 |
Takayuki KubotaGrand Master of Martial Arts
Date of Birth: 20.09.1934
Country:  Japan |
Content:
- Grandmaster Soke Takayuki Kubota
- Training under His Father
- Karate Introduction
- Path to Self-Discovery
- Training with Wild Boar Hunting
- Black Belt and Self-Defense
- Journey to Tokyo
Grandmaster Soke Takayuki Kubota
Early Life and Martial Arts BeginningsGrandmaster Soke Takayuki Kubota was born on September 20, 1934, in Kumamoto City, Kyushu Island, Japan, to Denjiro and Somo Kubota. His family descended from a samurai clan that had conquered Okinawa Island centuries ago, leading to a ban on martial arts on the island. Despite this, Denjiro Kubota was a master of jujutsu and jukendo. He believed martial arts to be a path to self-improvement and ensured that all six of his children learned at least one art.
Training under His Father
At the age of four, young Soke Kubota began studying martial arts under his father, who taught him judo, kendo, keibo-jutsu, and makiwara training. These lessons took place during the harsh wartime period when Japan was facing defeat and preparing for a foreign invasion.
Karate Introduction
Soke Kubota's first exposure to karate came from two Okinawan experts, Terada and Tokunaga, who were stationed in their area. In exchange for lodging and food, they taught him the basics of Tode (as karate was not yet known on Okinawa). Their teachings emphasized a brutal and ruthless style designed for combat against foreign invaders, which later evolved into Soke's unique Gosoku Ryu system.
Path to Self-Discovery
These early experiences ignited a passion for martial arts in Soke Kubota and inspired him to seek his own path. After an American plane crashed near Kumamoto during World War II, local police sought help from Denjiro Kubota, a respected martial artist who served as their civilian advisor. Kubota agreed to house the American survivors at his small factory and treated them well throughout their captivity.
Training with Wild Boar Hunting
Soke Kubota often hunted wild boars with his friends in the bamboo forests of Mount Aso. Using sticks and their fists as weapons, they honed their fighting skills and provided food for themselves. One such hunting trip resulted in a life-threatening injury to one of his friends, but Soke Kubota was able to carry him to safety.
Black Belt and Self-Defense
As a teenager, Soke Kubota earned his black belt in karate. However, the principles of karate forbid using techniques except for self-defense. Soke found a way to test his skills without violating these rules by working at a slaughterhouse. He used his fists to kill pigs weighing over 440 pounds.
Journey to Tokyo
At age 13, Soke Kubota left home for Tokyo to study and train. Despite having no accommodations or employment, he continued practicing. A chance encounter with a policeman, Detective Karino, changed his life. Karino took Soke Kubota into his home and helped him complete his education.
