thank all of our dedicated WYKKO members, their families, and our friends who always represent and support our organization and this great legacy. Osu!
Updated October 8, 2017
Kaicho Mike Culbreth
ONE STRAIGHT LINEAGE
I began training in Yoshukai Karate in 1974 at 18 years of age in Brewton, AL. Like every other young kid I was infatuated with the martial arts and had no idea that I would end up receiving my Black Belt much less becoming a Co-Director of the World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization. It was fate that I was one of the first persons that Mr. Toyama met when he first came to the United States and we have grown toward this phase in both of our lives. World Yoshukai Karate has become my way of life for me with the support of my wife, Denese and my daughter Brooke who are both Black Belts in Yoshukai. Denese is the first female to receive a rank of Shihan in the United States. I am an 8th degree Black Belt in World Yoshukai and I received two of my ranks while in Japan and the 8th degree was received in Canada. There are only three 8th Degrees presented in the United States by our Grand Master and they are, Kaicho Hiroaki Toyama, Pensacola, Florida Hu-Kaicho Gerry Blanck, Pacific Palisades, California, and my-self. I was presented my Gold Belt from Master Yamamoto in 2013. The Gold Belt symbolizes the top level of training and experience in Yoshukai. I have had the privilege to have known Master Yamamoto for over 43 years. Master Yamamoto was very close to my family and my wife’s family. When I was a young black belt Master Yamamoto took me under his wing and became a mentor and father like figure in my life. We had many special moments together. During this time when Master Yamamoto came to the States he would stay at our home for weeks and months at a time. Due to this I was able to train and learn directly from Master Yamamoto the true Yoshukai that he founded. I have trained directly under our Grand Master since white belt. It helps me to pass on to the World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization the true Yoshukai Karate that he founded. I was the assistant Director for many years under the direction of Master Yuki Koda before his passing in 1997. We are the Founders of the World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization and were given written permission by Grand Master Yamamoto to form this Organization in the United States in 2000. World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization is the only Yoshukai that was and is authorized to teach, train and promote karate students and Black Belts with written authorization from Grand Master Yamamoto. Kaicho Toyama and I never left the direction of Grand Master Yamamoto. I have been a National ranked competitor in kata, weapons, forms, point fighting and full-contact karate and this was largely due to the training and leadership my Instructors had instilled in me. I placed second in 1982 and 1984 in Japan at the Knock-Down Karate Championships. Both wins were by decision. I have traveled from the United States with the Yoshukai Karate Team and we took first place in the team Japanese Knock-down fighting competition. I also participated in an Expo in Hawaii and won first place in the heavy weight Japanese knock-down fighting competition. I have challenged myself in heavy and speed breaking that includes ice, baseball bats, concrete, stones, and multiple boards. I have competed not only in the United States but internationally as well. I have gone as far as Peru, Taiwan, Japan (many trips), and other countries to help spread the knowledge of the Yoshukai martial arts. I have attended many martial arts seminars to help increase my knowledge of the martial arts. I provide self-defense and rape prevention seminars for many different organizations, such as the Elder Hostel Program, the Department of Welfare, the local Dare program, church groups, and many other local and national organizations. I have helped train the police department, state troopers and various law enforcement agencies in self-defense classes. I have been hosting the Southern Region Open Karate Tournament annually since 1979 in Dothan, Alabama and it is the oldest karate tournament in the State of Alabama. I have hosted or assisted in hosting over 200 tournaments in my career. I teach World Yoshukai Karate full-time at my private studio, local schools and with the Department of Leisure Services.
One of my goals is to train young leaders to carry on the legacy of World Yoshukai Karate. I have trained thousands of students over the past forty three years. I believe that hard traditional martial arts training with emphasis on respect, manners, honesty, and discipline are the backbone of a true Martial Artist. World Yoshukai helps students to become well-rounded individuals as well as martial artists. Our teaching does not just emphasize one area but encompasses all areas such as, katas, weapons, self-defense, breaking, point-fighting and Japanese knockdown fighting (full contact). Yoshukai is known as the actual fighting karate. Another one of my goals is to have World Yoshukai known as a professional organization and martial arts that works in real life situations to protect yourself and your families.
I have met many people over the years in my karate training and have many special friends thru Yoshukai and the Martial Arts. I have seen many Masters of the Martial Arts over the years and in my heart I believe Master Yamamoto was the BEST.
World Yoshukai is Yoshukai now that Master Yamamoto has passed. He chose me and Kaicho Toyama to carry on his legacy of Yoshukai in all parts of the World.
Updated July 23, 2017