Takayuki Kubota

Takayuki Kubota
Born(1934-09-20)September 20, 1934
Kumamoto, Japan
DiedAugust 14, 2024(2024-08-14) (aged 89)
Glendale, California, U.S.
StyleGosoku-ryu Karate, Kubojitsu, Kubotactical, Toshin-ryu Iaido
Teacher(s)Terada, Tokunaga, Cai
Rank10th dan karate, 10th dan kubojitsu, 5th dan aikido, 5th dan judo, 2nd dan kendo
Notable studentsJames Caan, Chuck Norris
Websitehttp://ikakarate.com/
Japanese name
Kanji窪田 孝行
Hiraganaくぼた たかゆき
Katakanaクボタ タカユキ
Transcriptions
RomanizationKubota Takayuki

Takayuki Kubota (窪田 孝行, Kubota Takayuki, September 20, 1934 – August 14, 2024), also known as Tak Kubota, was a Japanese and American[1] karateka, known for founding the Gosoku-ryu style of karate. He held the title of sōke (grandmaster) for his development of the Gosoku-ryū, and was the founder and president of the International Karate Association. He was also the inventor and holder of the trademark of the Kubotan self-defense key chain.[2]

Kubota was a self-defense instructor for the Tokyo Police department in the 1950s, where he was noted for his expertise in practical karate. He moved to the United States in the 1960's, where he developed the Gosoku-ryū style. He would develop and teach the application of techniques self-defense techniques to military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel.

At the time of his death, Kubota had held black belt degrees in karate (10th dan), judo (5th dan), aikido (5th dan), kendo (2nd dan), and iaido.[3][4]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference ikakarate was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Kubotan trademark registration (uspto.gov)
  3. ^ "Takayuki Kubota". Complete Martial Arts.com. September 20, 1934. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  4. ^ Hamilton, Hank (April 2001). "Rapid Response". Black Belt. 39 (4): 52. ISSN 0277-3066. Retrieved January 2, 2010.