Tadashi Yamashita-Hanshi

9^th Dan Kobayashi Shorin Ryu Karatedo

9^th Dan Zen Okinawan Kobudo

Sensei Tadashi Yamashita has dedicated over 40 years of his life to the practice of Okinawan Karatedo and Kobudo. A highly respected man in all circles of the martial arts, Master Yamashita is sought after for karatedo and kobudo seminars from all over the world. He currently retains the rank of ninth degree black belt in both karatedo and kobudo. Master Yamashita is also the President and Director of U.S. Shorin-Ryu Karate Association, and U.S.A. President of the Zen Okinawan Kobudo Association.

Master Yamashita’s experience of more than 4 decades in the martial arts began at age 11. He was the roughest kid in school, and picked fights with other students, as well as the teachers. This was brought to the attention of the P.T.A., which realized they could not handle him. The P.T.A. president, who was also a karate instructor, stopped by to pick up Tadashi after school one day. Always the warrior, Tadashi tried to fight him. The instructor grabbed the rebellious youngster and dragged him off to the dojo where he was taught the elements of kicking, punching, and most important of all, discipline.

Tadashi found his probation period very interesting. His destructive energy was channeled into a hidden talent. The young man had found an art form, a religion, and a way of life. Master Yamashita was awarded his black belt at the age of 16. In 1960, he captured the All-Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Free Sparring Grand Championship title.

In 1968, he visited Japan and tested before his Sensei, Sugura Nakazato, 9^th Degree Black Belt. Also on the panel was the famous Grand Master Chosin Chibana, 10^th Degree Black Belt. Master Yamashita became the youngest 7^th Degree in the history of Japan.

In 1972, Master Yamashita moved to California where his talent and skill were noticed by many top artists, such as Mike Stone and Ed Parker. He is also known for teaching the late Bruce Lee the use of the nunchucku. Master Yamashita is the foremost Karate and Kobudo expert in the U.S. today, and is the Head Instructor of Sui-Ken-Do in the U.S.

He is also a world-renowned weapons master. During the 1973 Pro-Am Karate Tournament, he brought over 7,000 spectators to their feet in a standing ovation after demonstrating his mastery and skill of ancient kobudo weaponry.

Master Yamashita has traveled worldwide giving seminar in locations that include North and South America; Central and Eastern Europe, The Middle East, The Mediterranean Region and Asia. He keeps a close connection with his birthplace of Japan and Okinawa. Not only is Master Yamashita recognized as a leading authority in the martial arts, but his accomplishments also include his study with several notable high ranking masters. These masters include the late Chibana Chosin of Shorin Ryu, and Shuguro Nakazato founder of the Shorin Ryu Kan. He has also trained directly under the late Shinpo Matayoshi, founder of the Zen Okinawan Kobudo Renmei.

Well known for his explosive open hand techniques, Master Yamashita combines many progressive fighting tactics with traditional aspects of karatedo, thus resulting in a devastating fighting system. His dynamic fighting system known as “Suikendo,” translates to, “fist flowing like water.” This non-stopping flowing system of fighting allows the karateka to simultaneously block and strike his opponent with blinding speed and accuracy.

American Movie Credits: The Octagon, American Ninja, American Ninja 5, Rising Sun, Gymkata, Capital Punishment, Bronson Lee Champion, The Shinobi Ninja, Enter the Dragon, Judge Dee, Golden Needles, The Seven, The Magnificent Three, and Lethal Weapon 4.

Television Appearances: Kung Fu, A Man Called Sloan, Knight Rider, Thrill Seekers, ESPN Karate Demonstrations, and several Pay Per View Events.

Foreign Movie Titles: The Karate, The Blind Karate Man, Karate II