Richard Kim

United States
Born 1917-11-17, Honolulu
Died 2001-11-08, Sacramento

Also known as

Richard Sun Sung Kim · Biggie Kim · O'Sensei Kim

Description

American martial artist and founder of the Zen Bei Butoku Kai. A student of Daito-ryu master Kotaro Yoshida, from whom he received the menkyo kaiden, Kim introduced Masutatsu Oyama to Yoshida and was widely regarded as the foremost martial arts historian in the US.

Teachers (5)

  • Sawai Kenichi
    sports_martial_artsTaikiken Confirmed
    Confirmed
    Two sources have Kim continuing under Sawai in 1939. Neither says when the training started, how long it ran, or what it covered.
    The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    2 sources expand_more
    fact_check
    Two sources have Kim continuing under Sawai in 1939. Neither says when the training started, how long it ran, or what it covered.
    “In 1939, in addition to continuing to train under Sawai, Kim began studying Daito-ryu aikijujutsu, and Japanese and Okinawan weaponry under Kotaro Yoshida, who he came to regard as his primary Sensei.”
    — Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Richard Kim (karate) - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
    “1939 He traveled to Japan, where he continued training under Nabu Kentsu and Kenichi Sawai. At the same time he began his lessons in Kobudo Toyama Kanken.”
    — Kokusai Butokukai. Richard Kim, Hanshi, 10. Dan - Kokusai Butokukailinkhistory info
  • Kōtarō Yoshida
    sports_martial_artsDaitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu Confirmed
    Confirmed
    Wikipedia, the Zen Bei Butoku Kai biography, and the Kokusai Butokukai timeline all identify Kotaro Yoshida as Richard Kim's principal teacher in Daito-ryu, who granted him the menkyo kaiden
    The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
    (1939)
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    3 sources expand_more
    fact_check
    Wikipedia, the Zen Bei Butoku Kai biography, and the Kokusai Butokukai timeline all identify Kotaro Yoshida as Richard Kim's principal teacher in Daito-ryu, who granted him the menkyo kaiden
    “In 1939, in addition to continuing to train under Sawai, Kim began studying Daito-ryu aikijujutsu, and Japanese and Okinawan weaponry under Kotaro Yoshida, who he came to regard as his primary Sensei.”
    — Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Richard Kim (karate) - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
    “Richard Kim continued his martial arts training while in Japan with Yoshida Kotaro, this time in daito ryu.”
    — Zen Bei Butoku Kai. O'Sensei Richard Kim - Zen Bei Butoku Kailink history info
    “1945 Richard Kim started studying Daito Ryu and Kobudo under his principal teacher Yoshida Kotaro. From Kotaro he received the award Menkyo Kaiden.”
    — Kokusai Butokukai. Richard Kim, Hanshi, 10. Dan - Kokusai Butokukailinkhistory info
  • Arakaki Sadao
    sports_martial_artsKarate Probable
    Probable
    Wikipedia states Kim began studying karate under Sadao Arakaki after seeing Yabu Kentsu's 1927 demonstration.
    The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
    (1927)
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    1 source expand_more
    fact_check
    Wikipedia states Kim began studying karate under Sadao Arakaki after seeing Yabu Kentsu's 1927 demonstration.
    “After seeing a demonstration by Kentsū Yabu, who spent most of 1927 in Hawaii, Kim began studying karate under Arakaki Sadao [...], who represented Yabu in Hawaii.”
    — Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Richard Kim (karate) - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
  • Kentsū Yabu
    sports_martial_artsKarate Probable
    Probable
    Wikipedia and the Zen Bei Butoku Kai biography both document that Kim trained with Okinawan karate master Yabu Kentsu, whom he met again in Japan in the 1930s
    The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    1 source expand_more
    fact_check
    Wikipedia and the Zen Bei Butoku Kai biography both document that Kim trained with Okinawan karate master Yabu Kentsu, whom he met again in Japan in the 1930s
    “Later, in the 1930s, OSensei Kim met Yabu Kentsu again in Japan and continued his training with him there”
    — Zen Bei Butoku Kai. O'Sensei Richard Kim - Zen Bei Butoku Kailink history info
  • Toyama Kanken
    sports_martial_artsOkinawan Kobudō Probable
    Probable
    The Kokusai Butokukai timeline states Kim began lessons in kobudo under Toyama Kanken in 1939.
    The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
    (1939)
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    1 source expand_more
    fact_check
    The Kokusai Butokukai timeline states Kim began lessons in kobudo under Toyama Kanken in 1939.
    “1939 He traveled to Japan, where he continued training under Nabu Kentsu and Kenichi Sawai. At the same time he began his lessons in Kobudo Toyama Kanken.”
    — Kokusai Butokukai. Richard Kim, Hanshi, 10. Dan - Kokusai Butokukailinkhistory info

Lineage

Ranks (4)

  • sports_martial_artsDaitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu
    receipt_longMenkyo Kaiden Confirmed
    Confirmed
    Wikipedia, the Zen Bei Butoku Kai biography, and the Kokusai Butokukai timeline all state Kim received the Daito-ryu menkyo kaiden from Yoshida Kotaro; Wikipedia notes it was confirmed in 2024 by the Zen Bei Butoku Kai archives
    The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
    Menkyo Licence System
    granted by Kōtarō Yoshida
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    2 sources expand_more
    fact_check
    Wikipedia, the Zen Bei Butoku Kai biography, and the Kokusai Butokukai timeline all state Kim received the Daito-ryu menkyo kaiden from Yoshida Kotaro; Wikipedia notes it was confirmed in 2024 by the Zen Bei Butoku Kai archives
    “Kim stated that he had Daito-ryu scrolls in his possession, and had been granted a Daito-ryu menkyo kaiden [...] by Yoshida. This claim had been questioned by some in the martial arts community until it was confirmed in 2024 by the Zen Bei Butoku Kai”
    — Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Richard Kim (karate) - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
    “OSensei Richard Kim became an apprentice under Kotaro and eventually was given the menkyo kaiden for daito ryu”
    — Zen Bei Butoku Kai. O'Sensei Richard Kim - Zen Bei Butoku Kailink history info
  • sports_martial_artsKarate
    military_tech10 dan Confirmed
    Confirmed
    The Kokusai Butokukai timeline dates Kim's 10th dan to 1999 from the ITKF. Wikipedia notes the ITKF Judan was also presented posthumously at Kim's memorial service by ITKF's Hidetaka Nishiyama.
    The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
    Dan-Kyu System (1999)
    granted by International Traditional Karate Federation
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    2 sources expand_more
    fact_check
    The Kokusai Butokukai timeline dates Kim's 10th dan to 1999 from the ITKF. Wikipedia notes the ITKF Judan was also presented posthumously at Kim's memorial service by ITKF's Hidetaka Nishiyama.
    “1999 Appointment to Ju Dan (10th Dan) from I.T.K.F.”
    — Kokusai Butokukai. Richard Kim, Hanshi, 10. Dan - Kokusai Butokukailinkhistory info
    “At his memorial service, Hidetaka Nishiyama of the ITKF presented Kim with the rank of Judan (10th degree black belt) posthumously.”
    — Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Richard Kim (karate) - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
    military_tech10 dan Probable
    Probable
    Wikipedia states the Hawaii Karate Kodanshakai presented Kim with the rank of Judan (10th degree black belt) in 2000
    The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
    Dan-Kyu System (2000)
    granted by Hawaii Karate Kodanshakai
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    1 source expand_more
    fact_check
    Wikipedia states the Hawaii Karate Kodanshakai presented Kim with the rank of Judan (10th degree black belt) in 2000
    “In 2000, the Hawaii Karate Kodanshakai, a multi-style karate association of senior instructors, presented Kim with the rank of Judan (10th degree black belt).”
    — Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Richard Kim (karate) - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
    military_tech9 dan Probable
    Probable
    The Kokusai Butokukai certificate record dates Kim's 9th dan from the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai on December 1, 1969
    The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
    Dan-Kyu System (1969-12-01)
    granted by Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    1 source expand_more
    fact_check
    The Kokusai Butokukai certificate record dates Kim's 9th dan from the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai on December 1, 1969
    “1969 On December, Richard Kim receives the Ku Dan (9th Dan) from the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai.”
    — Kokusai Butokukai. Richard Kim, Hanshi, 10. Dan - Kokusai Butokukailinkhistory info

Honours (3)

  • receipt_longBlack Belt Magazine Karate Sensei of the Year Probable
    Probable
    Wikipedia states Kim was named Black Belt Magazine's Karate Sensei of the Year in 1967
    The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
    Title (1967)
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    1 source expand_more
    fact_check
    Wikipedia states Kim was named Black Belt Magazine's Karate Sensei of the Year in 1967
    “Kim was named Black Belt Magazine's "Karate Sensei of the Year", in 1967, and was later inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame.”
    — Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Richard Kim (karate) - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
  • receipt_longBlack Belt Magazine Hall of Fame inductee Confirmed
    Confirmed
    Wikipedia states Kim was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame; the Kokusai Butokukai timeline dates it to 1973
    The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.
    Title
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    2 sources expand_more
    fact_check
    Wikipedia states Kim was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame; the Kokusai Butokukai timeline dates it to 1973
    “and was later inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame.”
    — Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Richard Kim (karate) - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
    “1973 He is named Man of the Year in the Black Belt Hall Of Fame.”
    — Kokusai Butokukai. Richard Kim, Hanshi, 10. Dan - Kokusai Butokukailinkhistory info
  • receipt_longHanshiHanshi Probable
    Probable
    The Kokusai Butokukai certificate record dates Kim's Hanshi appointment from the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai on July 15, 1973
    The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
    Title (1973-07-15)
    granted by Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society
    fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
    Frederico Muñoz
    Researcher, Martialis
    1 source expand_more
    fact_check
    The Kokusai Butokukai certificate record dates Kim's Hanshi appointment from the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai on July 15, 1973
    “1973 [...] On July, Richard Kim is appointed Hanshi by Dai Nippon Butoku Kai.”
    — Kokusai Butokukai. Richard Kim, Hanshi, 10. Dan - Kokusai Butokukailinkhistory info

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Richard Kim (karate) - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info
reviewsPeer-reviewed
Toth, Robert. (2006). El Legado del Dr. Richard Kim: Una Entrevista con Brian Ricci. Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticaslink history info
Caile, Christopher. (2001). Memories Of Richard Kim & his Karate. FightingArts.comlink info
Zen Bei Butoku Kai. O'Sensei Richard Kim - Zen Bei Butoku Kailink history info
Kokusai Butokukai. Richard Kim, Hanshi, 10. Dan - Kokusai Butokukailinkhistory info

Identifiers

https://martial.is/entity/01KZ0ZT8VBPHFXAD3JS8ZRYQWG
Wikidata VIAFISNI

Cite and reuse

CC BY-SA 4.0expand_more
Plain text
Muñoz, Frederico (YEAR_PLACEHOLDER). Richard Kim. In Martialis: Martial Arts Lineage Database. https://martial.is/entity/01KZ0ZT8VBPHFXAD3JS8ZRYQWG - CC BY-SA 4.0. Accessed ACCESSED_DATE_PLACEHOLDER.
BibTeX
@incollection{martialis_01KZ0ZT8VBPHFXAD3JS8ZRYQWG, author = {Muñoz, Frederico}, title = {Richard Kim}, booktitle = {Martialis: Martial Arts Lineage Database}, year = {YEAR_PLACEHOLDER}, url = {https://martial.is/entity/01KZ0ZT8VBPHFXAD3JS8ZRYQWG}, urldate = {ACCESSED_DATE_PLACEHOLDER}, note = {CC BY-SA 4.0} }
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