Whether you are new at martial arts or have been involved in them for a long time, it is important for you to know some of the most famous people in the sport.
All of these famous martial artists have made a large impact on the sport, and they are the people who shaped what it is today. Knowing the origins of the sport and its customs is essential to anyone who is practicing martial arts or is just a fan.
Mas Oyama
Mas Oyama was a Japanese martial artist who is well-known for having invented Kyokushin (full contact) karate. He opened his own karate dojo and was known for being an intense and tough fighter, leading to the invention of Kyokushin Karate.
He traveled often, giving demonstrations of his incredible skills in martial arts, including fighting live bulls and knocking them unconscious.
Masahiko Kimura
Masahiko Kimura was a prolific martial artist from a very young age, breaking records of belt levels due to his age. At only 20 years old, Kimura won the title of the All Japan Open Weight Judo Champion, and remained the title holder for 13 consecutive years.
He was also known for the intensity of his daily practices, often working out for nine hours a day and doing 1,000 push-ups.
Gichin Funakoshi
Shotokan, today’s most popular form of karate, was created by Gichin Funakoshi. At the time of his death, he was the highest level in karate you could get at the time, a fifth dan.
He was well-known for his philosophies about karate as well. Funakoshi’s thoughts on both practicing karate and training students in the art were that the teachings went beyond just practicing martial arts, and made the teachers and students better people in their lives outside karate.
Helio Gracie
Helio Gracie modified Kodokan Judo to be less strength-based, creating Brazilian jiujitsu.
As a sickly child, he wasn’t able to compete with those who were stronger, so he created something more inventive to get around his disadvantage.