Takayuki Kubota, known as Tak Kubota, was a Japanese and American karateka, known for founding the Gosoku-ryu style of karate.
20 Facts About Takayuki Kubota
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Takayuki Kubota held the title of soke for his development of the Gosoku-ryu, and was the founder and president of the International Karate Association.
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Takayuki Kubota was the inventor and holder of the trademark of the Kubotan self-defense key chain.
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Takayuki Kubota moved to the United States in the 1960's, where he developed the Gosoku-ryu style.
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Takayuki Kubota would develop and teach the application of techniques self-defense techniques to military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel.
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Takayuki Kubota worked as a stuntman and actor in the film industry.
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At the time of his death, Takayuki Kubota had held black belt degrees in karate, judo, aikido, kendo, and iaido.
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Takayuki Kubota was born on September 20,1934, in Kumamoto, Japan, into the family of Denjiro and Semo Takayuki Kubota.
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Takayuki Kubota had four brothers, of which one became a kendo master, one a jujitsu master, and one the Japanese Olympic volleyball coach.
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In 1939, at the age of four, Takayuki Kubota began studying martial arts under the direction of his father, who was a master of jujitsu and jukendo.
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Until he earned enough money for classes, Takayuki Kubota watched techniques at one of the top karate schools from outside at night.
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In 1947, at age of 14, Takayuki Kubota was noticed by Tokyo Police and was teaching hand-to-hand and baton combat to officers of Kamata Police Department; he did this for 10 years.
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Takayuki Kubota tested his martial arts skills by working as an agent in dangerous districts of Tokyo and being used as a one-man riot control by police.
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Takayuki Kubota complemented his martial arts training with studies in meditation, history, and other non-combative aspects of the arts.
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Takayuki Kubota opened his first karate dojo at the age of 17.
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Takayuki Kubota worked as a bodyguard to the US Ambassador to Japan.
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Takayuki Kubota taught self-defense at the Los Angeles Police Department Academy for several years.
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In 1990, Takayuki Kubota was inducted into the Black Belt magazine's Hall of Fame as 'Weapons Instructor of the Year.
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Takayuki Kubota is survived by his wife of 59 years, Thea, and daughters, Amy and Sara.
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Takayuki Kubota was featured in more than 280 movies and TV shows, and over 180 commercials.