Akira Masuda — A Budoka Who Left His Mark on the History of Kyokushin Karate

Achievements During His Competitive Career

Akira Masuda made his debut at the All Japan Karate Championships at the age of 18, where he was immediately matched against Keiji Sanpei, the reigning champion who had won the title three consecutive times. After an intense battle that extended through three overtime rounds, Masuda fought valiantly and gained nationwide recognition.

In later years, at the 14th, 17th, and 18th All Japan Championships, he engaged in legendary matches with Akiyoshi Matsui (currently the President of Kyokushin Kaikan). Together with the late Hiroki Kurosawa, they ushered in what became known as the “Three Strongest Fighters Era of Kyokushin Kaikan.”

At the World Championships, Masuda advanced to the Top 16 at the 3rd Tournament, facing off against European Champion Michel Wedel and All Japan Champion Yasuhito Onishi. At the 4th World Tournament, he placed third after hard-fought matches against elite competitors such as the late Andy Hug and Michael Thompson. At the 5th World Tournament, he again delivered fierce performances against renowned fighters including Yutaka Ishii, Jean Rivière, and Kenji Midori.

From the “Uncrowned Emperor” to the Fulfillment of a Long-Held Dream

Masuda competed a total of eight times in the All Japan Championships and four times in the World Championships. Despite consistently finishing among the top contenders, he narrowly missed championship victory for many years and became known as the “Uncrowned Emperor.” However, approximately ten years after his shocking debut, he finally achieved his long-cherished goal by winning his first All Japan Championship at the 22nd Tournament.

The Legendary “100-Man Kumite”

The year following his All Japan Championship victory, Masuda undertook Kyokushin Kaikan’s traditional and grueling ascetic challenge known as the “100-Man Kumite.” He fought consecutively against 100 opponents over a period of 3 hours and 22 minutes, successfully completing the ordeal. Immediately afterward, however, he developed acute renal failure and was forced to undergo more than a month of hospitalization and recovery.

Still not fully recovered, he entered the 5th World Karate Championships. After three consecutive drawn decisions in the final match, he narrowly missed the title and finished as runner-up due to a weight-based decision.

The Path of Budoka Development — Establishment of IBMA

In 2000, with the aim of promoting the development of martial arts and nurturing future generations, Masuda founded the NPO IBMA (International Budo Man Development Association). Upholding the principles of “Exchange, Understanding, and Respect,” IBMA organized the All Japan Weight Division Karate Championships ten times.

Since 2012, Masuda has served as Chief Instructor of IBMA Kyokushin Kaikan, dedicating himself to the dissemination of karate-do. He has also promoted the “Freestyle Karate Project,” developed in response to modern needs, and continues to contribute to the evolution and internationalization of karate.

Competition Record

• 1980: 2nd Hokushinetsu Karate Championships — 2nd Place

• 1980: All Japan Full-Contact Karate Championships (Middleweight Division) — 3rd Place

• 1981: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 13th All Japan Karate Championships — Competed

• 1982: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 14th All Japan Karate Championships — 8th Place

• 1983: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 15th All Japan Karate Championships — 5th Place

• 1984: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 3rd World Karate Championships — Top 16

• 1985: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 17th All Japan Karate Championships — 3rd Place

• 1986: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 18th All Japan Karate Championships — Runner-up

• 1987: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 4th World Karate Championships — 3rd Place

• 1988: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 20th All Japan Karate Championships — Competed

• 1989: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 21st All Japan Karate Championships — 4th Place

• 1990: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 22nd All Japan Karate Championships — Champion

• 1991: IKO Kyokushin Kaikan, 5th World Karate Championships — Runner-up

Books, Articles, and Other Works by Akira Masuda

• 2007: Freestyle Karate (Novel Publishing)

• 2009: I, as a Warrior, Live (Toho Publishing)

• 2010: Footwork That Wins (Toho Publishing)

Magazine Articles and Other Media

• Ameba Blog: Akira Masuda — Thinking Through the Body

• Theory of Takushin Budo (eBook, Kindle Edition) — Latest version (March 12, 2022)

• Training Theory of Shingeki Fuhai (eBook)

Akira Masuda Profile

• Born: May 1962

• Height: 177 cm / Weight: 92 kg

• Place of Birth: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

• Rank: 9th Dan, Karate-do (Certified by Kyokushin World Union SENSHI)

• Publications include Freestyle Karate (Novel Publishing), Akira Masuda — I Live as a Warrior (Toho Publishing), Footwork for Victory (Fulcom), among others

• Chairman, IBMA (International Budo Man Development Association)

• Head, IBMA Kyokushin Kaikan Masuda Dojo

• President, Kyokushin World Union (KWU-SENSHI) — since 2023

• Kyokushin Karate, 9th Dan