Description
Leading teacher of Okinawa Goju-ryu karate (born 1952), head of the Okinawa
Gojuryu Kenkyu Kai, student of Eiichi Miyazato at the Jundokan; known as a
researcher and practitioner of Goju-ryu kata bunkai.
Teachers (1)
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Miyazato Eiichi
(1968)
expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified
3 sources
fact_check
EN Wikipedia states Taira started training at the Jundokan dojo of Eiichi
Miyazato at age 16 and trained under Miyazato's guidance for years;
corroborated by Taira's own words in the Blitz interview (primary) and the
Taira Kenkyukai France site
"At age 16, Taira started training in Goju ryu karate at the Jundokan dojo
of Eiichi Miyazato... he would make the journey from Gushikawa City where he was
stationed to the Jundokan in Naha where from 6pm to 10pm every night he would
pursue his karate training... under the guidance of Miyazato, founder of the
Jundokan."
— Masaji Taira - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)
linkinfo
"I also wish to continue the legacy left to me by Miyazato Sensei and
Miyagi Chojun Sensei before him... Miyazato Sensei [the Jundokan dojo's late
chief instructor] was an instructor at the Police Academy, and a number of my
seniors at the Jundokan were also my seniors in the police force."
— Stone, Ben; Keenan, Bryson. Human Tornado - Taira
Sensei Interview (Blitz Magazine)linkinfo
"His teacher was Eiichi Miyazato, a student of Chojun Miyagi and the
founder of the Okinawan Jundokan dojo. Taira's karate is that of his teacher
and the Jundokan, with the addition of his novel approach to the application of
the kata."
— Goju Ryu Kenkyukai - Taira Kenkyukai France
linkinfo
Ranks (2)
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Dan-Kyu System
expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified
1 source
fact_check
The Taira Kenkyukai France site (official French branch of his organisation)
describes Taira as 9th Dan Hanshi; single source, hence level 2
"The Okinawa Goju Ryu Kenkyukai is a global karate organisation set up to
promote research into the practical application of Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate kata
and technique, headed by Taira Masaji Sensei, 9th Dan Hanshi."
— Goju Ryu Kenkyukai - Taira Kenkyukai France
linkinfo
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Dan-Kyu System
expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified
1 source
fact_check
EN Wikipedia states Taira is currently 4th dan in judo
"He achieved his judo black belt in 3 months... He is currently 4th dan in
Judo."
— Masaji Taira - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)
linkinfo
Honors (1)
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receipt_longHanshi 9th Dan
Hanshi
2
Title
expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified
1 source
fact_check
The Taira Kenkyukai France site (official French branch of his organisation)
describes Taira as 9th Dan Hanshi; single source, hence level 2
"The Okinawa Goju Ryu Kenkyukai is a global karate organisation set up to
promote research into the practical application of Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate kata
and technique, headed by Taira Masaji Sensei, 9th Dan Hanshi."
— Goju Ryu Kenkyukai - Taira Kenkyukai France
linkinfo
Linked data
https://martial.is/entity/01KZBW5DXR1HTW0VBQZDRQXC0A