PAST

Published in 2018
Funakoshi Gichin was one of the most important pioneers for the worldwide spread of modern karate. He was the first to bring Okinawan Karate to Japan and he was therefore largely responsible for the popularity of karate in Japan.
After Funakoshi Sensei, other pioneers such as Mabuni Kenwa, Motobu Choki, Miyagi Chojun, Uechi Kanbun have settled in Japan and have further influenced and promoted the popularity of karate.
Today there are countless books about the teachings and biographies of these masters. About a great pioneer, about Toyama Kanken Sensei, one finds however only few information.
  • Who was Toyama Kanken?
  • Why didn't he get the worldwide recognition that so many other 20th century karate masters have received?
  • Did you know that Toyama Sensei trained under Itosu Sensei longer than many others?
  • Did you know that his official karate was equivalent to Itosu Sensei's karate, but that he had the opportunity to train with very many other Okinawan and Chinese masters?
  • Did you know that Toyama Sensei left behind a karatedo and kobudo kata curriculum that includes far more kata than, for example, the Shito-Ryu of Mabuni Sensei?
  • Is it possible that Toyama Kanken had more influence on many karate systems than generally assumed?
For those who are already familiar with Toyama Sensei's teachings, this book will provide new insights, and for all others, it offers the opportunity to learn about this master's extensive heritage.
This book is the first to take a deep insight into Toyama Sensei's life, his teachings in the Shudokan Dojo, and the later worldwide influence of his students.
Simply said ... this book belongs in the library of every martial arts enthusiast.
What you can expect: 
  • 240 pages, A4 format
  • more than 30 pages deal with Toyama Sensei
  • Biographies of more than 30 students of Toyama Sensei
  • more than 300 photos, many of which have never been published before
Published in 2020
On October 3, 2020 I gave a zoom lecture about the karate pioneer Toyama Kanken at the invitation of Karate Virtual. You can watch it on YouTube.
I have summarized the spoken content of the lecture in a small booklet and added some new photos of Toyama Sensei. In the booklet I also answered the questions I was asked in more detail than in the lecture. ​​
The booklet is available as a PDF download in German, Spanish and English. 
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