Who's Who

Who’s Who in the martial arts on USAdojo.com shares biographies and articles about the Founders, the Masters, the Pioneers, the Competitors and the “Stars” of the martial arts.

William Chow and Sam Kuoha

Sam Kuoha: Kara-Ho Kempo Karate

Sam Kuoha (Samuel Alama Kuoha) began his training at the age of four with his Uncle, Sensei Joe Mack Makahilahila, who was caring of...
Jerry Piddington

And, In This Corner, Jerry Piddington

"And, in this corner, Jerry Piddington" . . . was the title of an article written about Mr. Piddington in the 1974 issue of...

Fumio Demura Has Passed Away

In 1961 Shihan Fumio Demura won the National Kumite title of Japan. He was now teaching karate in Tokyo, but had the desire to come to the United States.
Emilio Bruno

Emilio Mel Bruno: Judo

Mel Bruno received his first degree Black Belt from Jigaro Kano in 1935. In 1954, he was recommended by Dr. Jigoro Kano, the founder...

Tsuyoshi Chitose: Chito-Ryu Karate

Tsuyoshi Chitose is the soke of Chito Ryu, a martial art that possesses techniques which balance the strengths and weaknesses of Naha-te and Shuri-te;...
Daniel Tiger Schulmann

Daniel Tiger Schulmann Undefeated Knockdown Champion

As a young man, Daniel Tiger Schulmann trained rigorously for years which allowed him to win over 100 competitions. He then set his sights...

George Dillman: Ryukyu Kempo Tomari-te

George Dillman is a 9th degree Black Belt in Ryukyu Kempo Tomari-te who was honored by Black Belt Magazine as "1997 -- Instructor of...
James Mitose

James Mitose Under Scrutiny

The actual circumstances around his martial arts training remain under scrutiny, but his practices contained marked similarities to Okinawan karate and Japanese jujutsu. Mitose...

Ed Parker Sr: Teacher, Author, and Promoter

On March 19, 1931, Ed Parker Sr was born to Arthur and Eva Parker in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was the sixth of seven children...

Don Wilson: Kickboxing

Don Wilson came from humble beginnings in Cocoa Beach, Florida. He he was born and raised in the shadow of Cape Canaveral, where his...
John Fonseca

John Fonseca: Shotokan Karate

John Fonseca has been competing in a wide range of national and international tournaments since the age of seven. In addition to his impressive...

Anton Geesink: Judoka

Anton Geesink of Holland was a three-time World Champion Judoka having emerged victorious in 1961, 1964 and 1965. He is most remembered, however, for his...
Anko Itosu

Anko Itosu: Father of Modern Karate

Born in Shuri, Okinawa, Japan in 1831, Itosu trained under karate greats Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura and Kosaku Matsumora. His good friend Yasutsune Azato recommended...

Yoshiaki Ajari: Wado Ryu Karate

Yoshiaki Ajari was Chief Instructor of the U.S. WadoKai KarateDo Federation (USWKF). Yoshiaki Ajari was born in 1933 in the Japanese village of Minato Mura. At...

Hirokazu Kanazawa Passed Away Peacefully

Hirokazu Kanazawa was a world-renowned Japanese master of Shotokan karate and the Chief instructor and President of the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation, an organisation...
Teruo Chinen

Teruo Chinen: An Ancient Man in a Modern World

As the Arizona night descended around us in a blanket of warm desert hues, the yellow light from a kerosene yard lantern danced across...