15 Facts About Takayuki Mikami

Takayuki Mikami is a Japanese master of Shotokan karate based in the United States of America.

Takayuki Mikami holds the rank of 9th dan black belt in the art, awarded under the Japan Karate Association.

In 1958, Mikami tied for first place in the All Japan Karate Championships.

Takayuki Mikami was the first person to graduate from the Japan Karate Association's instructor training program instituted by Gichin Funakoshi and Masatoshi Nakayama.

Takayuki Mikami was born on December 10,1933, in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

Around 1952, Mikami began training in Shotokan karate under instructor K Itoe.

Takayuki Mikami studied literature at the university, but spent most of his time training in karate.

In 1956, Takayuki Mikami enrolled in the Japan Karate Association's newly formed instructor training course under Nakayama.

In 1957, Takayuki Mikami graduated from the course and became a JKA instructor.

In 1958, Takayuki Mikami fought in one of the most celebrated matches in JKA tournament history.

In 1965, Takayuki Mikami made the LKA the headquarters for the All South Karate Federation, which functioned under the International Shotokan Karate Federation, a division of JKA.

Takayuki Mikami has remained there as a teacher and regional director ever since.

In 1990, Takayuki Mikami was named Instructor of the Year in American Karate by Black Belt magazine.

In 2007, after the ISKF split from JKA, Takayuki Mikami decided to remain in association with the JKA.

Takayuki Mikami was promoted to 9th dan on September 30,2011, by JKA headquarters in Tokyo.