This interview originally conducted by sensei Don Warrener, in 1999, has a very rich content, as it brings the history and main ideas of master Nishiyama, as well as his conception of traditional karate and his vision of ITKF.
It is with great pleasure that we are re-editing an interview with Master Nishiyama conducted by Sensei Don Warrener in 1999. On behalf of International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF), I would like to thank Warrener Sensei very much for making his brilliant interview available for re-editing in Budo Magazine. Although many have already read this interview before, its content is very rich because it brings master Nishiyama’s history and main ideas, as well as his conception of traditional karate and his vision about ITKF.
Gilberto Gaertner, ITKF Chairman recalls that the new generation of practitioners did not have the opportunity to experience and learn about the history and trajectory of the founder of the International Traditional Karate Federation.
“Our institution today has many new members and many young practitioners, who did not have the opportunity to meet and train with Master Nishiyama. From reading this interview, you will be able to get an idea of who our great master was and his legacy. We took the liberty of replacing some photos from previous editions. I wish you all an excellent reading and reiterate our thanks to Sensei Warrener.”
On November 8, 2008, we lost yet another one of the legends of martial arts, Hidetaka Nishiyama. He was the most senior of all the JKA (Japan Karate Association) Masters and now he has passed.